I find that those who matter the most don’t know it. So, along with a nationwide chorus, I give you the good news “You Matter”. How gloomy would the days be without your window onto current and classic books, teaching in our schools (via your spouse), and news of literary gatherings.
Leaving a career one loves is one of the most traumatic events that I have ever experienced. I have been teaching non fiction and fiction writing and literature on the college level since dinosaurs roamed the earth. I had to retire to care for my very sick husband, and once he died, I tragically felt the loss of both loves. But slowly, I have found a way to matter. You will as well. Your book recommendations matter to so many readers. I believe, a more lucrative and positive career will come to you perhaps via The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, or from The Gray Lady, my beloved New York Times. And work on that best selling book that I am eagerly awaiting. In the meantime, your Substack posts are marvelous, erudite, and so informative.
If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment. If you never know what you want to be, if you live what some might call the dynamic life, but what I call the artistic life, if each day you are content to be what you are, and refuse to be anything else, you will never become anything, and that is your reward.” - Oscar Wilde
There is more to this than you being let go. The Washington Post is dying. I say this as someone who has written five biographies involving figures from the history of journalism.
Letting you go is a bad decision but captains of sinking ships rarely make good decisions.
Substack is your life boat. Proud to be among your early subscribers. Friday mornings will remain the best part of my week, as long as I see “Ron Charles” in my in-box.
Being let go is a shock to the system and it takes time to come to terms with the need to forge a new identity. So glad to see you on Substack and to have the opportunity to support your work. This is a fantastic place for readers and writers and I’m sure you’ll find your people here. May this be a wonderful new chapter in your life. You definitely matter!
Yes, you matter. Honestly, I prefer reading you on Substack. I never subscribed to WaPo. Only to your newsletter. When I got laid off from my magazine job in the not-so-great Recession, it took a long time to recover. Now, I’d never go back. Life is so good being my own boss.
Hi Ron - So happy to continue reading your reviews and observations. Having left many of my library jobs over the years (once I was fired), I found that William Bridges book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, helped me survive. Another inspirational writer is Jungian, James Hollis. Look for Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, or any of his books. Best wishes, Sarah
Ron—You so matter to all of your readers. With my (only) subscription to Substack, I feel fortunate to continue the Ron Charles Friday treat. Write on Ron.
I find that those who matter the most don’t know it. So, along with a nationwide chorus, I give you the good news “You Matter”. How gloomy would the days be without your window onto current and classic books, teaching in our schools (via your spouse), and news of literary gatherings.
You still matter, Ron! Thank you for this terrific newsletter.
Not to be snide or snarky, Ron, but I have a great sweatshirt that says
"You matter, unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light; then you energy"
Always makes me laugh.
Omg amazing 😂
That is the BEST sweatshirt slogan! Where did it come from?
Not sure, but I saw it often in the 2010s. Just had to buy it. Sounds like something from Neil Degrasse Tyson
You are my favorite ink-stained wretch! Great column.
You are the best book critic in the country. We need you now more than ever.
I concur 📚✍️🗽
So glad that Fridays still include my favorite read of the week. Hang in there, I suspect things will be better than ever in a short time.
Leaving a career one loves is one of the most traumatic events that I have ever experienced. I have been teaching non fiction and fiction writing and literature on the college level since dinosaurs roamed the earth. I had to retire to care for my very sick husband, and once he died, I tragically felt the loss of both loves. But slowly, I have found a way to matter. You will as well. Your book recommendations matter to so many readers. I believe, a more lucrative and positive career will come to you perhaps via The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, or from The Gray Lady, my beloved New York Times. And work on that best selling book that I am eagerly awaiting. In the meantime, your Substack posts are marvelous, erudite, and so informative.
Great post, Ron. I hadn’t realized how much I missed your writing until now, since I abandoned the WP long before they abandoned you!
Same here!
Something to meditate on at 3pm - not 3am!
If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment. If you never know what you want to be, if you live what some might call the dynamic life, but what I call the artistic life, if each day you are content to be what you are, and refuse to be anything else, you will never become anything, and that is your reward.” - Oscar Wilde
There is more to this than you being let go. The Washington Post is dying. I say this as someone who has written five biographies involving figures from the history of journalism.
Letting you go is a bad decision but captains of sinking ships rarely make good decisions.
Substack is your life boat. Proud to be among your early subscribers. Friday mornings will remain the best part of my week, as long as I see “Ron Charles” in my in-box.
Being let go is a shock to the system and it takes time to come to terms with the need to forge a new identity. So glad to see you on Substack and to have the opportunity to support your work. This is a fantastic place for readers and writers and I’m sure you’ll find your people here. May this be a wonderful new chapter in your life. You definitely matter!
Dear Ron, This is a love letter. I have been a fan for many years. And now I am pleased to be your paid subscriber. Best wishes going forward. ❤️
Yes, you matter. Honestly, I prefer reading you on Substack. I never subscribed to WaPo. Only to your newsletter. When I got laid off from my magazine job in the not-so-great Recession, it took a long time to recover. Now, I’d never go back. Life is so good being my own boss.
Hi Ron - So happy to continue reading your reviews and observations. Having left many of my library jobs over the years (once I was fired), I found that William Bridges book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, helped me survive. Another inspirational writer is Jungian, James Hollis. Look for Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, or any of his books. Best wishes, Sarah
Ron—You so matter to all of your readers. With my (only) subscription to Substack, I feel fortunate to continue the Ron Charles Friday treat. Write on Ron.
Could not agree more with your sentiment, beautifully expressed!
Enjoyed seeing you and others at Politics and Prose this evening. But devastated by why we were there.