wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Gene May 27, 2008 - 12:53PM

  Those interested in 'The Red Leather Diary' should read the first chapter at the NYT.

  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/books/chapters/first-chapter-red-leather-diary.html?ref=review

  It really is exquisitely written.

  
  
• [2] Alex from Park Slope May 27, 2008 - 12:54PM

  There is a sad in current in Mr. Lopate's and Ms. Koppel's discussion. That is the recurring notion that any person who has chosen or ended up in a life course that isn't famously creative or profitable. How many people have struggled like Florence but are now forgotten? Does Lily Koppel really mean to diminish such people? Or to diminish so many others who have "modest" ambitions?

  Why do we equate grand ambition or grand profit with virtue?

  
  
• [3] eva May 27, 2008 - 01:01PM

  I agree, it sounds as if the diarist enjoyed the best of two different paths in life.

  You have a classical-era idea of virtue, Alex.

  But this sounds like a wonderful book. The finder of the diary, Lily Koppel is a hoot! She's still in her twenties, but her voice and accent makes it sound like she's in her fifties. I wonder where she grew up? I can't wait to find the book.

  
  
• [4] Gene May 27, 2008 - 01:54PM

  Don't post this, but yes, thank you, that's much better. :-)

  
  
• [5] Anita M. Kramer from Manhattan - The West Village May 27, 2008 - 05:26PM

  As a proud graduate of Hunter College, I LOVED Florence-glad she chose Hunter!!

  Can't wait to read the book! Thank you Lilly!