Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab (Chicago Visions and Revisions)
Cabdrivers and their yellow taxis are as much a part of the cityscape as the high-rise buildings and the subway. We hail them without thought after a wearying day at the office or an exuberant night on the town. And, undoubtedly, taxi drivers have stories to tell—of farcical local politics, of colorful passengers, of changing neighborhoods and clandestine shortcuts. No one knows a city’s streets—and thus its heart—better than its cabdrivers. And from behind the wheel of his taxi, Dmitry Samarov has seen more of Chicago than most Chicagoans will hope to experience in a lifetime.
Based on the teachings of Kenneth Little Hawk, the renowned Mi’Kmaw First Nation storyteller, this book uses stories to explain how to tell stories. Each of the practical skills needed for storytelling is clearly illustrated through relevant stories from native tribes—“What the Fire Taught Us” teaches special effects, “Our Many Children” shows voice modulation, and “Little Thunder’s Wedding” offers techniques for formal stories.
With the newly expanded True Stories series, English language learners from beginner through upper-intermediate proficiency can enjoy the fun and engaging “believe-it-or-not” quality of these colorful news stories. Features ▶ Pre-reading questions. ▶ Activities for pair or small-group work. ▶ A variety of essential reading skills. ▶ Carefully controlled vocabulary and structures. ▶ Exercises in vocabulary, comprehension, discussion, and writing.
