Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide
September 2003
Composing a Life
by Mary Catherine Bateson
"Women today read, and write, biographies to gain perspective on their own lives." Bateson (Margaret Mead's daughter) describes the choices and rhythms of women's lives through comments on the lives of five women...
- Which women's life was most meaningful, informing to you? How so?
- How have you thought of "composing" your life? When?
- Which metaphor appealed to you? Spiraling/shaping identity? Making a Middle East pastry" (p.214)
- Have you encountered anything like Project Hope or the Pine Street Inn? Where?
- Have you experienced a "multiplicity of forms of friendship and collegiality" ? (p.94)
- What do you think of Bateman's definition of Home? (p.118)
- What were the areas/ points of agreement or disagreement with Bateman for you?
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