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Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

So opens, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It’s an interesting thought.  I’ve only just begun the book, so I’m not sure how this opening sentence might play out in the rest of the story, but I have thought about that idea quite a bit. Happy families are all alike. Do I know of any families I can say are truly, “happy.”  Maybe, but I think in modern times we have this idea of functional vs. Dysfunctional. I’m not sure that’s the best classification since there are now talk show hosts making their livings by saving “dysfunctional” families in neat 60 minute segments. This is probably why I don’t like talk shows.

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The Classics

I have discovered the classic literature I must have missed out on in my youth.  I’m not sure why I never read the classics in high school.  Isn’t that when they are usually touted?  I remember reading Faulkner (like I could “get” Faulkner in 11th grade.  I’m not sure I’d “get” him now) in my AP English as well as the Steinbeck novels, East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath (those I actually remember liking, and should probably read again).  I don’t remember reading any Austen, which I consider a “classic,” or Bronte.  Perhaps we did study them and I have blocked them out.

Thus, over the last few years, I’ve tried to read some of those wonderful stories I missed out in earlier in life.  Unfortunately, it takes me quite a while to get through a book now that I’m working full time.  I tackled War and Peace last fall.  It took me 3 months to read the whole thing, but damn it, I did it and you should too.  It’s a great story!  And I think that is why I love classic literature so much.  They are truly well written, great stories!  The characters are well developed and then wrapped up so neatly into the story telling that they almost seem real enough to invite over to tea.  (One of my co-workers is even dating someone she calls, “the doctor,” Oh la!).

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