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By the Book

What books are on your nightstand?

 Amy Bloom's stories, "Where the God of Love Hangs Out." She is my old teacher, and I like reading things by someone I actually know; it's easier to slip into the story. I think "God of Love" is Bloom's best book, though her recycling of stories from earlier volumes is a bit shameless. I especially like the first story, "Your Borders, Your Rivers, Your Tiny Villages," which has a middle-aged couple awkwardly conducting an affair while news reports from Dubyah's war flash across a TV screen in the background.

I have Philip Pullman's new book, but as much as I like Lyra, and as much as I find Mrs. Coulter's villainous brother engaging, I feel the story is self-indulgent. One damn thing after another. I'm missing a sense of momentum.

And there is my husband's reading selection--Adam Rippon's memoir, "Beautiful on the Outside"--which is worthwhile for the title, at the very least, I'd argue.

What's the last great book you read?

 "She Said" was really great. There were so many things I hadn't known. Ms. Ford is a surfing enthusiast. Marisa Tomei takes salary advice from Claire Danes. Hilary Clinton's campaign repeatedly ignored warnings from Lena Dunham that donor Harvey Weinstein was a major predator. (After the NYT story on Weinstein, Hilary's people expressed disingenuous shock.)

I was fascinated by Meryl Streep's role; at one point, Harvey dangles her name, as if invoking the forces of a world-renowned bully. What did Meryl know--really? Was her denial the entire truth? Why would Rose McGowan go after her?

The writers took a few notes from "Spotlight"; they include cinematic details everywhere; for example, they note when various reporters collapse in tears (of joy, exhaustion, etc.) in various NYT hallways. They describe the process of drafting a sensitive email to a prickly potential subject. You see that reporting is its own kind of political tightrope performance. I'll continue to think about this book.

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

 Elizabeth Taylor's "The Soul of Kindness" counts as a classic. It's an update on "Emma." I was hesitant to read it; I didn't know if I had the brain power. I'm so glad I read it. Taylor conveys a sense of seeing and understanding just about everything. I don't have many Taylor novels left--I'm looking forward to "A Wreath of Roses"--and I can at least take comfort in knowing I haven't even touched the short stories.

More later.



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