All in Non-Fiction

It's the portrayals of thinkers and writers like O’Brien, Nadine Gordimer, James Wood, and Edward Said, that further explain the purpose behind such a book, more so than Professor Boyers’ reflections on the title figures. Much of this memoir is set at various dinners, conferences, and symposiums where arguments are volleyed and feelings are hurt. The atmosphere is taut with argument.

During our time dating, Matt told me he had an ex-lover named Geoff.  For whatever reasons and coincidences, more than a couple of my boyfriends over the years have had exes named Geoff.  I apologize for this stupid and ridiculous response, but I developed a negative, visceral reaction when I hear that name mentioned by someone I’m seeing, no matter how it’s spelled. 

The only thing I knew about MS-related blindness was a condition called Optic Neuritis—a painful condition that hurt like a migraine, or worse. Now, in the waiting room, blind as a bat, I couldn’t recall being in any pain the night before when the issue started. New panic set in—was the issue my retina? Could it be falling off without me even feeling it? I’d been so used to blaming things on my MS, any alternatives fell by the wayside. I hoped for the best. 

The problem with working on a home while living in it is that you are forever doomed to be making room, clearing away the debris of one to make room for the other, constantly compromising. Because neither is ever in its fullness, both remain in a protracted, seemingly infinite process of getting in each other’s way. 

As Judge McDonough waltzes down the hallway towards his chambers, with three defense attorneys in tow, suddenly Johnny Lagatutta races past me and the other attorneys—including the defense attorney whose client had just been locked up, and jumps atop Judge McDonough’s back. Lagatutta wraps an arm around the judge’s neck and secures his choke hold with the other hand. McDonough swings his arms, trying to reach back to free Lagatutta’s grip, to no avail.  

Autzen Stadium is many things. At worst, it is an edifice of concrete and steel, that’s seen millions of dollars in renovations funded by a man who’s devoted similar levels of capital to influencing local elections. At the same time, Autzen is a thing of beauty. For a few Saturdays in the fall, tens of thousands of people fill the seats, regardless of weather.