Eastfield College Common Book Life is So Good

Think About

  1. George Dawson recalls his caution in his dealings with white people as he grew up in the Jim Crow South. Are there ways in which minorities and women must still be cautious in their interactions in society?
  2. What factors may have contributed to Dawson's long life span?
  3. In Chapter 1, Dawson's father tells him, “You have no right to judge another human being. Don't you ever forget.” How does this advice affect George's life?
  4. How does Dawson cope with his illiteracy? How might his life have been different if he'd had the opportunity to go to school as a child?
  5. Dawson faces hardships and injustice, and he never has much money, yet he still leads a successful life. Did he also have some advantages? Was he “rich” in other ways? How does he define “success?” How do you?
  6. Why do you think students in the adult education program are so drawn to Dawson?
  7. In Chapter 20, Dawson says “I had to work all those years, but I was glad to work. A man is supposed to work and take pride in what he does no matter what the work is.” How has the work ethic changed over the years?
  8. In Chapter 24, Dawson says, “There are some parents these days that are growing children, not raising children.” What does he mean by this? Do you agree with him?
  9. Given that Dawson's life was limited by racism and poverty, it would be understandable if he were bitter about lost opportunities. However, he chose not to feel bitter and instead adopted a willed optimism. How did Dawson's attitude affect his life?
  10. Have you ever thought of writing a book? If you did, what would be your message?