I love the fall.

stargirl and two books of poetry in a leather bag

It has been a goal of mine this year to always be reading a book. Of course I stop to work and eat food and shower but I always have a book in my possession that is in the process of being read. When I finish one I pick up another. It is one of the few planned goals that I have successfully kept.

In addition to reading a novel of sorts I have also made it a point to carry two books of poetry in my bag. You might say a man's step is a little lighter that way.

I have Billy Collins and Pablo Neruda in my bag right now.

I have read:

-A Thousand Splendid Suns
Few books address human struggle and relationship in a finer way.
-Shoeless Joe
The movie Field of Dreams is based off of this book. If you have seen and even kind of liked the movie you have to read the book. There are themes, added dimensions, and characters that left me thinking for days. The wife, the old man, the twin brother, J.D. Salinger. A compelling story of dreams, hope, and family.
-Green Shadows, White Whale
A book from the wonderful Ray Bradbury about his life and adventures in Ireland as he wrote the screenplay Moby Dick for the great and very strange film director John Huston. Fictionalized truth, off course; effective, always. Such great short stories within.
-The Road
Father. Son. Perhaps the most beautiful relationship in literature. That's all I will say about this horrifying and beautiful book.

I re-read:

-The Outsiders
I read to study Pony Boy for my screenplay. His character and contrasting atmosphere.
-Catcher in the Rye
I read to study Holden for my screenplay. So negative but such a sweet and unforeseen desire deep down. To be a catcher, one who saves in the rye.
-Dandelion Wine
I always re-read this in Spring. It's my favorite book. It opens my eyes like none other again and again.
-Harry Potter 7
I have to be ready for the new film. This series is one of the best of all time. Read Harry Potter to better understand friendship and the necessity of the good becoming one to overcome evil.
-The indispensable Calvin and Hobbes
One of the most sincere, hilarious, and heart warming creations of all time. I
have cried more than once experiencing life with Calvin; not just from laughing.

*I found myself reading several young adult books and for that I am very grateful. I have discovered that books for the young are books for everyone.

-Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief
Such great themes of identity and coming of age. A lot of fun. Don't see the movie!
-How to Eat Fried Worms
Not as good as when I was young but still funny.
-Holes
Awesome. A great read. Mystical, funny, great comments on relationship and purpose. A lot of talk about a no good pig stealing great grandfather.
-Star Girl
I just finished this and I am still thinking about it. Such an interesting character. Truly the book to read on non-conformity. I hate Leo while relating with him. Perhaps that is why I hate him. I am still mad he did not go and find Stargirl. She was love.

I am currently reading Red Pony by John Steinbeck

it was fall, and still will be, but you missed it, temporarily

He ran. Oh, he ran. Timothy, only twelve years old, was known in the town for his running.

No bicycle; his family definitely had no car; but Timothy's shoes were always thick. If they ripped, his mother sewed them. If holes formed in the bottom, his father would re-sole them with an old tire or anything he could find.

His shoes were always thick.

Some days Timothy ran for bread, milk, or the local news. Now he ran to catch a boat. A boat he had already missed. A boat he only thought about boarding.


In my town I never run and today it no longer smells like fall, as it did three days past. It is September 15th. The scent will return; but the elation, the inspiration that came with inhaling fall's sweet nectar disappeared when I, too busy, did not write it down.