I used to think that I liked books that wrap the story in a neat little bundle. The plot was tight and complete.
I realize now that the gut-punch stories are the ones that stick with me:
- The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings — my father gave me this book for Christmas when I was in 7th grade. I looked at the thickness of the book and thought, No way. Then I read it. And loved it. I cried and cried. How can I love something that makes me cry — but I do.
- The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie — I still get a knot in my stomach when I think about it. “It’s all sp’iled…” The fact that I still remember that line and can picture the scene speaks to the power of the book.
- A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean — Is it the nature and the water that make this comforting, and cause it to stick with me? Or is it the family conflict? Or is it the beauty and messiness of life all rolled into one.
This morning, I read that Dick van Dyke, who recently turned 100, had written a memoir called, “Keep Moving.” I think that IS the plot for life.
The neat tight plot isn’t real. Sad things occur. Mistakes are made. People disappoint.
And yet, the world is still a beautiful place.
My goal/theme for 2026 will be “Keep Moving.”
It’s going to be a great year.
This is my submission for Stream of Consciousness Saturday (SoCS). This week’s word was “plot.“
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 