This Tuesday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Reading Public Library – Main Branch, joining community members for an author talk centered on language, identity, and belonging.
The conversation was inspired by my book, Your English Is Great, But…, and focused on how everyday language — including compliments, accents, and assumptions — can quietly shape how people are seen and how they see themselves.
An Evening of Conversation and Reflection
During the event, I shared a brief excerpt from the book and reflected on the experiences that led me to write it. We talked about how language carries more than meaning — it carries history, expectation, and emotion.
What followed was an open and thoughtful discussion. Audience members shared their own stories, asked meaningful questions, and connected the book’s themes to their lives in classrooms, workplaces, and within their families.
The Q&A portion of the evening was especially powerful, reminding me how many of these experiences are shared across cultures and generations.
Why These Conversations Matter
Language often feels neutral — until it isn’t.
Moments that seem small, like a compliment about how someone speaks, can reveal deeper ideas about belonging and power. Conversations like this one allow us to slow down and examine those moments together, with honesty and empathy.
For me, events like this reaffirm why storytelling matters — not just on the page, but in community spaces where people can listen to one another.
Grateful for the Community
I’m thankful to Reading Public Library for hosting this conversation and to everyone who attended, shared their stories, and engaged so openly.
These gatherings continue to shape how I think about my work as a writer and storyteller, and they remind me why I believe so strongly in the power of dialogue.
About the Book
Your English Is Great, But… explores the emotional and cultural weight behind everyday language. Through a series of reflections, the book examines how speech, identity, and belonging intersect in subtle but meaningful ways.
The book is available on Amazon:
What’s Next
I’ll continue sharing conversations, events, and reflections here on JoseMartinezNews.com. More talks and community discussions are ahead.
Thank you for reading — and for being part of the journey.
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