The Grim Shakes

I have privately hazarded a theory that many of the great literary plots became void upon the arrival of air conditioning in the modern world. Saul Bellows' early novel The Victim is another example. If Levanthal had central air, he would likely have slept better and with an improved nervous disposition he would have been better disposed to encounter Allbee, his antagonist.

I feel no spirit this year. I am looking forward to being with my wife the next few days.

I am leaning towards a reading goal for 2012. I have wrestled with the idea of trying to complete 40 biographies. The pull for such remains inexplicable.