You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.
~ Joan Miro'
This sentiment can be adapted to apply to anything that deeply touches us: a song, a sermon, a film, a lecture, a book or poem. It can also hold fast and true to anyone who impacts us greatly: a mentor, a friend, lover or even a stranger in passing. I devoted several weeks to The Goldfinch, and now I cannot get it out of my mind. Usually, a sure cure for a book hangover is to turn to a trusted, familiar author. Saturday morning I cracked open Pat Conroy's South of Broad, which I've been saving since 2009. Saving for just this kind of sad, seeking moment. The protagonist, Leo, kept calling back to mind my old friend, Theo. I just wasn't feeling it so I closed the book and spent the rest of Lily's acting class people watching. Then I came home and ordered Tartt's
first novel from the library. I've been a stalker ever since. I keep logging onto my library account only to see in transit. I think it should be available tomorrow. Whew! I think I'll shelf
South
of Broad until I can give it the attention it deserves.
