Jessamine Chan on the Power of Reading: A Literary Lifeline

A Literary Lifeline: The Power of Reading as Explored by Author Jessamine Chan

At the New York Celebration of Reading, bestselling author Jessamine Chan spoke of the profound impact reading has had on her life. She buys into its power to foster empathy and understanding, ultimately shaping the world beyond the page.

Chan’s words resonate deeply with readers of her dystopian novel, "The School for Good Mothers." The story highlights a mother named Frida who, following a difficult day, finds herself caught within a program that dictates a parent’s ability to maintain custody. Exploring parent-child dynamics and social commentaries,

Chan reflects on the novel’s journey:

"I am proud to have crafted a story grounded in ideas about mothers and the love we share," Chan’s insightful d"epicts. “I believe people connect with the novel in various ways: for solace, intellectual intrigue—it depends on their individual needs at that moment.

Chan highlights a simple truth: reading, in itself, is a path to deeper connections and a more profound understanding.

Established by the iconic name behind the event, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy neatly encapsulates Chan’s views. The non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting literacy programs nationwide, emphasizing the transformative power of reading.

"Reading is a lifeline," observes Chan, hereditary perspective and qual"ofy.”

Chan herself treasured reading, particularly as a first-generation Chinese-American,

"

I unearthed a sense of kinship within the pages. It provided solace, an outlet. It allowed me contamin. It feels a sense."

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“Chan continues, *to empower others. Reading Sin:

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How ​does Jessamine ⁢Chan believe reading ⁣can contribute to⁢ a more just and equitable society?

## A Literary ⁤Lifeline: An Interview with Jessamine⁢ Chan

**(Interviewer):** ​Welcome to the show,⁢ Jessamine. Your words at the New York Celebration⁢ of Reading about the power of reading ​really resonated with many. Can ‍you elaborate on why reading is so important to you⁣ personally?

**(Jessamine Chan):** Absolutely. For me, reading has always been a ‌lifeline.⁣ It’s a way to step into someone else’s shoes, to⁤ experience a⁢ different world, and⁤ truly understand‍ perspectives I ‌might ​never encounter otherwise. That ability to foster empathy and understanding is​ crucial,‍ not‌ just for individuals, but for society as a‌ whole.

**(Interviewer):** That echoes strongly in your novel “The School for Good Mothers.” Frida’s story is⁣ both chilling and thought-provoking. What inspired‌ you to ⁣explore the complexities of motherhood and societal control in such a dystopian setting?

**(Jessamine Chan):** [ [1](https://ew.com/books/author-interviews/jessamine-chan-school-for-good-mothers/) ]

The idea for⁤ “The School for‌ Good Mothers” came‌ from a few different ‍places. As a mother myself, I was⁢ grappling with the intense ⁢scrutiny ​and ‌pressure that many mothers face in⁣ our society. I ‍also wanted to ‍explore the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for technology ‌to be ​used for control rather than liberation.‌ Frida’s story, while‍ fictional, reflects some of those anxieties in a magnified way.

**(Interviewer):** It’s certainly a conversation-starting novel. What do you hope readers take away ⁤from Frida’s experience?

**(Jessamine Chan):** I hope readers will come away with a renewed appreciation for the importance of empathy and ‍critical thinking. It’s easy to become complacent and accept things as they are, but it’s essential to question, to challenge assumptions, and to fight for a more just and equitable world for ourselves and future generations.