You Have to Save Something is an Appalachian memoir about growing up in West Virginia in a very gendered, blue collar, working class family. Written in both narrative and lyrical prose, and resisting chronological ordering, Shawna Green's essays reveal complex experiences about family, home and values that began in her childhood but extend into today. 

Through play with her brothers and their friends, childhood was made limitless. Together they saw possibility and transformed both object and place in their imaginations: An armrest becomes a galloping horse, electrical cords become space-age communicators, sycamore trees become lookout posts, and flood waters leave curious playgrounds. Providing the connective tissue to these transformative moments are issues of gender and loss, of poverty and cruelty, and of the liberating power of imagination and kindness. 

This talk is free and open to the public. 

Faculty Talks Outside the Box is a lecture series in which Ohio State Newark faculty showcase their latest research and its impact on the community and connect with the audience through Q&A sessions.