It's Kinda Funny

that when I started doing comedy I met some of the most unhappiest people ever.
But no, when I really think about it, it isn't that comics are more unhappy that most people, but I do think they are more aware.
You know the whole "the unexamined life isn't worth living" thing?
And "ignorance is bliss?"
Well it's true.
If you don't look too deeply, or think too much, life is grand.
And comics make their laughs by being very observant.  By picking up on the "funny" in all senses of the word (a little off, a little weird) elements in the every day.
There are a lot of "funny" things about the world in which we live.
And maybe comics who are especially good are those who are examining life, even the difficult parts.
Or maybe I just say that to make myself feel humbly superior to those who don't, instead of just admitting that I am a paranoid dork.
That could very well be true!
But Strong Ending:  A Journey from Combat to Comedy features people who have the seen some of the worst of the worst that humanity has to offer, in the from of violence.  In the form of combat. 
This book is truly funny and truly touching.  I highly recommend a listen. 

Author Binge

Obviously I am on an author binge with Robert Cormier.  After the First Death was harder for me to get into at first, but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED.  It was brutal.  It was very well done.  It raises a lot of questions about service to one's country and what that might mean. 
Powerful. 

Perspective Matters

Had I read Dinner with the Smileys when I was younger, I would have probably enjoyed it more. When I was Sarah Smiley's age, maybe.  Maybe.  I am just not sure.
I came into it with a really positive attitude.  (I always try to think about my what my attitude was when I started a book when I end up not liking a book). I really was thinking I would enjoy this!
First of all I consider myself to be very patriotic.  I have tremendous respect for those who serve in our armed forces and for their families, for the sacrifices they make and for their bravery.  The other thing is, I am just starting to facilitate a non-fiction book group (super excited about this) and the group has picked this title and so I am just excited in general.  Also, it was recommended to me by my dear friend and she loved it!
So was I expecting too much?  That does happen sometimes!
But no, I really don't think in this case it was.
The first thing that bothered me was the realization that Sarah Smiley is a professional writer with weekly newspaper columns.  When I read the blurb, I didn't remember learning this.  I thought it was just a "regular" mom who was inspired by her family's situation and started posting on Facebook maybe, about these dinners and it all came from there.
But there just seemed someone a little...I don't know- at least different from what I thought when I realized she is an established writer.
The second thing that bugged me is TOTALLY minor and ridiculous, but I didn't like that she didn't know what the word ovulation meant.  I mean, that is just weird.  And maybe she did and she pretended she didn't know what it was in the book in a tongue-and-cheek way, just joking about not knowing what it was.  It was just weird.  And again, seemed a little disingenuous to me, like the fact that she is a professional writer.
The other thing, the biggest thing, is that while she does mention that some people have it so much worse than she and her boys did, I just couldn't get way from thinking, "Lady.  Some people's daddies and mommies will never come home."  I feel terrible feeling that way.  She DOES admit to that.  But I think combined with her being a professional writer, when I read "75 of our friends came to the airport to great him" when her husband is home from his deployment, I just couldn't help but think"hmmm."
But Sarah Smiley is young.
And she does seem like a lovely person.
And I can't imagine what it would be like to be away from one's spouse for a year while he or she is off serving in the military around the world.
But I thought about all those non-professional writers who won't be gathering with 75 of their closest friends, some of whom are Boston Red Sox ball players to greet their loved one home.
And I think it would be awesome if she continues to live out the rest of her life that way!  I wish everyone could.