ASU Book Group: 'Survival Math' by Mitchell Jackson

The ASU Book Group's January 2024 reading selection is "Survival Math: Notes on an All-American Family” by Mitchell Jackson. The book group is open to all in the ASU community and meets monthly from noon–1 p.m. with two different options for attendance: either in-person at the Piper Writers House or virtually on Zoom (registration required for online attendance). In-person attendees are invited to join the author for lunch after at the University Club, no-host.

Haven't read the book? Come anyway! Authors are always present.

Synopsis:

An electrifying, dazzlingly written reckoning and an essential addition to the national conversation about race and class, "Survival Math" takes its name from the calculations award-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson made to survive the Portland, Oregon, of his youth. This dynamic book explores gangs and guns, near-death experiences, sex work, masculinity, composite fathers, the concept of “hustle,” and the destructive power of addiction—all framed within the experience of Jackson, his family, and his community.

The book is available on amazon.com or from local bookstores.

Mitchell Jackson is the John O. Whiteman Dean’s Distinguished Professor of English at ASU, where he teaches creative writing.

About the book group:

The ASU Book Group meetings and selections for 2023–24 are:

• Sep. 28 - “Lupine” by Jenny Irish
• Oct. 19 - “The Circle That Fits” by Kevin Lichty
• Nov. 16 - "Solving Modern Problems with a Stone-Age Brain" by Douglas Kenrick and David Lundberg-Kenrick
• Dec. - no meeting
• Jan. 25 - “Survival Math” by Mitchell S. Jackson
• Feb. 29 - “To Name the Bigger Lie” by Sarah Viren
• Mar. 28 - “There She Goes Again” by Aviva Dove-Viebahn
• Apr. 25 - "At the Hour Between Dog and Wolf" by Tara Ison

The ASU Book Group is sponsored as a community outreach initiative by the Department of English and organized in partnership with the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing.