Archive for 2020

I received an email from a person who was upset with me last week. Years ago, at one of my author talks, this person asked if I might read his book and offer some advice. I said yes, then I failed to do so. I don’t remember any of this, but I don’t doubt that…

In a recent survey, 45 percent of respondents said that before watching a movie, television show, or sporting event, they specifically look for details related to the ending of that program. These are people who actively seek spoilers. The reasons vary. Of the adults who admit to seeking out spoilers: 27 percent said knowing helps…

As you probably know, Donald Trump has begun to pardon his cast of villains as he prepares to exit the White House at last. So far he has pardoned criminals who lied to the FBI about contacts with the Russians, tax cheats, and Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner. You know Jared Kushner. Right?…

I received some unexpected Christmas gifts this year. The kind you can only receive if you’re a teacher. I suspect that my fellow teachers receive gifts like this all the time (probably more often than me) and likely cherish them just as much as I do. ___________________________________ I received a message on Christmas from the…

I’d like to brag a little. Christmas day was unlike any other for us. Typically we host an open house for people far and wide. Folks who pop in for ten minutes or ten hours. The cast of characters s always wide and varied: Wandering Jews who don’t have a holiday to celebrate but enjoy…

Every Christmas, I take inventory of the holiday gifts that my wife, Elysha, gives me. Some people wish for cashmere sweaters, the latest gadget, stylish watches, and jewelry. My hope is often for the least pretentious, most unexpected, most nostalgic, quirkiest little gift possible, and Elysha never fails to deliver. When it comes to gift…

I love every bit of Christmas, but my favorite part – ever since I was a kid – is the just before. The moment of anticipation. That stillness of the early morning, when excited children teeter on the cusp of surprises revealed, wishes granted, and celebration. It’s all great. I adore every bit of it.…

Less than a month before The Other Mother, my next novel, lands in bookstores. Preorder it here. I would be eternally grateful. I think you’ll like it, too. Sadly, I can’t be visiting bookstores and libraries and theaters right now because of the pandemic, but that won’t stop us from celebrating. Join me virtually on…

I love The Rolling Stones’ song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” It’s hard not to love it. It starts off with that iconic guitar rift that came to Keith Richards in a dream and never stops. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” the second greatest song of all time. And their first…

I feel sorry for this on-demand, Netflix-generation of children who we are raising. They will never experience the high stakes excitement of running to the bathroom and the refrigerator during a single commercial break, only to hear your sister shout, “Hurry, it’s back! It’s back!” … thus sending you hurtling over furniture and crashing down…