| Tutoring Services | 2005 Summer Theatre Camp | Adult Literacy |
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by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman
| Life is So Good is the memoir of a 101-year-old man who learned to read at age 98. George Dawson,
the grandson of former slaves and a child of Texas share cropping, always had to put his own education and desires
second to the needs of his family. His many adventures, including travelling to and working in Mexico (where
he didn't even know the language well enough to speak it), demonstrate Mr. Dawson's ability to adapt to his
surroundings. The compensation strategies Mr. Dawson developed are typical of adult literacy learners. The most notable strategy involved listening to other customers' orders and pointing to good-looking dishes at restaurants. However, reality hit Mr. Dawson when he entered the North, where grits and chitlins are found in home kitchens, not dining establishments. |
Richard Glaubman, a high school social studies teacher, worked with Mr. Dawson to create this memoir. The
literacy that Mr. Glaubman takes for granted is highlighted by Mr. Dawson's references to "famous" newspaper
stories as "white people news." Many historic events are not-so historic to Mr. Dawson since his cultural
experiences and lack of literacy at the time of the events are in stark contrast to the world taught about in social
studies class. This book is a "must" for literacy educators and family members and friends who struggle to understand what the illiterate adult lives. Adult literacy learners can look to Mr. Dawson for commiseration and inspiration. |
Last updated: August 5, 2005
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