Forging a Truce with Beauty

Thursday, September 18, 2008


I've posted this video log on the HarperTeen MySpace page today and (because these take me an embarrassingly long time to produce), I post it here as well. The headlines have been difficult lately. Losses are mounting. In this posting I'm talking about why books that matter matter especially so in times like these and how (despite the fact I've yet to write a book that meets my own high expectations) I keep going about the quiet business of forging a truce with beauty.

PJ, the finch have come to the feeder outside my window!

(there's glory in that)

6 comments:

The Scarlet Tree said...

I really enjoy reading and listening to your blog. I think it is often the quest for a grain of beauty in the most ugly of environments, situations or characters that makes a piece of writing so rich.

Melissa Walker said...

I agree with you. I just read Elizabeth Scott's LIVING DEAD GIRL and now I'm reading James Baldwin's ANOTHER COUNTRY. Different books, different genres, both big thinkers. It's good to feel uncomfortable sometimes.

PJ Hoover said...

My husband said it really well one time - It's OK to let life touch you.
It's good to remember this and realize it's important also.

And I'm so glad the finch have come! Will we get a picture soon?

(Though I just saw Melissa's comment and don't think I can bring myself to read Living Dead Girl. My daughter is just too young).

Beth Kephart said...

PJ — pls thank your husband; a beautiful line.... And Melissa, absolutely. I'd love to know what you think of ANOTHER COUNTRY

RR2 said...

I loved your video and absolutely agree. Books like The Book Thief (which I absolutely LOVED, btw) and Living Dead Girl are important to read and think about.

Em said...

What a fabulous vlog! I love it when I read a book that matters and then I meet other people who have read that book. The discussions that follow are some of the best conversations I've ever had.

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