English Language and Literature ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 5-1-2021
Abstract
THANK YOU, JOHN is a comedy-tragedy memoir, following 24-year-old, Michelle Gurule, a queer, wanna-be writer, exasperated by poverty, bad teeth, and the poor choices of her family. With a Chicano father convinced aliens will eventually rule the world, and a White mother who’d maxed out her credit cards to feed her McDonald’s addiction, Michelle turns to Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul Sunday episodes for insight, which leads her to believe a sugar daddy arrangement is her density. As John becomes aware of the severity of Michelle’s family’s poverty, he leverages it against her, offering financial security for the lot of them in exchange for marriage and Michelle must decide between lifelong financial security for her and her family or the uncertain path of an artist.
Degree Name
MFA Creative Writing
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
English
First Committee Member (Chair)
Andrew Bourelle
Second Committee Member
Daniel Mueller
Third Committee Member
Lisa Chavez
Fourth Committee Member
Mark Sundeen
Fifth Committee Member
Sarah Viren
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Gurule, Michelle. "Thank You, John.." (2021). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/299
