Stories of Suspense with a Sense of Humor
The highly regarded and award-winning novelist, E.L. Doctorow, whose books were on our shelves while I was growing up, spoke the other day at Michigan State University, and raised some interesting points about what “is” historical fiction. His point is that all fiction is historical–except the genre writing of that name which seems to be … Read more
There were three interesting things going on in Cleveland in 1969: the Cuyahoga River caught fire for the second time, there were riots on the East side, and I was entering kindergarten. Being a chubby little kid of four (going on five!) I was oblivious to much of the world. I wouldn’t understand for a … Read more
Ecclesiastes is the book of the Holy Bible most frequently quoted in popular culture and used as the source for titles of books and movies. Its verses are an absolute treasure trove of beautifully written, insightful, and pithy statements. “The Sun Also Rises,” and “The House of Mirth” are two that stand out. But when … Read more
I was the youngest of three boys, and I had the special pleasure of spending my fourth year with my mother while my brothers were at school. It was a golden age for any child, to have their mother in good health, with money to spend, and living in a fairly modern city (Cleveland) in … Read more
I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland back when downtown department stores were what malls are today. Cleveland had three major stores, May Company, Higbees, and Halles. My mother, I think, preferred May Company and Higbees, but when her sister worked at Halles, I know she spent a fair share of time there. If … Read more