Read this: The Rent Collector

Over the years there have been a number of YA books that captured me completely and for eternity. Off the top of my head, I immediately think of The Book Thief, What the Night Sings and Free Lunch. Interestingly enough, each of these books relates a story of a young person or family struggling under … Continue reading Read this: The Rent Collector →

Writer’s tears

I’ve mentioned before that I often find myself weepy when I’m in Ireland. If you know me at all, you’re aware that’s atypical of me. I’m not known to be a crier. On the occasions that I do get teary, it’s likely to be about children and animals, not songs or physical gestures. Last week, though, … Continue reading Writer’s tears →

The death of the future mayor

Within minutes of arriving at the neighborhood association holiday event, I had heard the terrible news about Matt Peter dying. I was at the party to take photographs of party attendees, something I do as often as I can when asked, and my task immediately became more difficult. How in the world was I going … Continue reading The death of the future mayor →

Late night thoughts in Lucca about Sinéad O’Connor

The sounds of Lucca woke me after what had been a poor night’s sleep. I don’t blame my fitful and interrupted sleep on Lucca; it’s simply how my nights are at this point in my life. The occasions when I manage to remain asleep for more than four or five consecutive hours are pretty rare. … Continue reading Late night thoughts in Lucca about Sinéad O’Connor →