Gen-ed classes can sometimes be a bit, overwhelming; however, the class Writers in Print and in Person is quite different. In this class, you are assigned a book to read, and after a couple of classes, the author actually visits! Recently, my class and myself had the opportunity to meet Glen Finland, the author of Next Stop. Required reading can be extremely laborious and boring, but Finland’s memoir proved to be different than this usual stereotype.
Glen Finland’s youngest son David is the main character to her memoir. As an infant, David was diagnosed with a number of mental disabilities, including Autism. The storyline carries the reader through experiences that Finland had with David. Learning to ride on the metro, sending him to a special college, and building his confidence up to be more independent are just some of the heartfelt experiences that the reader faces. When reading about a touchy subject such as Autism, it is hard to laugh along with the content; however, Finland mentioned in her visit that she wanted the reader to laugh at some parts of this memoir. There is a scene in the memoir where Finland is preparing David for an interview and reiterates to him the importance of wearing black socks. The next morning, he has forgotten, and the reader feels a sense of pity for David. This is a key example in where Finland wants you to laugh along with her in her experiences. Although it seems uncomfortable to laugh, Finland wants the reader to feel as she felt. She wants you to live her story. Finland uses moments from her young adulthood and from her present, creating an enticing storyline that keeps the reader engaged.
Overall, Next Stop is hands down one of the best books that I have read in awhile. This memoir evokes sadness, happiness, and excitement (to name a few emotions). It pushes you to think, and you truly feel that you are in the story. I recommend it anyone and everyone. Even if you are not a big reader, I promise that you will enjoy it!