A Narrative Compass

"In each elegant interpretation, the author traces the ripple effects of a story that thrilled or provoked her, a story that became a catalyst for a lifelong passion, and a story that became a virtual home, to return to for clarification. Rich and mind-opening testimony to the profound, even chthonic power of tales well told."--Booklist

"A uniformly stellar volume."--Children's Literature Association Quarterly

"Rich and inspiring."--Research on Children's Literature

"Beautifully written, exquisite in conception, and full of substance."--Shirley Brice Heath, author of Ways with Words: Language, Life, and Work in Communities and Classrooms "Never before have I read such insightful and unique accounts about the power of books in determining the paths that we take in our lives. These extraordinary stories are counter-narratives to the dominant male discourse of academia, revealing how academia has benefited from stories that it has sought to exclude."--Jack Zipes, author of Why Fairy Tales Stick: The Evolution and Relevance of a Genre "The essayists in this thoughtful collection reflect upon the diverse stories that were influential as they journeyed toward lives of achievement. These stories about stories engage the reader and invite meditation on our own narrative compasses."--Judy Nolte Temple, professor of women's studies and English, University of Arizona "This compelling and memorable collection is impressive in the range of works discussed, the diversity of voices and disciplinary perspectives, the depth of autobiograhical exploration and reflection, and the lucidity and thoughtfulness of the essays."--Jan Zlotnik Schmidt, editor of Women/Writing/Teaching