tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215036862051955994.post2879547744383871369..comments2023-04-07T23:13:18.502-10:00Comments on Marks in the Margin: Known and Strange ThingsRichard Katzevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03466537940588392927noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215036862051955994.post-43536550511248877602017-06-01T10:59:03.006-10:002017-06-01T10:59:03.006-10:00I'm glad it's already on your list. I thi...I'm glad it's already on your list. I think you'll enjoy it, Stefanie. It's to be read slowly, every now and then when you have a few extra minutes. Some of his essays are brilliant. If you've not read his Open City, add it to your what I'm sure is your huge list.Richard Katzevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03466537940588392927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215036862051955994.post-47445264536903271822017-06-01T10:55:37.744-10:002017-06-01T10:55:37.744-10:00Oh this sounds most excellent. It is on my reading...Oh this sounds most excellent. It is on my reading list already but I like hearing about how good it is, it gives me something to look forward to :)Stefaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943596258182968212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215036862051955994.post-83252761824781433772017-05-31T12:03:06.773-10:002017-05-31T12:03:06.773-10:00I agree about the value of writing. It is a test ...I agree about the value of writing. It is a test of your beliefs, the ability to express them clearly. Absent that, your beliefs remain in some kind of limbo. <br /><br />The French have always accepted black individuals. That's why so many African Americans have gone to live in France, e.g. James Baldwin.<br /><br />I will try to find the PBS documentary on African American soldiers in World War I. I think the same is true for those who served in World War II.<br /><br />Richard Katzevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03466537940588392927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215036862051955994.post-33861003156693005102017-05-31T11:50:59.840-10:002017-05-31T11:50:59.840-10:00Very interesting post - nothing better than a good...Very interesting post - nothing better than a good collection of essays to savor over time. Aciman's comment about learning through writing really resonates with me. Writing was always my best teacher.<br /><br />Cole's comments about the unaccustomed freedoms that African Americans enjoy in the armed services reminded me of a recent PBS documentary on WWI. One of the segments told the story of a company of African American soldiers who fought gallantly in France and were decorated for their heroism. The French treated them as equals, which astonished them. They thought their service in The Great War would earn them respect when they returned home. Not so. Racists could not allow them to hold their heads high. Two brothers returning home on a train were attacked in their rail car, and when they defended themselves, were shot dead by the mob. Other returning African American veterans were quickly reminded of their place with violence and intimidation. It was a heartbreaking slice of our history to watch.<br /><br />Adding this book to my groaning list. <br />Lindahttps://commonplacefortheuncommon.com/noreply@blogger.com