Hello again! In case we didn't meet while discussing Olive Kitteridge, I'm Shirley Helfrich, a librarian for the Maine State Library. Although I have read a great many books by Maine authors, I admit that I somehow missed reading One Man's Meat, with the exception of the chapter "Once More to the Lake."

That story comes close to being perfect in my view -- it's succinct, contains universal truths and many poignant moments. Perhaps too I identify with it because I used to live in New York City and spend time in Maine every year for many years. I felt the same anticipation upon arrival each year. And I too resented the changes that occurred during my absence, all completed without my permission!

I agree wholeheartedly with my fellow blogger Sarah when she mentioned that so much of this book could have been written today. White's coverage of issues and human nature is timeless -- "actor worship and the venertion of the Hollywood gods" in "Bond Rally," the tenderness of a parent in "Once More to the Lake," or poetical obscurity in "Poetry."

I wonder if others have found themselves skipping around from chapter to chapter instead of reading the book straight through. I see a chapter title like "Dog Training" and I can't wait to read it. And then I jump to "Compost" which wasn't at all what I thought it would be but proved just as engaging. And since I have a great fondness for children's books, I couldn't wait to read the chapter on that topic.

I am delighted that newspaper readers voted for such incredibly fine books to kick off the book blog. Now I have two more favorites that I can recommend without reservation to my book loving friends.

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