This essay is such a quiet triumph. I came for the dog story and stayed for the meditation on humility. The image of your “low rider” keeping pace, stumbling and syncing with you—it’s a perfect metaphor for how writing (and life) really works when we’re not pretending to be experts. Your take on beginner’s mind hit hard, especially the contrast between Zen and the productivity industrial complex. Thank you for the reminder that starting over isn’t regression—it’s an act of grace. And congrats again on The Many Lives of Anne Frank—a book with real soul.
This essay is such a quiet triumph. I came for the dog story and stayed for the meditation on humility. The image of your “low rider” keeping pace, stumbling and syncing with you—it’s a perfect metaphor for how writing (and life) really works when we’re not pretending to be experts. Your take on beginner’s mind hit hard, especially the contrast between Zen and the productivity industrial complex. Thank you for the reminder that starting over isn’t regression—it’s an act of grace. And congrats again on The Many Lives of Anne Frank—a book with real soul.
Congratulations! I loved "A Rather Haunted Life" and I have been looking forward to your book on Anne Frank!
Also very much looking forward to reading!!
I am very much looking forward to reading this. Congratulations, Ruth. Well-deserved advance accolades!
Mazel Tov, Ruth!! We must keep telling the stories. https://jewdicious.substack.com/p/people-cant-never-forget-what-they
I look forward to hearing and meeting you at the CJH Wednesday!