Summary

In Chapter 6, Monk considers narrative form and language.

Monk takes a leave of absence from teaching to be with Mother in D.C. He secretly guesses he will only “be gone a year” because Mother will “probably die” (52).

Monk watches Juanita Mae Jenkins on Kenya Dunston’s talk show. Dunston deems Jenkins’ book “real” and “true to life” (53). Jenkins wrote the novel after spending a few days with relatives in Harlem.

Monk discovers that Lisa was in debt and Mother has few savings. Desperate for money, he tries getting a job at American University, but the guest lecturer position does not pay sufficiently.

Monk chats with Lorraine about her life and family. He needs to let her go, but feels guilty. Later, Mother thanks Monk for moving in with her, but is confused about Lisa’s whereabouts.

Monk and Yul chat about “the status...