The Prolific Career of William Steig

Doctor Desoto's author, William Steig died not too long ago after an amazing career as a cartoonist and children's writer. Check out his NY Times Obit here.

RE: ...But is this a major writer?

Vera and Vladimir Nabokov, Montreux, Switzerland, 1966

In one of Vladimir Nabokov's many pronouncements on the art of literature the author said that “there are three points of view from which a writer can be considered:…as a storyteller, as a teacher, and as an enchanter. A major writer combines these three….”

Consider your summer reading: did it do these three things? Feel free to comment below--but be ready to discuss in class!

RE: College Essay Inspiration!

Yes, you Seniors will need to be writing these this semester, and, depending on your level of ambition, you might find this article that was just posted in the NY times useful. Of course it may also fill you with trepidation, but have a read and let me know in the comments below!

RE: What makes us read

This article appeared the other day in the IHT (International Herald Tribune). It's a sweet memory of a writer's childhood and also has some interesting thing sot say about 'reading and its rewards.' Feel free to comment below this post after you have read it.