What I'm Reading

Passage to India by E.M. Forester

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

One is about the cross-cultural contraption of extreme politeness. How massive hospitality and power can inadvertently convolute relationships, even with best intentions. I mean, you should have seen what the Indian guy, Dr. Aziz did just to escort these two English guests to the local caves. Hired servants. Hired other people's servants. Borrowed silver. Went into debt to have food on hand at all times because he had heard that "the English like to eat every two hours." The two ladies just wanted to see the "real India." They were trying so hard not to be typical Ango Indians, aka British Colonialists. They had no idea what all went on to produce this day trip to the caves which ended up in disaster. I love Dr. Aziz and his version of reality, which is like mine. He just kinda makes it up as he goes. Works for him (and me), but not for the Brits.

The other book is how dog gone funny honest impoliteness can be. I think David Sedaris is hilarious, but he's a little raunchy so don't read him if that's not your taste. But he's not gratuitous raunchy, like he doesn't just make stuff up. He tells stories from his life and makes very painful moments actually laugh out loud funny. He can pack about ten principles of human nature into one paragraph. I think it's his way of healing.

Both books show how truth is often tragic. I suppose that's why we want so badly to avoid it if at all possible. Truth, that is. As usual, I'm about 15 years late and saw the movie Passage to India just a couple years ago and loved it. Put it on one night while washing the dishes. Not one single plate, cup, or fork got clean as I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Like whatever happened in the caves, the movie mesmerized me right from the onset. Saw it again with Bob. And will probably see it a third time now after finally reading the book.

Take care everyone. Hope you have some relief from the heat. With love, T