This style of essay from Gerard, i.e., less internal, is where I find her most appealing attributes as a nonfiction writer. As in “Going Diamond,” Gerard is able to communicate bigger societal/political issues via a local story. She takes her time during the set up – painting the opening scene, introducing G.W., and giving some context about the homeless issue in Florida. On 176, she makes it clear to the reader why she is telling this specific story at this specific moment, and then transitions to her broader critique on the prison system in America on page 179. This, perhaps, is the big “why does this matter” of the essay. Many people know that the prison system in America is broken, but they do not understand how the homeless epidemic plays into incarceration. She also alludes to a political scandal, on page 182, when discussing the payment (from the city budget) of Robert Marbut.

The line on page 184, “It occurs to me that Jake might have it all backwards,” is effective in grabbing the readers attention. In a longer essay, this is useful to include when the author is about to explain what they think is a main point in their essay. It’s a sort of, “Hey listen up, you think what Jake said, but here’s why we’ve all been wrong.” She understands this because she has spent time with her homeless subjects.

Gerard never directly quotes herself, and her voice is quite passive in most of this essay. This story of homelessness is not her own tragedy to tell, but she has the responsibility of reporting it. Her voice is a guide, a question-asker, but she is not a prominent character. I find this intentional and effective.

I am not sure what the purpose of the dream sequence is (beginning on page 204). God and religion also seem prominent in this essay in a way that I do not fully understand. That being said, I find this essay one of the more enjoyable ones from this collection, and I admire Gerard for her scope – which is often effortless. In a singular essay, she touches on many social, political, economic, etc. issues in a way that is fluid and understandable.