Atlanta Writer Explores A Grandmother’s Advice On Hardship

The things passed on from generation to generation aren’t always precious heirlooms. Sometimes they’re quirks of personality or addiction or, in the case of Atlanta writer Jyll Thomas’ story, a slightly tacky sweater.

In Thomas’ “The Christmas Sweater,” a troubled young woman looks back on the perspective she gained by sharing her struggles with her beloved grandmother.

Carina hung her head and told her grandmother everything. How the kids at school made fun of her and her brother said she was stupid. The ballet teacher called her fat and she hated herself. She burned the shed down and it made her feel better. With each confession, her grandmother flinched as if hot oil was being tossed on her heart.

This story will appear in the upcoming anthology, “We Wrote A Book,” which is being launched at the Highland Ballroom on March 19.