Page after page

I've been reading steadily, just not posting it. Most recently I read Tracy Kidder's nonfiction piece, AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN.

It was the third of his books that I've read - and enjoyed tremendously. I also read HOUSE and HOMETOWN. I really appreciate the depth with which Kidder goes after his subjects. After I finished HOMETOWN I felt as though I could drive into Northampton, Massachusetts - a place I've never seen - and just take up life like a townie! Not really, of course, but close.

The other book I read this month was BEAUTIFUL BOY, by David Sheff. It was a heartbreaker. Anyone who has raised a meth addicted child (thank god, I haven't) or worked professionally with same (I have, many) will recognize the frustration and sadness in the loss of relationships and potential.

David Sheff writes about his several years with his adolescent/young man son and the countless attempts at rehab and recovery. He offers a comprehensive exposition of the various treatments, the impact on the rest of the family and the sleepless nights of agony with a kid who doesn't return home during relapse. Hard reading, but well done.