Love is too weak a word for what I feel about his father’s opinion of a life spent with computers.
Waaaaay back in high school, we had a short story due every Monday. It had the most profound influence on my life. A short story revival is perfect for 2024 attention spans.
The small touches in your writing is what I like best about it - "...holding out the cup for more Postum." >>> "...steering with one finger,..." >>> "... on a little metal table, was a family-size bag of barbeque potato chips...". The small and ordinary human habits that speak with such eloquence.
I love The Hoaxer. I also really enjoy your weekly podcast with Matt Taibbi, America This Week. It is often the highlight of my week. I’m not sure if this means you have a great podcast, or that I have a boring life as a 63 year old psychologist ;)
Great & nostalgic story Walter. Warmed my heart to read about a significant albeit short story about your Dad. I wonder how much he influenced your life (as our parents do). Get to hear little bits & pieces of your life listening to you with Matt T on ATW - your input is respected, broad-minded & appreciated. Also follow you on X. Thanks so much for your own/personal life short story.
A beautiful piece. My favourite part: 'I sat squeezed in tight between my parents, forming the link and keeping us a family. A thin line down the middle of my body was all that I felt was left of me.'
That’s one of the best short stories I’ve read in decades. I grew up in northern Montana, Interstate 15 was my playground, lived in Helena for 5 years, and Glacier Park is the most beautiful place on earth and I pray I’ll get to drive the going to the sun road just one more time.
Well done Walter. Thanks for sharing memories of defining experiences shared with your father. I try never to miss the ATW's livestreams. I enjoy your reviews of different author's works. The Mark Twain analysis comes to mind right now.
I felt this one, Walter. Can't help but reflect on my parents' oddities - both what shaped me, and how they were shaped as people. Great work, thank you.
I was a big reader when I was young, with Vonnegut among my favorites, but also loved the classics like Catch 22 and Garp. I always had some book in my backpack or by my bedside. In my late 30s, that just stopped. Not sure if it's because of technology or the laziness that comes with age. But now that I get an occasional story fed to me on my phone by my favorite cultural commentator, I'm reading fiction again. Your writing is beautiful. I like the fact that I have to stop and think about what it means when I get to the end, rather than have it hammered.
Love is too weak a word for what I feel about his father’s opinion of a life spent with computers.
Waaaaay back in high school, we had a short story due every Monday. It had the most profound influence on my life. A short story revival is perfect for 2024 attention spans.
More, Walter!
The small touches in your writing is what I like best about it - "...holding out the cup for more Postum." >>> "...steering with one finger,..." >>> "... on a little metal table, was a family-size bag of barbeque potato chips...". The small and ordinary human habits that speak with such eloquence.
I love The Hoaxer. I also really enjoy your weekly podcast with Matt Taibbi, America This Week. It is often the highlight of my week. I’m not sure if this means you have a great podcast, or that I have a boring life as a 63 year old psychologist ;)
Haha
Who about both?
A great story to begin my day with Walter. Thank you.
Did your actual father have any of these characteristics?
Yes, was the Dad fictional?
My question too!
Thanks Walter.
Always look forward to Friday morning for you and Matt on ATW.
Your insights and commentary are superb.
Great & nostalgic story Walter. Warmed my heart to read about a significant albeit short story about your Dad. I wonder how much he influenced your life (as our parents do). Get to hear little bits & pieces of your life listening to you with Matt T on ATW - your input is respected, broad-minded & appreciated. Also follow you on X. Thanks so much for your own/personal life short story.
A beautiful piece. My favourite part: 'I sat squeezed in tight between my parents, forming the link and keeping us a family. A thin line down the middle of my body was all that I felt was left of me.'
That’s one of the best short stories I’ve read in decades. I grew up in northern Montana, Interstate 15 was my playground, lived in Helena for 5 years, and Glacier Park is the most beautiful place on earth and I pray I’ll get to drive the going to the sun road just one more time.
Thanks Walter, this story hit me close to home.
Walter, great story. Parental idiosyncrasies can lead to shame in the kids. Could be trauma in the parents.
Walter is this story a hoax?
Well done Walter. Thanks for sharing memories of defining experiences shared with your father. I try never to miss the ATW's livestreams. I enjoy your reviews of different author's works. The Mark Twain analysis comes to mind right now.
Walter, you write beautifully. Thank you.
Howard, can I have your permission to print, copy and teach some lessons with this? I would love to see what the high schoolers come up with.
Every boy has to vanquish his father before he becomes a man. Prescient story, Walter.
I felt this one, Walter. Can't help but reflect on my parents' oddities - both what shaped me, and how they were shaped as people. Great work, thank you.
I was a big reader when I was young, with Vonnegut among my favorites, but also loved the classics like Catch 22 and Garp. I always had some book in my backpack or by my bedside. In my late 30s, that just stopped. Not sure if it's because of technology or the laziness that comes with age. But now that I get an occasional story fed to me on my phone by my favorite cultural commentator, I'm reading fiction again. Your writing is beautiful. I like the fact that I have to stop and think about what it means when I get to the end, rather than have it hammered.