Really, I Blame The Whole Thing On Tama Janowitz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                To be honest, darlings, it really started with Jay McInerney.  I had just finished his breakthrough work, "Bright Legs, Big City," and was pleased with how it stood the test of time.  The next book on my Brat Pack agenda was his work, "Bright, Precious Days."  However, as I began reading the back jacket, I discovered this was not a singular volume, but the conclusion of a trilogy, involving a couple, named Russell and Corrie Calloway.  "Brightness Falls," "The Good Life," and
"Bright, Precious Days" is known as The Calloway Trilogy.

                                 Of course I am so darned anal, when it comes to literature. I knew I could not read this book without having read the first two.  I knew I had to go in search of them, because, while some out there may have no problem reading out of sequence, I cannot do so.  It's like seeing a film, where the reels are mixed up.

                                 On purely a whim, I went to my local bookstore, in Bay Ridge, and amazingly enough, they came through for me.  I found McInerney's "The Good Life" there.  Two out of three, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 I knew the first novel would be harder to find, and that meant a visit to The Strand, in Manhattan.  As long I was there, I thought about trying to find "A Cannibal In Manhattan," by Tama Janowitz.

                                   When I go to The Strand, I storm in, as though I own the place.  David says he has trouble keeping up with me, there, which is part of why things happened the way they did.

                                      Happily, I found "Brightness Falls" almost instantly.  It was midway on those high shelves, and easy to reach.

                                        Tama was a different story.  Her books were all the way on the top shelf, practically to the ceiling.  I took a metal ladder, climbed carefully, found plenty of Tama, but not the one I was looking for.

                                        I then started down the ladder, slowly, carrying the McInerney book in one hand.  I was doing all right.  Suddenly, just two steps from the bottom, I lowered my right foot--and found myself hurling into space, before I could do anything!  It happened so fast, I am telling you.  Before I knew it, I was flat on my back. The ladder did not land on me, falling in the other direction. By some instinct, I lurched my head forward, as I fell, so that my cranium did not hit the floor.  It was my saving grace.

                                           Well, I was conscious, but stunned.  Could I move?  I began to talk, which was a good sign.  People came over, to see what was wrong, and David came running.  Two very brave and strong women held me by the arms, and lifted me up.  A manager came running over, to see if I was OK.  Thankfully, I was; more shaken than injured.  I paid for my books, and left.

                                             So, see, if it wasn't for Tama Janowitz..................

                                             Actually, it taught me a lesson.  My ladder climbing days are over.

                                             Next time, I will ask one of the staff for help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!