Hi again. I hope that by the time you are reading or listening to this blog I will have made my inaugural swim in the ocean for this summer. Fingers crossed. Toes crossed. I am prepared to think no deeper thoughts than, "should I eat the guacamole?" or "It might be time to turn over." I will undoubtedly pack too many books and not enough clothes, but we're visiting close friends who live informally and won't care.
On to this week's list:
1. I was late to the party on the fascinating documentary, "Three Identical Strangers." I saw it last weekend, and have been thinking about it since. It's about identical triplets who were separated at birth. (No, seriously.) I've been fascinated by identical twins since I read a book about the notorious "Silent Twins," June and Jennifer Gibbons years ago. (They spoke only to one another and became criminals -- that's the short version.) These brothers, who are now 56 years old tell their own story with urgency. They seem to have imprinted every detail from 35 years ago. The whole film whips up its energy quickly and sustains it throughout. The central question is nurture or nature, but threaded throughout are ethical questions about the adoption agency that placed these babies apart from one another. If you haven't seen it, do.
2. I love weddings. I read the wedding notices -- (that's what my mother calls them, so that's what I call them) -- in the Sunday paper. I am entertained by the couples' individual stories and the how-they-met stories; the romance and hopefulness make for a nice way to greet the morning. (And no one else at my house wants to read that section first, a real plus.) But I don't attend many weddings at this point. Just a few of the children of my close friends at this point. Four so far, one to go in September. They've each been delightful and romantic and festive. Last weekend's wedding was a big surprise because the weather was so gloomy and the ceremony had been planned for outdoors. I guess my expectations were cloudy with a chance of meatballs. But the tents were beautiful and festooned with flowers, branches, rose petals, and candles. And air conditioning! The mother of the bride did a stupendous job. And the couple read their own vows, which were touching and helped us learn more about the young man our friends' daughter had chosen as her mate.
3. Quiet Heroism. How many of you have already seen the video of the young Swedish student who protested the deportation of an Afghani citizen who was seeking asylum in Sweden? I am posting the link here. I watched it twice before I fully understood what I was watching. This young woman was poised, determined, brave, and inspiring.
4.
My very preferred way to read is with a paperback in my hand. I could be sitting up, reclining, or somewhere in between the two, but I love a softcovered book. I do own a significant number of hardcovers: a book that's special, or I can't wait until it's released in paperback, or a friend wrote it (how else are they going to make a dime?) -- for sure. But when I want to read on the move? A paperback. When I want to read on the beach? A paperback. When I want to throw something into my purse for emergencies? A paperback. Preferably purchased at an independent bookstore. As readers of this blog already know, I am experimenting with books on tape. But without a long drive or commute to get it going, I am experimenting slowly. (I myself recorded my last book, True Prep, on tape, with help from voice actor #ExhibitA. It was harder to read than I had ever imagined. I wrote it to be read, not said. )
5. Does it seem like this investigation has gone on forever? I for one cannot imagine how messy and labyrinthine the enterprise is. Kudos to My perpetual Object of Gratitude: Robert S. Mueller.
Wishing him and you a terrific weekend.
Until next week, stay cool and act natural.
-Lisa