Learning to Think.: A broken system kept her trapped, education helped her break free

In her memoir, Tracy King explores the stories we tell ourselves to live, growing up in an ordinary council estate outside Birmingham with her father's alcoholism and her mother's agoraphobia. She finds her way out through the power of books and learning to question our world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

A remarkable memoir, masterfully crafted and vividly narrated, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. The Sunday Times has praised it as an "astonishing tale," while Stylist has deemed it one of the best books for 2024. This captivating narrative compels readers to consume it in a single sitting, evoking a sense of breathless anticipation. It is a memoir that unfolds with the same intensity and gripping quality as the most captivating novels, drawing the reader into its emotional depths.

In this evocative memoir, Tracy King delves into the narratives we construct to navigate our lives. She confronts the stories we tell ourselves to find solace and purpose, even in the face of adversity. Growing up in an ordinary council estate outside Birmingham, she experienced a childhood marked by her father's alcoholism and her mother's agoraphobia. By the age of twelve, her father had passed away, her sister had been placed in care, and her mother had been ensnared by the promises of born-again Christianity. This is not the stuff of cult documentaries; rather, it is the story of an ordinary family trapped within a broken system. It is a tale that could happen to anyone, without the necessary tools to transform their circumstances. However, it is also a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

Through her memoir, Tracy King offers a shocking, inspiring, and ultimately hopeful portrayal of the realities of living in poverty. She holds a mirror to the everyday struggles and hardships faced by individuals and families in such circumstances, shedding light on the systemic issues that contribute to these hardships. At the same time, she celebrates the power of books and the transformative potential of learning to question our world.

Tracy King's memoir is a testament to the human spirit's unwavering resilience and the transformative power of education and literature. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. By sharing her story, she inspires others to confront their own narratives, challenge the status quo, and work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 222 x 145 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857527431