From: Dean Schneider <schneiderd>
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001 10:37:14 -0600

Since, in the context of discussing Homeless Bird, Shabanu has been brought up by me and one or two others, but not wanting this discussion of NBA winners to get off track, I will say that I interviewed Suzanne Fisher Staples recently, and the interview will appear in Book Links in the near future. In it she addresses in depth these issues of who can write about a particular culture, writing as an outsider to a culture, how to ensure accuracy and faithfulness to the culture, etc. I will quote just one thing she says: "There is something about story that is very important to keep in mind: story is very specific; it is not meant to represent an entire nation or culture. It is a small and intimate look at specific peoople in a specific place. But if it's good -- if it's art -- it will impart something that is recognizable to everyone."
  I'm enjoying this discussion and hope the other NBA books will be looked at more closely, too.

Dean Schneider Ensworth School Nashville, TN 37205
Received on Sat 06 Jan 2001 10:37:14 AM CST