I’ve always been fascinated by disasters. Be they sinking ships, fires or floods, I study the components of first class tragedies, fascinated by the chance occurrences and snap decisions that turn potential trouble into inevitable disaster. Most of the books are about events that happened before I was born and although I find the accounts moving, they rarely infuriate me. I marvel over the human acts of br...
Today’s column is by Barb Goydas. Whether she’s willing to admit it or not, Barb is a constant reader and one of those people who generates literary “buzz” by telling everyone when she finds a great new book. I introduced her to “Maus”. She returned the favor with “Persepolis” I love how one thing leads to another, although, I don’t like the sense of “no control”. I like to hav...
Vacation Season is coming to an end again, leaving us poorer, happier and (hopefully) a bit less stressed. It’s amazing how much of the rest of our lives are spent preparing for or dwelling on those limited interludes of time. And during each holiday, whether it’s in the mountains, at an amusement park or on the beach, someone always muses, “I wonder what it’s like living here.” Of course,...
A friend of mine just took a brain-killer of a test, one those exams smart people study for and still flunk. None of the test is easy but she dreaded the essay portion. These essays test a student’s knowledge of the subject and his/her ability to communicate on paper. My friend put a great deal of time and effort into her preparation and I won’t be surprised when she passes but the only advice I could ...
With my sister away on vacation, she asked me to fill in for her. Since I have known her, she has had the gift of words. She always had a book in her hand, remembers everything she reads, recalls lines at the drop of a hat. Mention a book or author and she’s either read it and read it, deeply and can somehow relate to it. Reading seems effortless for her. I am jealous. I have...