
Drawing Life
Narratives and the Sense of Self
Thomas J. Cottle(Author)
Hamilton Books (Publisher)
Published on 21. November 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
316 pages
978-0-7618-6222-2 (ISBN)
Description
In Drawing Life, Thomas J. Cottle examines the ways people interpret their life experiences and construct meanings for the events they have encountered. In this manner, they discover their various identities and the essence of what we call the self. In reading the sixteen life studies contained in this volume, we encounter both inner reflections as well the power of culture to shape the meanings people give to their circumstances and the events that befall them. The stories also reflect the role of human relationships and social institutions in defining our personal identities and sense of justice. What makes us unique, therefore, is the personal story we tell as it reveals our constructions of the world and of ourselves. The stories recounted in Drawing Life illuminate not only our past, but also our perceptions of the present and our imaginings of the future. In this way, they become anthologies of our life experiences.
Reviews / Votes
His writing itself is music; a deft blend of passion and restraint, light and darkness, pain and life-giving humor. -- Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Emily Hargroves Fisher Research Professor of Education Harvard University Amazing, delicate, and blunt. -- Susan Cheever No one writes about the everyday dreams, agonies, and situational realities of the young and oppressed with the perception and power of Thomas J. Cottle. -- Philip Slater [Thomas J. Cottle] is a very good writer, who reminds one very much of James Agee, magically sensitive, and with a skill in rendering the poignancy of the captured moment. -- Ashley Montagu Once again Tom Cottle has used his lively style to remind us of the full depth of the human experience and force reflection on the ethical stance we would like to see penetrate our fragmented society. -- Jerome KaganMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Publishing group
University Press of America
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
463 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7618-6222-2 (9780761862222)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2013
1st Edition
Hamilton Books
€47.49
Available for download

E-Book
11/2013
1st Edition
Hamilton Books
€47.49
Available for download
Person
A sociologist and clinical psychologist, Thomas J. Cottle is currently professor of education at Boston University. He is the author of more than thirty books including At Peril: Stories of Injustice, Hardest Times: The Trauma of Long-Term Unemployment, When the Music Stopped: Discovering My Mother, A Sense of Self: The Work of Affirmation, and Beyond Self-Esteem: Narratives of Self-Knowledge and Devotion.
Content
CONTENTS
Preface
Acknowledgments
I. STORIES OF ADULTS
On Narratives and the Sense of Self
The Abandoner
Do You See Me as a Human Being or Just Another Black Face?
No Way to Look But Back
Jacob and Millie Portman
A Woman Named Sarah Clark Keller
Marcus Nathaniel Simpson: If the Lord Has Patience, I've Got a Future
Professors
II. STORIES OF CHILDREN
Adolescent as Story Teller: The Case of Anorexia Nervosa
The Young and their Prophets
They Got Anger Pushing 'Em in One Direction, Fright Pushing 'Em in Another
The Evils of Testing and Tracking
The Bedroom of Sheila Cooperton
A Child to be Envied
Mind Shadows
Just a Memory
III. EPILOGUE
The Value of Stories: Applications for Research and Healing
Bibliography
Preface
Acknowledgments
I. STORIES OF ADULTS
On Narratives and the Sense of Self
The Abandoner
Do You See Me as a Human Being or Just Another Black Face?
No Way to Look But Back
Jacob and Millie Portman
A Woman Named Sarah Clark Keller
Marcus Nathaniel Simpson: If the Lord Has Patience, I've Got a Future
Professors
II. STORIES OF CHILDREN
Adolescent as Story Teller: The Case of Anorexia Nervosa
The Young and their Prophets
They Got Anger Pushing 'Em in One Direction, Fright Pushing 'Em in Another
The Evils of Testing and Tracking
The Bedroom of Sheila Cooperton
A Child to be Envied
Mind Shadows
Just a Memory
III. EPILOGUE
The Value of Stories: Applications for Research and Healing
Bibliography