Book Review

Dear Dad,

Last year, while you and Mom were on that fateful cruise in South America, the founder and editor of Ovunque Siamo — an Italian-American Literary Journal — asked me to be the book review editor. It’s a non-salaried position, but an honor to do it. I was excited and I accepted the position. I couldn’t wait to tell you and Mom, but I wanted to wait until you were home. On vacation you were off having fun, and when we Facetimed — as you passed through the Straits of Magellan — I wanted you to be able to tell G3 all about your adventures. (I can still see you sitting by the window with your arm around mom. Both of you were happy, having a brilliant time. It was the last time I saw you smile. The image will forever remain embedded in my memory.) I figured, my news could wait until I saw you again in person. I was wrong. When I saw you again you were dying. My news seemed inconsequential.

For the first few months in the position, I was incapable of doing anything. My every moment was absorbed with thoughts of you. But slowly, I’ve been able to get back to doing other projects. For the latest issue of the Ovunque Siamo, I even wrote a book review. Remember how much I hated writing as a kid. I’m not sure what I detested more, reading or writing. And when I had to do both, the result was explosive. Book reports were definitely the bane of my existence. Each one caused me so much anxiety. And now, I enjoy writing reviews, which when you think about it, are a grown-up book reports. Oh the temper tantrums I threw when I had reading or writing homework. I know, G3 definitely gets it from me.  But now, if I can’t find time in my day to read and write I’m cranky. I can’t live without words. It’s incredible how things change.

If you are interested, you can read my review of Mike Fiorito’s Falling From Trees here: 

I miss you!