When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
Big front page article about how much reading means to President Obama. As if it didn’t already hurt enough that this beautiful man was leaving office. This man who loves Shakespeare, and Emerson and Toni Morrison. He invited five writers to the White House: Colson Whitehead, Barbara Kingsolver, Dave Eggers, Zadie Smith and Junot Diaz. I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the list and not just because it didn’t include me. I feel like the list could have been a little more provocative, different genres, or just weird.
What five writers would you invite to the White House?
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Betsy Lerner 
Depends on whose White House. Obama’s, or Trump’s? Have to admit I’m not sure in either case, but the occupant matters.
Shaindel Beers, Matt Bell, Averil Dean, Betsy Lerner, Chris J. Rice.
Living writers: Colum McCann Marilynne Robinson Cormac McCarthy
Dennis Lehane Charles Frazier John Le Carré (for The Spy Who Came in from the Cold) Larry McMurtry Joyce Carol Oates Elmore Leonard William Gibson
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Lydia Yuknavitch, Carole Maso, Betsy, Ian McEwan & Michael Cunningham. Me, too.
Paul Yoon, George Saunders, Averil Dean, Tetman Callis and Betsy Lerner. Now that would be a party!
Side note: If you haven’t seen the movie, “Southside With You”, watch it when you can. Not only will it make you miss Barack Obama even more, it’s a beautiful story about two people who truly care about others — and each other — and understand the ways of the world in an enlightening way. The way Barack tastes Michelle’s ice cream is beautiful and sexy. And at the end, Barack is thoughtful, reflective with a cigarette and book. This is just another thing we’re seriously going to miss in a few short days. Where has our country gone?
Wow, I’ve racked up two invites! I will wear my party shoes.
I haven’t seen the movie, but I agree that the two of them are remarkably well matched in intellect and temperament, and also they just exude this romantic, respectful love toward one another. I’ve always found it comforting.
My wife and I are having a retirement party for the Obamas on Thursday 1/19, to express our gratitude for their remarkable, gracious service. Probably 40 people from our dinky little town of 750 will be here. (We had an inauguration party back in 2009 as well, in the town hall, with 150 or so.)
So the event would be the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Joan Didion. The four other guests would be:
Joe Coomer
Sherman Alexie
Emily Nussbaum
Colum McCann
Margaret Atwood
Joan Didion
Mary Karr
Hilary Mantel
ZZ Packer
I would invite five beginning writers who have never been to the U.S. and would like to tour the White House. They would be chosen randomly. One writer from Africa, one from Asia, one from South America, one from Europe, one from Australia/Oceania.
I would invite only me. I would be there to look and listen and others trying to ask intelligent questions would only annoy me. Crisman