September 11

Each year I've had this blog, I've posted a reflection on September 11, 2001. Each one remains true for me. I have nothing to add today but this picture.

Tennis, Anyone?

Watching the U.S. Open is one of my favorite end-of-summer traditions. As powerful as players have become, I find myself agreeing with those who say too many rely on outhitting each other from the baseline. Yes, it makes for longer rallies, but I prefer to see aggressive thinking, each shot setting up a pass or volley, not purely defensive.

People criticized John McEnroe for his meltdowns, but to my mind no one was a better strategist on the court. Add to this his excellent vision and coordination and I can see why he became frustrated. He was so often far ahead of his opponent and the chair umpire. And when his body could no longer do what he had in mind? Who wouldn't get frustrated?

HEAVEN'S KEEP by William Kent Krueger

A small plane carrying Cork O'Connor's wife Jo goes missing in Wyoming. After a week-long search, Cork and his son Stephen begin to accept the fact Jo is dead. Six months later, two women approach Cork with evidence that the plane's pilot was an impostor. This gives Cork new hope that Jo's life may not have ended as he assumed, but his new search for answers provokes a trail of murders.

I'm a fan of Krueger's short fiction, but had only read the first Cork book before I was offered Heaven's Keep to review. I remembered Cork and Jo's volatile dynamic from Iron Lake. Part of what tortures Cork and drives his efforts is an unresolved feud with Jo.

Krueger's portrayal of Cork and Stephen's reactions to losing Jo are meaty and genuine. I applaud Krueger and other authors willing to take the creative leap of killing off a major character, injecting a fictional world with realism and resonance.