Having finished Kim Wehle’s smashing book about the pardon power, I am convinced that it should be read by everyone. I know that’s unrealistic, but honestly Kim manages to break down a very complex subject into language that lay people can follow. The 451 footnotes confirm that this is indeed a scholarly text. However, it really is amazingly well constructed and with punchy comments that bring home the central message. And in the last chapter Kim exposes what another term by the convicted felon could mean for the misuse of this awesome power. One of the last footnotes references a television episode I had never watched which is detailed in a Meet the Press transcript of an interview with the former president by Kristen Welker. His words in print are very revealing. The title of this latest book by Kim is “Pardon Power: How the System Works — and Why” and it is the fourth in her series of explainer texts for the public.
I still prefer to read actual physical books, and there was a cartoon recently in which someone said they had “read” a great many books in the past year—but the punchline was that they had listened to them during their commute. While the words reach the brain in both instances, I personally finding listening to be a very different experience. Much like listening to the radio as a child, it never replaced the delight of curling up with a book. And I enjoyed quite a few stories on the BBC, not just music. Of course, technology has changed many things in life, and I won’t go into a rant about what in my opinion it may have done so for the worse, but I’m glad that publishers still see fit to issue a product which I can savor.
And since I’m on the subject of reading, I’ve shared before that at bedtime I stick to lighter fare so that my mind can eventually disengage. I have the entire collection of Sue Grafton’s alphabet series (A to Y), and by chance I picked up my copy of “ ‘C’ is for Corpse” to re-read. I had forgotten what an absolutely wonderful writer she is (or was because she went far too soon). The level of detail she includes immediately draws you into Kinsey’s world, and I definitely feel as though I am catching up with an old friend. So between now and the most consequential election of our time, I will continue to escape last thing before sleep so that I can arise in the morning to muddle through—one day at a time.
We’re all in this together and I do believe that goodness will prevail.
TTFN
Thanks Katharine, I'm "on the same page as you" when it comes to reading a book I can hold in my hands. I assume the appreciation comes partly from being able to reflect at will. (when listening to a book in my car) I'd find myself having to pause and rewind over and over again.
A NewYorkTimes opinion article has stayed with me: Recommending that Joe Biden use his pardon power NOW to pardon everyone sitting on death row. He could even give Kamala credit for the act if that is indeed her position.
"the punchline was that they had listened to them during their commute" Audio is how books will be consumed in the future. As machine-generated narration becomes more sophisticated, writers will be able to afford and easily produce superb audio of their books. Now they just have to write good books : )