The strength of this story (like many other youth radio pieces) is the voice of the narrator. Monique is straightforward and feisty. Even when she?s rattling off statistics she sounds down to earth.
Like the other Youth Voices stories I?ve listened to ?Grandmother? starts off with a personal story (about the reporter?s family) then uses that to illustrate a larger issue, in this case, teenagers living with grandparents.
?Grandmother? does a good job within that structure. The ?experts? in this story add depth and they also talk like regular people.
However, I would rather hear a story that went more into depth on Monique?s family, and used the experts as support, rather than the other way around. I was left wanting to know much more about her, her cousin and grandmother. Why does her cousin live with her grandmother (this is alluded to but not fully explained)? Where are his parents? Why did he get in trouble with the police? What changes did her grandmother make after she found out the cousin thought he had too much freedom?
That said, this is a very strong, polished story that is ready to air as is.
This piece is very interesting and I like how they have some good conversations included in the background. The author does make some good points as well as does a good job of including a grandmother's point of view in the piece. The only improvement that could be made was that this piece was a little too succint. It could have included more commentary and in-depth conversations. Otherwise this piece gave good insight on what it's like being a grandmother raising teens on their own.
Monique takes us on a sound rich visit to her grandmother’s. The topic is one we hear often, but rarely do we get a teen’s personal and witty perspective. Her delivery is flawless, like she wasn’t even trying at all. One of the things I love most about radio is listening to the texture of different people’s voices. This piece is a great example. The grandmother has a leisurely, husky voice; Mary Jackson’s is strong, almost feisty. Monique paints a picture in your mind, and skillfully tackles a harsh reality in the process.
Wow, I am totally jealous of how clearly you speak. With me everything is all slurred and garbley. Also, I was really impressed with the interview bits that you interspersed through the piece, especially the one with that professor. Very fitting! Thumbs up.
Comments for Raising Grandchildren
Produced by Monique Graham
Other pieces by Michael Spikes
Rating Summary
4 comments
Jenny Asarnow
Posted on January 05, 2007 at 06:55 AM | Permalink
Review of Grandmother
The strength of this story (like many other youth radio pieces) is the voice of the narrator. Monique is straightforward and feisty. Even when she?s rattling off statistics she sounds down to earth.
Like the other Youth Voices stories I?ve listened to ?Grandmother? starts off with a personal story (about the reporter?s family) then uses that to illustrate a larger issue, in this case, teenagers living with grandparents.
?Grandmother? does a good job within that structure. The ?experts? in this story add depth and they also talk like regular people.
However, I would rather hear a story that went more into depth on Monique?s family, and used the experts as support, rather than the other way around. I was left wanting to know much more about her, her cousin and grandmother. Why does her cousin live with her grandmother (this is alluded to but not fully explained)? Where are his parents? Why did he get in trouble with the police? What changes did her grandmother make after she found out the cousin thought he had too much freedom?
That said, this is a very strong, polished story that is ready to air as is.
sasha smith
Posted on July 26, 2005 at 11:38 AM | Permalink
Review of Grandmother
This piece is very interesting and I like how they have some good conversations included in the background. The author does make some good points as well as does a good job of including a grandmother's point of view in the piece. The only improvement that could be made was that this piece was a little too succint. It could have included more commentary and in-depth conversations. Otherwise this piece gave good insight on what it's like being a grandmother raising teens on their own.
Dulce Maria Mora
Posted on May 25, 2005 at 04:25 PM | Permalink
Review of Grandmother
Monique takes us on a sound rich visit to her grandmother’s. The topic is one we hear often, but rarely do we get a teen’s personal and witty perspective. Her delivery is flawless, like she wasn’t even trying at all. One of the things I love most about radio is listening to the texture of different people’s voices. This piece is a great example. The grandmother has a leisurely, husky voice; Mary Jackson’s is strong, almost feisty. Monique paints a picture in your mind, and skillfully tackles a harsh reality in the process.
Ben Lavine
Posted on May 05, 2005 at 10:51 PM | Permalink
Review!
Wow, I am totally jealous of how clearly you speak. With me everything is all slurred and garbley. Also, I was really impressed with the interview bits that you interspersed through the piece, especially the one with that professor. Very fitting! Thumbs up.