Reviews for Mira Jacob's Good Talk highlight its innovative blend of graphic novel and memoir, addressing complex themes of race, identity, and family with humor and poignancy. Critics praise its relatable storytelling and unique visual style, though some note a scattered narrative. Overall, it is celebrated for its insightful and timely commentary on social issues.

Readers who enjoy Good Talk by Mira Jacob are typically fans of engaging, visually rich narratives that tackle complex social issues through a personal lens. Comparable to works like Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, they appreciate memoirs in graphic novel format that combine humor, heart, and thoughtful commentary on identity and race.

Good Talk by Mira Jacob is a graphic memoir where Jacob, an East Indian American, narrates her experiences with race, identity, and multiculturalism through intimate conversations with her son, Z, and other loved ones, spanning topics from Michael Jackson’s transformation to post-9/11 racism and the impact of Trump’s election. Sensitive topics such as racial discrimination, physical assault, and terrorism are discussed.

Informative / Emotional / Contemplative / Humorous / Heartwarming

- The unique storytelling format in Good Talk combines both graphic novel elements and traditional narrative, employing striking monochrome illustrations alongside conversation-driven text to convey its themes.
- Mira Jacob began creating the book in response to difficult conversations she was having with her young son about race, identity, and family, reflecting elements of her own experiences.
- Good Talk has garnered significant acclaim for its exploration of complex social issues, earning it a place as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Autobiography.

**Mira Jacob**  
An East Indian American writer and illustrator who navigates her life experiences, including issues of race and identity, with wisdom and humor, while living in Brooklyn with her husband Jed and their son Z.

**Z**  
Mira’s mixed Jewish and East Indian son, whose curious nature and questions about race and belonging drive many conversations throughout the memoir.

**Jed**  
Mira’s supportive and optimistic husband, a white Jewish American documentary filmmaker, who shares with Mira the challenges and joys of raising their son.

**Mira’s Parents**  
East Indian immigrants who moved to the U.S. in the 1960s, holding strong values and humor while navigating cultural differences and parenting in a new country.

**Jed’s Parents**  
White Jewish Americans living in Florida, whose warmth is sometimes overshadowed by their lack of understanding of Mira's experiences as a brown woman in America.

**Alison**  
Mira’s best friend and a calming presence, who provides understanding and validation of Mira’s experiences and challenges as a mother and woman of color.

**Ms. Morrell**  
Mira’s strict yet supportive fifth-grade teacher, who champions Mira's writing talent and affirms her identity as an American.

Mira Jacob

Adult

Graphic Memoir 

Nonfiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Good Talk Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

Good Talk Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-18

Good Talk Chapters 11-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

Good Talk Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-25

Good Talk Chapters 23-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-28

Good Talk Chapters 26-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-42

Good Talk Chapters 29-42 Summary & Analysis

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Introduction

Good Talk Teacher Introduction

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Good Talk Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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Good Talk Exam Answer Key

Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations

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