Writing our Way out has been an incredible novel to read. It means so much to know that these are these mens real stories, and also that all of this happened in Richmond. It says a lot about the bubble that we live in here on campus compared to the communities that these men grew up in. It is beautiful to see the way that these men have transformed their lives, and it is also so powerful to hear their stories and try to understand the struggle that these men have had to endure.

Since our last class period, as I have been reading the book I have been looking at which of these mens stories appeal to me the most, and who I would potentially like to write about. I really enjoy Naji’s story, I think there is so much beauty in his religious transformation, but most of all in the way that he forgave his grandmother for the disgusting abuse she put him through. And went to take care of her while she had Alzheimer’s. He seems like a selfless individual.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to have read this book in class, and I am very excited to meet with Dave and Kelvin.