Directions: Read Lisa Fenn’s book Carry On. Write one journal
This journal will document how you are thinking about the book’s topics and how your thinking expands, changes, and is influenced over the semester. The journal is a free-form diary; it is specific to engaging in critical reflection for the purpose of growing as a college writer and reader. You can write a reading reflection based on the thoughts, feelings, observations, or connections you experienced while you read the story. If you need help thinking through what to write, you can answer two or three of the questions below for each journal. Feel free to quote meaningful passages from the book that you want to build upon. Do not simply summarize the content. Your answers must prove to me that you have read the book; I will check for this. Journal #3 (Chapters 7-11)
CHAPTER 7: IMPASSE
In what ways has Lisa’s naiveté about the realities of Leroy and Dartanyon’s poverty been shown so far in the text?
How is Lisa’s story evolving as she tries to uncover the story of Leroy and Dartanyon?
For as much as Lisa is a person of faith, Leroy talks about how he lost most of his in the aftermath of his accident. Why does Leroy say he loses his faith?
CHAPTER 8: ELEPHANT IN THE HOOD
Dartanyon and Leroy are often purposefully vague in their answers to Lisa’s questions. Do you think the boys are shielding Lisa from things she will never be able to understand?
During the weightlifting tournament, Dartanyon’s belongings were stolen, and Fenn goes about helping him replace them. In doing so, she goes entirely against the training journalists receive to maintain a distance from their subjects. Does her violation of those professional ethics bother you as a reader? Do you empathize with her actions? What do you think you would have done in her shoes?
How does Lisa start to overcome the racial and economic differences that set Leroy and Dartanyon’s lives apart from the life she had growing up?
CHAPTER 9: WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A FRIEND?
When you learn that Dartanyon only has one photo of himself during his childhood, does that change your opinion about his childhood? Why or why not?
What is the significance of Dartanyon walking beside Leroy to get his diploma?
When it aired on ESPN, what kinds of responses did Lisa’s Carry On piece get?
What are your impressions of Lisa’s father at this point?
CHAPTER 10: NEW LIVES
Speaking of the donations Leroy and Dartanyon have received to help improve their futures, Lisa says, “You have been given the gift of space and time in which to work hard so that you can create stable, productive lives for yourselves.” Why does Lisa say this kind of gift is more significant than money? Do you agree with her assessment?
When Dartanyon fills out his emergency contact information, he puts Lisa’s name down. How does he describe her relationship with him?
Why does Dartanyon begin to like judo? What abilities does he have that help him take to the sport so quickly?
CHAPTER 11: THE GENTLE WAY
What complications arise once Dartanyon starts college? How is Arthur involved?
Is Dartanyon a good fit for judo? Why or why not?
What does Lisa learn about parenthood and families while she’s involved in the lives of Leroy and Dartanyon?