1. What is a memoir? What makes it different from an autobiography or biography?

2. A memoir… • Focuses and reflects on the relationship between the writer and a particular person, place, time, animal, or object. • Explains the significance of the relationship. • Leaves the reader with an impression of a specific subject, place or time period • Emphasizes the subjects feelings, insights, epiphanies and/or transformations • Brings the subject of the memoir to life through details, including sensory imagery, that set the scene and create vivid impressions of people, setting and events. • Maintains a first person point of view. • Includes personal conversations, reflections and anecdotes. • Includes flashback or background information to clarify events and feelings.

3. All Souls • Fill in the blank…. • I’d say the most significant moment/scene in All Souls is when___________________ because _________________________ (Try to recall specific, powerful details or images that resonated with you.)

4. The Color of Water • Fill in the blank…. • I’d say the most significant moment/scene in The Color of Water is when_____________ because _________________________ (Try to recall specific, powerful details or images that resonated with you.)

5. All Souls vs. The Color of Water • Which narrator “sucked you in” more effectively? Why? Be specific about what made his voice the stronger of the two for you.