Staying Distracted

23 days.

I'm trying to keep it safely tucked away, out of my mind. But then I have a dream. I dreamed that I had to witness his execution. His mother was there, and all I could think was this: How can they kill a person's son?

***

So. I've read several great books in a row. And all fiction, go figure!

1. "Peace Like A River" by Leif Enger. When you read something so beautifully written, sometimes it doesn't matter if the story is compelling. I loved this story, and the ending had an especially moving passage. Recommended highly.

2. "March" by Geraldine Brooks. I could not put this book down! It was the 2006 Pulitzer Prize winning story about Mr. March, father of Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg, aka our beloved Little Women. What happens to him while the girls and Marme are at home writing Pickwick papers and inadvertently seducing poor Laurie? This is the story. It was a brilliant examination of war, marriage, and deception, desire, cruelty, loyalty, and altruism. I have never been overly interested in Civil War history, but this book brought the era to life. The sights, the smells, the psychological impact, and the physical detail were outstanding. Certain aspects of slavery, and attitudes toward slavery were entirely new to me. It was an absolutely fascinating book and it will be my selection for book club. This was the best book I have read in a very long time.

3. "Can't Wait To Get To Heaven" by Fannie Flagg. This book is just plain fun. And it's set in and around Kansas City. I haven't finished it yet, so I can't say if it rivals Flagg's "Standing in the Rainbow." You can't help but fall in love with her characters. At least I can't.