A word of praise for Ellie Kemper, who did an especially smart "By the Book" in the NYTimes this weekend. A few things to notice. First, she names Richard Yates's "The Easter Parade" as an all-time favorite. If you have not yet read this one, please read it! Kemper is right that Yates blends a literary sensibility with an admirable sense of unpretentiousness. She's also right to say that there is something addictive about "those depressing Grimes sisters." Even though terrible things happen to Yates's characters, you feel somehow comforted while reading about them. It's the compassion Yates has for people: He says, You're not alone. (Kemper isn't the only Yates fan. In the new movie "Private Life," Jenkins gives her protagonists the surname "Grimes," and I'm sure this is a tip of the hat to Yates.) Also, note Kemper's description of an ideal reading session. A full hour- 4:30 to 5:30 in the morning- w...