1. Memoirs
Ms. Dietsch
Fall 2016

2. “Memoir is the faithful representation and weaving together of the Shimmering Images of our lives—those iconic memories that gird the reality we have come to call our ‘story.’
‘Shimmering Images’ are flickering memory pictures—like an image of your mother peeling potatoes at the sink—that you’ve remembered forever and that hang around in your mind waiting to bring meaning in your life.”
-Lisa Dale Norton

3. “There are many good reasons for writing that have nothing to do with being published. Writing is a powerful search mechanism, and one of its satisfactions is that it allows you to come to terms with your life narrative. It also allows you to work through some of life’s hardest knocks—loss, grief, illness, addiction, disappointment, failure—and to find understanding and solace.” -William Zinsser, How to Write a Memoir

4. What is a Memoir?
A true, life event that is significant and made an impact in the author’s life- written from the author’s POV
A true, life event that was funny
It’s NOT an autobiography. It’s 1 important event, or a period of time in a person’s life- not their entire life story
Often ends by explaining why this is important to them/ why it changed or had an impact on their life
Author doesn’t usually tell you exactly how he/she learned from the event, but shows you through action and conversation

5. Author’s Craft (the ingredients to write a memoir)
There are certain elements to memoirs that make events highlighted and interesting:
HONESTY
Sensory Details (smell, taste, touch, feel, hear)
Figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification, etc.)
Descriptive language (details that paint a picture)
Dialogue
Humor
Thoughts shown
Emphasis

6. Lesson Learned
There is usually a lesson learned at the end of the memoir. The author often shows you what they learned and will have a little reflection at the end to give insight into the lesson learned.

7. Big Boy Analysis Author’s Craft:
What did the author do that made his story interesting to read/unique?
Lesson Learned:
What do you think the author learned from this story?
Why do you think the author took the time to write this memoir in the first place?
Reflection on Lesson Learned:
What did YOU learn from this author’s lesson?
How can you apply the lesson to your life now? In the future?

8. Ramiro Historical Background
Gangs
“Other side of the tracks” or “wrong side of the tracks”

9. Farewell to Manzanar Historical Background

10. Teach with Your Heart Historical Background
LA Riots

11. LA Riots April 29, 1992
Started because Rodney King was beaten by the cops and there was a trial
Only 4 police officers were acquitted for the crime
53 people killed
2000 people injured
Lasted 6 days