Sandpipers

I’ve always loved watching sandpipers. “Sandpeepers” my children used to call them. They are exquisite little birds, determined and fleet. They rush down to the shoreline as the tide goes out,  their tiny feet a blur, pick a few morsels from the sand, then just as quickly turn and race back, just ahead of the waves. It’s a synchronistic dance; a never-ending, seemingly patient pursuit, always in the moment.      

They often seem to travel in a group, but not always. When in a group, they move like one bird, together yet not infringing on one another’s space. Alone, they are a single, perfect, zigzagging note.

Not dissimilar from our own pursuits. Their worries, if they have them, are different. No bills, no possessions to speak of. Something to think about. Watching them, I’m in the moment, too. 

Another gift from nature.

THE GOLDFINCH- MARCH 2017 BOOK SELECTION

I just finished The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I initially picked it up at the library as a book on tape but quickly realized I wanted to read it as well. So for the first time, I read and listened to a novel at the same time. I have to say, I enjoyed every minute. Listening to the very accomplished actor on tape give each character a unique personality was simply a bonus. It also highlighted the beauty of the language.

This novel, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is a masterpiece. I do not say that lightly. I was absorbed from beginning to end. The story begins with a catastrophic event which alters forever the life of the main character, Theodore Decker. A random choice made by his mother and his life changes course.

The book explores many themes, one of which is the random (or are they) nature of life changing events. But it also explores the complexity of relationships, coming of age, the nature of man and the role of beauty in life. This is done with breathtaking skill and finesse. These are big themes and there are no Pollyanna punches pulled here. Nothing is wrapped up in a tidy bow. Goldfinch sometimes is difficult, sad, and occasionally gruesome. Theo is so damaged and goes down so many wrong paths you are horrified and yet still yearn for his redemption.

I have to say also that one of the most enjoyable aspects of Goldfinch was the creation by Tartt of one of the finest characters I have seen in recent literature, Theo’s best friend, Boris. He is on a superlative par with Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The anti-hero. Wrong in so many ways, but still with a spark of human grace. He reminds us that no one is ever just one thing.

Off the scale.