‘Close to Home’ Gist Notes [How We Live Now]

Close to Home by Jinny Koh – from the anthology How We Live Now by Yu-Mei Balasingamchow

Nicky is sent to live with his neighbour because his parents are overwhelmed by his mother’s cancer treatments, work, and other responsibilities. There, he experiences a different way of living, and observes Auntie Loh and how she manages her difficulties on her own.

This is a simplified set of notes – a gist, in effect – of the text, to help you to start reflecting as you study. Also, it’s free, so make the most of it.

My recommendation is for you to briefly read the story once through, then read through these notes. From there, read the story again, but slowly. Pace yourself and reflect. How are Nicky and his parents living now? Based on the differences he’s observed between the two nurturing styles, how should he live next? And you, how should you live next? How is it different from how you live right now?

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