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Dear Reader,
Suzanne's on holiday, so today we're running "The Best Of."
Every afternoon at four o'clock when my Grandpa Hale got home from work he'd turn on the television, sit down in his green reclining chair, and watch cartoons. He'd laugh right out loud at "Tom & Jerry," "Mighty Mouse," and "Heckle and Jeckle." I never thought it was the least bit strange, because I was a kid, and I sat and laughed right along with him. But I'm sure that other adults must have found his daily make-believe ritual a bit odd.
I thought about Grandpa Hale the other day when I was reading a book review. The reviewer had written that the main character--a stranger in a small town--was conceited, spouted shaky logic and his "platitudinous pontificating" was unchallenged by other characters.
But by the time I finished the book, there were tissues strewn all over the floor. I realize an author should try to set the scene with realistic facts. The characters should say things that we might expect someone in their situations to really say. But sometimes I just don't care if things can't be wrapped up in tidy, little sensible packages. I don't want to call in CSI to take samples and see if the DNA rings true.
It might be foolish, but it felt good to pretend that a stranger could really come into town, be mysteriously wise and compassionate, and help people solve their problems--at least for the two hours it took me to read the book.
It's not always easy for me to find my way into the land of make-believe. Sometimes I could use a little help. It's too bad Grandpa Hale isn't still around, because he seemed to have found the secret.
To see my Grandpa Hale and me, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/gramps.html
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com
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