My Favorite Things

Today in English class, we were discussing a lecture that we had all attended earlier that same day. The lecture was on "murderabilia" and the popularity of violence in American culture. Somehow, we got on the subject of tragedies, and why everybody appreciates sad movies and books so much. My teacher suggested that it's because our lives are filled with tragedy, and reading about sadness helps us cope. I raised my hand.

"But if that's really true, why don't we read more happy novels?" I asked.

The girl who contradicts everything I say spoke up immediately. "There aren't any books like that!" she said, in the tone of "let's see you defeat that!"

"Of course there are!" I exclaimed. "One of my favorite authors, Laurie Colwin wrote exclusively- even in her cookbooks- about finding happiness and creating a pleasant life amidst chaos. Why isn't that a more popular genre?"

Another girl suggested, "When people read about happiness, it makes them feel dissatisfied. They wonder why their lives aren't like that, and that makes them depressed."

GWCEIS added, "Happy endings are unrealistic, too."

But you know what? That's stupid! I hate sad stories, and for that matter, I think it's an act of masochism to read too many of them. So allow me to make a suggestion, dear readers.

Laurie Colwin wrote several lovely books before her untimely death (if you really like tragedy, think about that while you read them), and all of the novels have dynamic and interesting female protagonists. My personal favorite is Happy All The Time, which is a book written about four people who are happy all the time. The back of the book says: "This delightful comedy of manners and morals is about romantic friendship, romantic marriage, and romantic love- about four people who are goodhearted and sane, lucky and gifted, and who find one another." I read it for the first time when my history class was studying Auschwitz, for balance. You can't read Happy All The Time and walk away feeling depressed, or even slightly miserable.

Also entertaining are Laurie Colwin's cookbooks, Home Cooking and More Home Cooking. The only problem with them is that the recipes aren't really very instructive; if you try cooing them, you will find several gaping holes in the procedure. Basically, they read as stories about food: Laurie Colwin's worst dinner parties (both attended and given), cooking at a shelter for battered women, and when it is appropriate to serve a Jewish Friday night dinner. (Answer: after a hard, arduous week, and only about once every three months.) They also contain amusing tips concerning kitchenware and how to properly serve tea. (Laurie Colwin says that tea is the best meal for a party, because that way your guests won't stay too late and you won't walk away from the meal feeling weighted down.)

In short, don't get sad. Get Laurie Colwin! You'll save hundreds of dollars on Kleenex (or laundry, if you are like Emily or me and use handkerchiefs instead).