Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education By Stephanie Land
Stephanie Land's gripping memoir, "Class," follows the remarkable journey of a struggling mother who, after the success of her bestselling book "Maid" and its adaptation into a Netflix series, decides to pursue her dream of completing college and building a writing career. President Barack Obama handpicked "Maid" as one of the best books of 2019, lauding it as an eye-opening exploration of the lives of the working poor. The Netflix adaptation, viewed by 67 million households and nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, further catapulted Land's inspiring story into the limelight.
"Class" delves into Land's challenges as she navigates college life while battling the harsh realities of poverty. From the complexities of the loan system to the struggle for basic necessities like food, Land's journey exposes the systemic barriers faced by those striving to escape poverty. The narrative sheds light on the judgments from professors and peers who fail to comprehend the demands of pursuing education while living below the poverty line. Land's resilience shines through as she triumphs over adversity, finally graduating in her mid-thirties.
This intimate and heart-wrenching memoir paints a poignant portrait of motherhood intersecting with personal desires and professional ambitions. Land confronts pressing questions about the right to create art, access to education, and the societal valuation of different forms of work.
"Class" serves as a searing indictment of America's educational system while standing as a testament to a mother's triumphant journey against all odds. In clear, candid, and moving prose, Land's memoir sparks reflection on the profound challenges and triumphs of pursuing dreams in the face of systemic inequality. 📚❤️