Review by Leslie Cree -- Mock My Words by Chandra Shekhar
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Leslie Cree
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Review by Leslie Cree -- Mock My Words by Chandra Shekhar
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mock My Words" by Chandra Shekhar.]
Our story begins with a new writing professor awaiting the arrival of his first class. Despite being an acclaimed author, he is wary of how he will be received by his students. Although he writes eloquently in English, he finds spoken conversations stilted and difficult. David’s internal monologue reflects a man with quiet confidence in his writing abilities and harsh self-criticism of his ability to express himself verbally. He is resolute in his desire to make the best of an uncertain welcome from the college, starting with his assignment to a small, hastily constructed classroom and the coolness of fellow faculty. As he addresses his writing-class students, he says “hopeful you can understand meaning.”
As David is thrown into a new culture professionally, he is walking on eggshells at home. David’s traditional Chinese father does not approve of his American wife. His wife is disenchanted with her marriage to David and is unsympathetic to his struggles. Since his estrangement from his father, David does not have an outlet for expressing his feelings. As the semester advances, he befriends two colleagues who are also new international faculty, and thus begins to widen his perspective. He sees that while his colleagues are also navigating disparate cultures, they do not seem to be as concerned with what people think of them. His brash new friend, Harry, advises David to “grow a pair.”
As the incongruities in David’s life converge, he undergoes a painful of self-analysis. While reminiscing on his childhood experiences he recognizes he is a people pleaser. He recalls situations throughout his life where he did not assert himself and suffered repercussions.
While David is struggling in his isolation, his wife is also undergoing personal and professional trials. Neither she nor David confide their deepest feelings to each other. David struggles to make a pleasant home for his wife, while she buries herself in her work and explores an attraction she feels to a powerful, aggressive client.
Through his narration we see the conflicts of culture, character, and perceptions David encounters each day. He navigates the hostility in his world with a quiet grace that at first appears to be weakness. In contentious interactions he capitulates to avoid conflict. As we travel through this difficult year with him, we begin see David as the sort of quietly strong man that is underappreciated and often overlooked.
As David comes out of his shell, he makes more unlikely friends, endures betrayal and divorce, and eventually experiences the joy of reconciliation with his father. He also begins a new romance with a woman whom he pursues in his own quiet, patient way. Despite his crisis of confidence and heartbreak, David remains true to himself and his ethics. His story is one of eloquence and awkwardness. David articulates his experiences navigating a new world, but he speaks to everyone who has felt like an outsider. This book will have you thinking about the inner lives and struggles of people you encounter long after you put it down. Rating 4 out of 4 stars.
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Mock My Words
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Our story begins with a new writing professor awaiting the arrival of his first class. Despite being an acclaimed author, he is wary of how he will be received by his students. Although he writes eloquently in English, he finds spoken conversations stilted and difficult. David’s internal monologue reflects a man with quiet confidence in his writing abilities and harsh self-criticism of his ability to express himself verbally. He is resolute in his desire to make the best of an uncertain welcome from the college, starting with his assignment to a small, hastily constructed classroom and the coolness of fellow faculty. As he addresses his writing-class students, he says “hopeful you can understand meaning.”
As David is thrown into a new culture professionally, he is walking on eggshells at home. David’s traditional Chinese father does not approve of his American wife. His wife is disenchanted with her marriage to David and is unsympathetic to his struggles. Since his estrangement from his father, David does not have an outlet for expressing his feelings. As the semester advances, he befriends two colleagues who are also new international faculty, and thus begins to widen his perspective. He sees that while his colleagues are also navigating disparate cultures, they do not seem to be as concerned with what people think of them. His brash new friend, Harry, advises David to “grow a pair.”
As the incongruities in David’s life converge, he undergoes a painful of self-analysis. While reminiscing on his childhood experiences he recognizes he is a people pleaser. He recalls situations throughout his life where he did not assert himself and suffered repercussions.
While David is struggling in his isolation, his wife is also undergoing personal and professional trials. Neither she nor David confide their deepest feelings to each other. David struggles to make a pleasant home for his wife, while she buries herself in her work and explores an attraction she feels to a powerful, aggressive client.
Through his narration we see the conflicts of culture, character, and perceptions David encounters each day. He navigates the hostility in his world with a quiet grace that at first appears to be weakness. In contentious interactions he capitulates to avoid conflict. As we travel through this difficult year with him, we begin see David as the sort of quietly strong man that is underappreciated and often overlooked.
As David comes out of his shell, he makes more unlikely friends, endures betrayal and divorce, and eventually experiences the joy of reconciliation with his father. He also begins a new romance with a woman whom he pursues in his own quiet, patient way. Despite his crisis of confidence and heartbreak, David remains true to himself and his ethics. His story is one of eloquence and awkwardness. David articulates his experiences navigating a new world, but he speaks to everyone who has felt like an outsider. This book will have you thinking about the inner lives and struggles of people you encounter long after you put it down. Rating 4 out of 4 stars.
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Mock My Words
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Grace Revealed by Frederick J. Sievert
