Digressions by D’reen

—by  Doreen Uren Simmons

Hi Dear Reader: I want to begin by congratulating Anna and Steve on their twenty years of North Simcoe News/Life. Mine is just a small voice amongst the many kudos that have already been received, but I’m thinking that maybe I’m the only one who was there at the beginning and still is? If so, I’m proud and happy and privileged. I am considerably older than twenty (!!) and it is lovely to still be considered valuable and worth reading!

After that opening I am determined NOT to mention the weather in this column. Well…except to say that the sun is shining and whilst some people got hail in the big storm a few weeks ago, WE got big chunks of ice, and the cute lil’ speckles all over the deck floor are proof. Fini. 

I want to talk about our reading list. Last Christmas I realized that my partner had not read many of Louise Penny’s series, and so I got him all 21 books, mostly now in paperback. He’s a slow reader so I re-read them ahead of him and was delighted anew.

Then I was gifted a Kate Atkinson which I liked and so found all of her output. Then on to all of the Tana French mysteries and back to some of the Ben MacIntyre World War Two spy stories. All of the above I highly recommend…BUT…the lady I am most in awe of is: Barbara Kingsolver. 

The Poisonwood  Bible is a title I had known for years, but never actually read. I got it and was overwhelmed and so…yep…got her entire output! She is an amazing woman.  She manages to write lovely fictional stories with fascinating characters and at the same time preach a profound story about currently vital issues. She has a passionate love for and knowledge of nature and consequently a horror of the things we are doing to destroy it. Think climate change. Her research is formidable and verifiable and her morality inspiring. It’s wonderful to feel so passionate about someone who is still alive!

There…hardly a mention of the weather! Thanksgiving is coming…so am getting the cranberries and turkey stuffing ready, my speciality. Have a wonderful fall, count your blessings, and get your winter reading purchased. Love to you…D’reen