153 Comments
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Kathejo Bohlman's avatar

I wake up every day and read three newspapers (including the Washington Post, sorry) and Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter. Every day, my heart sinks a little.

And then I read your posts, and although everything might not be all right with the world for very long, my heart is lightened for that moment. Thank you so much.

Ron Charles's avatar

Thank you, Kathejo -- that's the nicest thing you could say!

Kitty's avatar

Not quite that well read here but your writing lights up my day, my mind and my facial muscles as I smile or laugh out loud (today, at your adventures with Reese) - and will take comfort only in being able to carry these thoughts in a pocket - but still wish they were in my Sunday paper.

Ppl look p's avatar

Does the mac & cheese book have this one? Ban shredded cheese!

Make America grate again.

(Too soon?)

Sharon L. Shelly's avatar

Your account of your budding "relationship" with Reese Witherspoon was hilarious! It reminds me of James Thurber's "File and Forget," a piece consisting of a series of letters between the author, his publisher, and several other people who get dragged into the confusion.

By the way, I hope you're not writing off the possibility of a TV series based on your reviews. It has enormous potential! Main character: a brilliant but harried book reviewer who recounts his experiences and misadventures in the business and quotes from his reviews. Reenacted scenes from various novels would provide the action sequences... Seriously, go for it!

Patrick's avatar

I think Ron's humor is indeed Thurberesque. It's gentle, nuanced and sometimes absurd, just like a good Thurber story.

Julie Lalo's avatar

You knew you were going to make me laugh and then cry, all within the space of 3 minutes, holding nothing but this stupid mobile phone. For once, it was worth the grip. Thank you, as always, for taking us along on your travels with the written word.

Margot Watson's avatar

Wow, that poem just got me. I hope I remember it whenI need it.

Ron Charles's avatar

She's wonderful -- as is this entire collection. Highly recommend it.

Prudence Brown's avatar

I have to agree with comments below--your column brings such needed humor, perspective and wisdom to our crazy and often depressing world. Thank you, thank you!!

Ron Charles's avatar

Much appreciated, Prudence!

Leigh Haber's avatar

OMG that is hysterical!! After a difficult week I needed that laugh. I’ve always loved Fridays for obvious reasons, but your columns bring out the TGIF!!

Ron Charles's avatar

Thanks, Leigh. And TGIF, indeed!

beherenow's avatar

Ha ha - very timely. Terry Gross would appreciate this. And again, thanks for that lovely poem.

Ron Charles's avatar

My pleasure: Donna Masini's latest collection is so great.

Nancy Reding's avatar

Sometimes I forget how funny you are. The beginning of this essay had me howling!

Ron Charles's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. Glad you enjoyed it!

Rebecca Steinitz's avatar

AI x capitalism x books: the mashup we never knew we didn't need! But probably could have guessed.

Ron Charles's avatar

Right?! What could go wrong?

(Answer: Everything)

Jean Austin's avatar

OMG, to you and all the comments below -- Needed the laugh, loved poem and your suit looks good!

Ron Charles's avatar

Thanks, Jean. I confess that new(ish) suit is a little tight on me after a summer of "vacation" eating, but I like the funereal look.

Alison Rice's avatar

Hope to see you at the book festival! Such a great lineup this year.

Elizabeth Corbett's avatar

I'm volunteering for the author lines at the NBF this weekend! Appreciate the lowdown on some of the authors, especially because I'm not familiar with some of them. The race goes near the convention center, so curious to see what kind of crowds we get this year. Either way, I'll have something new to read on the metro ride home!

JBN RN's avatar

I met Richard Russo at a book signing years ago for his book Chances Are. What a lovely and funny man he is! I agree.

cassandra neyenesch's avatar

Hasn't AI been a gift to us all?

Julie's avatar

You nailed this one! Thank you for the LOLs.

Ron Charles's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it, Julie.