Susan loved science fiction. There were whole series of books and authors she collected, scouring used bookstores wherever she went. She found used bookstores in Raleigh that I didn't even know existed.
She tried recommending science fiction books for me, but being the stereotypical dumb blonde, I just couldn't get into them. It was, of course, because I couldn't understand them. We eventually stuck to the other books we read, trading them, discussing them, and every now and then, just randomly mailing them to each other. "This one made me think of you," as the inscription.
After she died, I did so many things to try and hold onto her. Some involved Google, others involved comfort food (read: donuts), but there was one thing I found that actually did make me feel like she was right there with me. Reading. We were always talking what we had read lately.
I bought Madeline L'Engle's Time Quintet on my Nook, and I read them all over again. I have always loved A Wrinkle in Time, and I know I've tried reading A Swiftly Tilting Planet and A Wind in the Door, but I never understood them. This time, I did. I loved them all, and I felt like Susan was right there with me on every page.
This past week, I sent the books to my nephew for his birthday (which was in July, but I'm random that way). I know they will be hard to understand at first, but he is already looking at the stars and asking questions. His telescope sits in the dining room, waiting for him to discover how much is really out there. I find myself hoping that he will be able to have a conversation about books the next time I get to visit him - I do so love to talk about books with someone who loves the stars too.
I have never gotten into science fiction. I remember I told Susan that my mom had a friend from college whose mother lived in New York City. Every year Florence would host a Thanksgiving Brunch so we could all watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from her apartment window along the parade route. We attended year after year until I left for college. There was a man who also was invited to brunch every year. I labeled him "Badger Man" in my head as he had salt and pepper bushy sideburns. One year people were approaching him with books. So I asked my mother if she knew why. She looked at me as if she had raised some sort of a dumbass and informed me, "Devra, he is Isaac Asimov." If he'd been Stephen King, I totally would have known, but science fiction was not my thang. Susan got a kick out of it and I was happy I could share my ridiculousness with her.
ReplyDeleteIf you love Madeleine L'Engle, I wonder if you'd like When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead. It's the most beautiful homage to the Time books. Surprising, moving, funny. A book as lovely as Susan.
ReplyDelete(What would she say about this "dumb blonde" thing, I wonder...I like to think she'd tell you to put some money in The Jar of Shame, for the future purchase of books and/or donuts, speaking around a mouthful of whatever her favorite kind of donut is.)
This brought tears to my eyes. I haven't read those books in years, but next time I do, I know I will think of you and Susan.
ReplyDeleteI loved A Wrinkle in Time, but I never got the others either. Maybe I'll try them again. I also think my girls would like them. Must add it to our list.
ReplyDeleteA Wrinkle In Time is on my pile to read with (to) my girl. And now I'll be thinking of you and Susan while I read it.
ReplyDeleteAlso? You are so not a dumb blonde. :)
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