Publisher's Synopsis
In this collection of essays, James McConkey -- novelist, professor, and memoirist -- writes about the authors and experiences that have meant the most to him in his life. On literature, he explains why he loves the books he loves and why he responds to the work of A R Ammons, Anton Chekhov, and E M Forster. A series of autobiographical essays poignantly recalls the events of courting and family life that remain as present to McConkey's inner vision as the day they took place. With a deep sense of appreciation, McConkey not only gives due recognition and favourable judgement to the books, people, and events he writes about, but also expresses his gratitude to them for the way they enriched his life.