num_pages: 336
description: 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 addictionall framed within the experience of Jackson his family and his community. Lauded for its breathtaking pace its tender portrayals its stark candor and its luminous style Survival Math reveals on every page the searching intellect and originality of its author. The primary narrative focused on understanding the antecedents of Jacksons familys experiences is complemented by poems composed from historical American documents as well as survivor files which feature photographs and riveting short narratives of several of Jacksons male relatives. The sum of Survival Maths parts is a highly original whole one that reflects on the exigencies--over generations--that have shaped the lives of so many disenfranchised Americans. As essential as it is beautiful as real as it is artful Mitchell S. Jacksons nonfiction debut is a singular achievement not to be missed.
language: English
title: Survival Math: Notes on an All-American Family
publisher: Scribner