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Class
Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education | Stephanie Land
6 posts | 7 read | 7 to read
From the New York Times bestselling author who inspired the hit Netflix series about a struggling mother barely making ends meet as a housecleanera gripping memoir about college, motherhood, poverty, and life after Maid. When Stephanie Land set out to write her memoir Maid, she never could have imagined what was to come. Handpicked by President Barack Obama as one of the best books of 2019, it was called an eye-opening journey into the lives of the working poor (People). Later it was adapted into the hit Netflix series Maid, which was viewed by 67 million households and was Netflixs fourth most-watched show in 2021, garnering three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Stephanies escape out of poverty and abuse in search of a better life inspired millions. Maid was a story about a housecleaner, but it was also a story about a woman with a dream. In Class, Land takes us with her as she finishes college and pursues her writing career. Facing barriers at every turn including a byzantine loan system, not having enough money for food, navigating the judgments of professors and fellow students who didnt understand the demands of attending college while under the poverty lineLand finds a way to survive once again, finally graduating in her mid-thirties. Class paints an intimate and heartbreaking portrait of motherhood as it converges and often conflicts with personal desire and professional ambition. Who has the right to create art? Who has the right to go to college? And what kind of work is valued in our culture? In clear, candid, and moving prose, Class grapples with these questions, offering a searing indictment of Americas educational system and an inspiring testimony of a mothers triumph against all odds.
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review
BekaReid
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Pickpick

I was surprised at the number of mixed and even harsh reviews I've seen on Land's second memoir, which disseminates how poorly our systems are setup to support the poor. I appreciated her vulnerability in writing and bringing attention to areas needing improvement and being a voice for many that are unable or lack the platform to share, all the while acknowledging her privilege. It's a pick for me. (📷 of NYT article)

Chrissyreadit I was just reading the other reviews in litsy on this book- and wondering if the questioning and judgment are valid or due to the lack of empathy in the US for working class poor- (as someone who grew up working class poor) I should stack this- but also wonder if it will frustrate me because the barriers are real and in some ways worse. 1mo
BekaReid @Chrissyreadit Most of the reviews I read were on StoryGraph. And it's hard to rate/review a memoir in general because it's someone's personal story. While there may be some frustrations in reading this (or any) memoir, I appreciate the voice it does give. 1mo
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britt_brooke
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This follows Land‘s struggles after escaping her abusive ex, moving with her young daughter to Missoula, Montana for a fresh start. I can‘t imagine sharing parenting duties in this situation. So much empathy. Still, I have mixed feelings on this follow up to Maid which itself was quite poignant and eye-opening. It‘s hard not to judge Land‘s personal life decisions, but no one‘s perfect, and I appreciate her honesty. Truly cringy at times.

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britt_brooke
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It‘s been a while since I‘ve had time to enjoy a puzzle. I‘ve missed it! 🎧🧩 #audiopuzzling

AileenRR I love puzzles; 500 pieces is about my limit 😬 2mo
britt_brooke @AileenRR 500 piecers are probably my favorite, but I like 1000 ones, too. Depends on my patience level! 😂 2mo
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BookishTrish
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Pickpick

I appreciate Land‘s giving public voice to single mothers living in poverty. Each family has its own story to tell, and I didn‘t find this chapter of Land‘s story as interesting as the last. A soft pick.

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Silverneurotic

Got to watch a talk with Stephanie Land she did in Harrisburg tonight. I cannot wait to start reading this.

Robinsonbrandon129 Hello there, Thanks for following back, I hope you are fine? please do you mind sending me an email, I just want to have a friendly conversation with you, I must say your profile is appealing. That's my email address, I expect to hear from you sooner or later, Thank you. robsonbrandon66@gmail.com 5mo
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marleed
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Pickpick

I‘ve often noticed my copy of Maid on my shelves and wondered what happened to Stephanie after moving to Missoula (a town close to my heart and roots). I don‘t agree with some of the choices and decisions she made as a deeply indebted 35 yo single mother. (An IRL bookclub discussion would be so interesting). However, I respect her effort to earn an English degree and model for her daughter the goal to become who you dream to be.

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