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Sandra Belloni

By George Meredith. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston.

Sandra Belloni, first published in 1864 under the title Emilia in England, occupies a distinctive place in the literary corpus of George Meredith. It represents one of his earliest extended efforts to merge the comic novel with a more pointed social critique, a technique that would become a hallmark of his mature style. This novel, rich in subtle irony and psychological insight, grapples with the tensions between individuality and conformity, art and social convention, and the constraints of class and gender in Victorian England. At its heart, it is a narrative about a young woman of Italian descent, Emilia Belloni, whose musical gifts and unorthodox spirit clash with the expectations of the rigid English society into which she is thrust.

Meredith uses Emilia’s character not merely as a protagonist but as a symbolic figure—an embodiment of passionate sincerity, artistic freedom, and the disruptive power of the outsider. Emilia’s foreignness is not just ethnic; it is deeply cultural and emotional. Her instincts are governed by feeling and a commitment to truth, which repeatedly brings her into conflict with the carefully cultivated hypocrisies and social facades of the English middle and upper classes. Through her, Meredith examines the ways in which English society suppresses emotional authenticity in favor of propriety and self-interest.

In reading Sandra Belloni today, one encounters not only a portrait of Victorian society in all its contradictions but also an enduring exploration of the universal struggle between the self and society, between the voice that seeks to sing freely and the forces that would silence it. It is a novel that resonates beyond its historical moment, inviting readers to reflect on the costs and necessities of remaining true to oneself in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 318p.

Evan Harrington


By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Evan Harrington, first published in 1861, represents a crucial early milestone in the literary career of George Meredith. While not as formally experimental or philosophically dense as his later masterpieces like The Egoist or Beauchamp’s Career, this novel nonetheless displays in fully developed form the sharp social satire, psychological acuity, and probing concern with class, identity, and social performance that would become hallmarks of Meredith’s mature work. More overtly comedic than much of his later fiction, Evan Harrington occupies a unique place in his canon as both a sparkling social comedy and a pointed critique of the hypocrisies embedded within Victorian class structures.
At its most basic level, Evan Harrington is a novel about a young man’s struggle with the question of identity — specifically, the tension between his personal merit and the social stigma attached to his family’s occupation. Evan is the son of Melchisedec Harrington, an exceedingly proud and flamboyant tailor whose death leaves his family facing financial and social crisis. Although Evan has received a gentleman’s education and possesses the manners and intellect of the upper classes, he is forced to reckon with the fact that in the rigidly stratified world of mid-19th century England, the mere fact of being “the tailor’s son” is enough to exclude him from the ranks of polite society.
Evan Harrington remains a vital and compelling work not only because it provides insight into Meredith’s literary evolution but also because its central concerns continue to resonate. The tension between personal integrity and social expectation, the arbitrariness of class distinctions, and the enduring question of what it means to live authentically within a society structured by appearances — these remain pressing questions in any era.
In sum, Evan Harrington is both a sparkling social comedy and a profound moral fable. It combines the pleasures of sharp character portraits, witty dialogue, and romantic intrigue with a serious exploration of identity, class, and the painful comedy of human vanity. It is a work that delights the reader while also challenging them to reflect on the enduring absurdities of social life and the courage it takes to live truthfully in the face of them. As such, it stands as a worthy introduction to the genius of George Meredith and a foundational text within the broader tradition of the Victorian social novel.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 332p.

An Amazing Marriage

By George Meredith. Introduction by Colin Heston

When An Amazing Marriage was published in 1895, George Meredith stood at the summit of his literary career, celebrated as one of the most intellectually formidable and stylistically daring novelists of the Victorian age. By this time, Meredith had forged a reputation for works that combined psychological subtlety, social satire, and philosophical inquiry, appealing more to the discerning literary elite than to the broader Victorian reading public. An Amazing Marriage emerges as one of his last full-length novels and, fittingly, revisits many of the themes that had preoccupied him throughout his life—gender relations, the institution of marriage, the constraints of social conventions, and the inner lives of women.

The very title, An Amazing Marriage, signals Meredith's ironic stance toward the Victorian ideal of marriage. Rather than a romantic or sentimental union, marriage is often portrayed in his works as a contested arena, where conflicting expectations, social pressures, and personal ambitions collide. In this novel, Meredith offers a biting critique of the marital conventions of his era, presenting a union that is both remarkable and troubling in its complexity.
Although An Amazing Marriage is less frequently read today than Meredith’s earlier masterpieces, it remains a vital document of the tensions that defined late-Victorian society. Its psychological acuity, progressive gender politics, and sharp critique of social hypocrisy retain their resonance in the modern era, where debates about marriage, gender roles, and personal autonomy continue to evolve.
For contemporary readers, the novel offers both a window into the anxieties of the past and a mirror reflecting the enduring challenges of balancing love, freedom, and social expectation. Aminta’s journey toward self-realization, with all its attendant risks and uncertainties, anticipates the narratives of countless women in the century that followed.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 213p.

"SHAVINGS"

By Joseph C. Lincoln (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

In Shavings, published in 1918 at the peak of his literary success, Joseph C. Lincoln again turns his familiar eye and pen toward Cape Cod—its people, its rhythms, and its moral heart. Like much of Lincoln’s fiction, this novel offers more than light entertainment; it is a nuanced exploration of human decency, community obligation, and emotional transformation, wrapped in a quietly humorous and affectionately drawn setting.
Set in the fictional village of East Wellmouth, Shavings centers on a seemingly unremarkable character: a middle-aged man named Lemuel “Shavings” Keziah, a gentle and eccentric resident who works as a handyman and caretaker of sorts at the local ship-chandlery. What begins as a portrait of a quiet, solitary man becomes a deeper meditation on compassion, guardianship, and the power of unassuming kindness to transform lives. In this novel, Lincoln refines his formula of New England coastal fiction, combining rich local detail, deft character sketches, and moral clarity in a story that both reflects and transcends its setting.
The title Shavings is rich in metaphor. At the surface level, it refers to wood shavings—fragments trimmed away in the process of building or shaping. But on a deeper level, it suggests themes of smallness, modesty, and the overlooked. Lemuel Keziah is, like his namesake shavings, a figure that most would pass over without a second thought. He is plain, odd, physically unimposing, and considered somewhat simple by his neighbors. Yet within that uncarved block of humility lies a figure of enormous quiet integrity, and Lincoln’s triumph is in showing how such a man can become a pillar of his community and a redeemer in the lives of others.
Lincoln gives us a novel that blends humility with heart, modesty with moral insight. It is a story of redemption through quiet persistence, of fatherhood without blood, and of character tested not by fame or fortune but by the daily demands of decency. For those who cherish gentle fiction with real emotional weight, Shavings is a touchstone. It evokes a vanished New England but leaves in its place timeless lessons on love, trust, and the power of doing good without seeking reward. In Lemuel Keziah, Lincoln offers a model of quiet heroism whose relevance has only grown with time.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 229p.

Abe's Yarns and Stories

By Alexander K. McClure (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Abe’s Yarns and Stories, edited by Alexander K. McClure and first published in 1901 by the International Publishing Company, is a unique and enduring contribution to the cultural memory of Abraham Lincoln. Rather than a conventional biography, this volume presents Lincoln through the lens of his own storytelling—anecdotes, jokes, parables, and recollections that he used to communicate, persuade, and connect with people from all walks of life. The book is both a literary and historical artifact, capturing the essence of Lincoln’s personality and the oral tradition that helped shape his public image. McClure, a journalist and political figure who knew Lincoln personally, compiled this collection not only to entertain but to preserve the wit and wisdom of a man whose humor was as integral to his leadership as his moral conviction.
What makes Abe’s Yarns and Stories particularly compelling is its blend of folklore and fact. While some of the anecdotes may be apocryphal or embellished, they reflect the way Lincoln was remembered and revered by those who knew him and those who came after. The book thus serves as a bridge between history and myth, illustrating how Lincoln’s legacy was shaped not only by his deeds but by the stories told about him. McClure’s editorial voice is respectful and admiring, but he allows Lincoln’s own words and the voices of his contemporaries to take center stage. The result is a portrait that is intimate, humanizing, and deeply American. His rich self-education and his storytelling formed the foundation of a presidency that not only preserved the Union but also reshaped the American identity. They allowed him to lead not just with policy, but with wisdom and heart—qualities that continue to define his legacy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 360p.

Galusha The Magnificent

By Joseph C. Lincoln. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

Published in 1921, Galusha the Magnificent stands as one of Joseph Crosby Lincoln’s most beloved and subtly humorous novels—a story that embodies the author’s signature blend of small-town Cape Cod charm, gently satirical social commentary, and richly drawn characters. Lincoln, often hailed as the “Bard of Cape Cod,” built a prolific career chronicling the lives, habits, and quirks of New England coastal communities. In Galusha the Magnificent, he brings his literary artistry to full bloom by offering readers a delightfully incongruous protagonist: a mild-mannered, absent-minded biblical archaeologist who finds himself entangled in the practical and parochial dramas of a fictional Cape Cod town.

Like many of Lincoln’s novels, Galusha the Magnificent is set in a fictional Cape Cod village—in this case, the town of Trumet. Lincoln’s Trumet is a lovingly detailed and recognizable composite of real Cape Cod communities, built upon generations of seafaring traditions, strong social cohesion, and a lively sense of local identity. For Lincoln, setting is never mere background. The Cape Cod environment—with its salt air, white churches, general stores, and crusty locals—serves as a character in its own right. Trumet is where the genteel values of Old New England meet the changing modern world of the early 20th century, and this dynamic tension is what fuels the plot and humor of the book.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 272p.

Cy Whittaker's Place

By Joseph C. Lincoln (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Cy Whittaker’s Place by Joseph C. Lincoln is a humorous and heartwarming novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of Bayport. The story follows Captain Cy Whittaker, a former sea captain who returns to his hometown after years of sailing and making his fortune. Having left Bayport as a young man with no intention of coming back, Cy finds himself drawn back to the familiar shores and the old homestead, now in disrepair and known locally as “the Cy Whittaker place.” With no surviving relatives and a reputation to rebuild, Cy sets out to reestablish himself in the community, bringing with him a mix of worldly wisdom, dry wit, and a generous heart.

As Cy settles into life on land, he becomes involved in the town’s affairs, often clashing with local politics and social expectations. His unconventional ways and blunt honesty both amuse and unsettle the townspeople, but over time, his integrity and kindness win them over. A central thread of the story involves Cy’s guardianship of a young boy, whose presence brings new purpose and emotional depth to his life. The novel also features a romantic subplot, as Cy navigates the complexities of rekindled relationships and new affections, all while trying to do right by those around him.

Lincoln populates the novel with a colorful cast of Cape Cod characters, including the meticulous town clerk Asaph Tidditt, the meddling but well-meaning neighbors, and the ever-watchful townsfolk who provide a steady stream of gossip and commentary. The narrative is rich with regional dialect, local color, and the gentle humor that characterizes Lincoln’s work. Through Cy’s journey, the novel explores themes of redemption, community, and the enduring value of home and belonging. With its blend of comedy, sentiment, and social observation, Cy Whittaker’s Place offers a nostalgic and uplifting portrait of small-town life and the quiet heroism of an ordinary man determined to make a difference.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 200 p.

The Depot Master

By Joseph C. Lincoln (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

The Depot Master by Joseph C. Lincoln is a warm and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of East Harniss. The story centers on Captain Solomon Berry, affectionately known as Cap’n Sol, who serves as the depot master—a position that places him at the heart of the town’s daily life and gossip. Cap’n Sol is a retired sea captain with a strong sense of justice, a dry wit, and a deep affection for his community. His role at the depot brings him into contact with a wide array of townspeople, each with their own quirks and stories, and he often finds himself drawn into their personal dramas and schemes.

The arrival of Ruth Nelson, a young and talented artist seeking refuge from a troubled past, introduces a romantic and emotional thread to the narrative. Ruth’s presence stirs both admiration and suspicion among the townsfolk, and Cap’n Sol becomes her unlikely protector and confidant. As Ruth tries to rebuild her life, she must navigate the challenges of small-town scrutiny and the lingering shadows of her history. Meanwhile, Cap’n Sol finds himself at odds with Mr. Williams, a wealthy and manipulative figure whose ambitions threaten the harmony of East Harniss. Their conflict becomes a central tension in the story, highlighting themes of integrity, community, and the quiet heroism of standing up for what is right.

Lincoln populates the novel with a rich cast of secondary characters, including the eccentric Mr. Simeon Phinney, whose sign advertises a bewildering array of services, and the ever-curious townspeople who gather at the depot not just for mail, but for news and camaraderie. The novel’s episodic structure allows for a series of vignettes that together paint a vivid portrait of Cape Cod life, filled with humor, sentiment, and a deep appreciation for the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

Through Cap’n Sol’s steady presence and moral compass, The Depot Master celebrates the values of kindness, resilience, and community spirit. Lincoln’s storytelling, rich in local color and dialect, offers a nostalgic and uplifting glimpse into a world where decency and compassion quietly shape the course of lives.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.173p.

Cap’n Warren’s Wards

By Joseph C. Lincoln. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

Cap’n Warren’s Wards by Joseph C. Lincoln is a heartwarming and humorous novel set in a quaint Cape Cod town in the late 19th century. The story follows Captain Elihu Warren, a retired sea captain who has settled into a quiet life after years at sea. His peaceful routine is upended when he unexpectedly becomes the guardian of two orphaned siblings, Joseph and Ruth. These children, who have been raised in a more refined and urban environment, are suddenly thrust into the rustic and straightforward world of Cape Cod, creating a clash of cultures and expectations that fuels much of the novel’s charm and humor.

Captain Warren, though initially bewildered by the responsibility, approaches his new role with a mix of gruff kindness and genuine care. As he navigates the challenges of raising two young people, he finds his life enriched by their presence. Joseph is headstrong and idealistic, while Ruth is sensitive and intelligent, and both bring a new sense of purpose and vitality to the captain’s life. The novel explores their gradual adjustment to Cape Cod life, the bonds they form with the local community, and the personal growth they experience under the captain’s guidance.

The story is populated with a cast of colorful secondary characters, including the eccentric Aunt Lavinia and the mischievous Eben Salters, who add depth and humor to the narrative. Lincoln’s portrayal of small-town life is affectionate and detailed, filled with the rhythms of daily chores, community gossip, and the ever-present influence of the sea. The novel emphasizes themes of resilience, the importance of family—whether by blood or by choice—and the quiet heroism of everyday kindness.

As the characters face various trials and misunderstandings, they come to understand the value of simplicity, honesty, and love. Captain Warren, in particular, undergoes a transformation from a solitary figure to a beloved patriarch, discovering that the greatest adventures can sometimes be found not on the high seas, but in the hearts of those we care for. Lincoln’s storytelling is rich with Cape Cod dialect and atmosphere, offering readers a nostalgic and uplifting glimpse into a bygone era.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.

Cap'n Eri

By Joseph Crosby Lincoln. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

Cap’n Eri by Joseph C. Lincoln is a lighthearted and endearing novel set in a small Cape Cod town, where three retired sea captains—Eri, Jerry, and Perez—live together in a somewhat chaotic but good-natured bachelor household. As they grow older, they begin to realize that their domestic arrangements are becoming increasingly unmanageable, especially when it comes to cooking and housekeeping. The trio decides that the best solution is to find a housekeeper, but their plan takes an unexpected turn when they conclude that the most efficient way to secure one is for one of them to get married. This leads to a humorous and sometimes awkward series of events as they attempt to find a suitable bride through a matrimonial advertisement.

The story unfolds with a mix of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and the gentle satire of small-town life. When a woman named Mrs. Snow responds to the ad and arrives in town, the captains are thrown into a whirlwind of adjustments and surprises. Mrs. Snow is not quite what they expected, and her presence begins to shift the dynamics of the household in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, a subplot involving a young man named John Brown and his romantic interest in a local girl adds a layer of youthful energy and emotional depth to the narrative.

Lincoln’s portrayal of Cape Cod life is rich with regional dialect, local color, and a deep affection for the traditions and quirks of the community. The novel is not just a comedy of manners but also a reflection on aging, companionship, and the importance of human connection. Through the humorous escapades of the three captains and the evolving relationships among the characters, Cap’n Eri offers a warm and nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era, celebrating the resilience and kindness of ordinary people navigating life’s changes together.

This edition has been reformatted, designed, abridged and annotated  by renowned novelist and story writer Colin Heston to remove errors and other distracting content that occurred in the original edition, making the book more accessible for the present day reader..

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 179 p.

Cap'n Dan's Daughter

By Joseph C. Lincloln. Introduction by Colin Heston.

Cap’n Dan’s Daughter* by Joseph C. Lincoln is a heartwarming and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of Trumet. The story follows Captain Dan Dott, a retired sea captain who now runs a struggling dry goods store, and his family, particularly his ambitious wife Serena and their clever daughter Gertrude. Captain Dan is a simple, good-natured man who finds himself increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of domestic life and the social aspirations of his wife, who is determined to elevate the family’s status in the community. Serena’s ambitions are fueled when the family receives news of an inheritance from a wealthy relative, which she sees as their ticket to a more refined and prominent lifestyle.

As Serena pushes the family into a more genteel social circle, she becomes increasingly controlling and obsessed with appearances, dragging Captain Dan along with her plans despite his discomfort. Gertrude, however, sees through the pretensions and recognizes the strain it places on her father. She devises a clever plan to gently undermine her mother’s social climbing and restore a sense of balance and authenticity to their lives. Her scheme, while well-intentioned, nearly backfires, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comic situations that test the family’s unity and resilience.

Throughout the novel, Lincoln’s affection for Cape Cod and its people shines through. He populates the story with colorful local characters and infuses the narrative with regional dialect, humor, and a deep sense of place. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, the tension between tradition and change, and the importance of staying true to oneself. In the end, the Dott family comes to a deeper understanding of what truly matters, finding contentment not in wealth or social standing, but in love, honesty, and the enduring bonds of family.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 222p.

Cape Cod Stories

By Joseph C. Lincoln . Designed and Edited by Colin Heston.

*Cape Cod Stories* by Joseph C. Lincoln is a charming collection of short stories that vividly captures the spirit, humor, and character of life in small-town Cape Cod at the turn of the 20th century. The stories are narrated by a local character, often Cap’n Jonadab or his friend, and revolve around the fictional town of East Wellmouth, a stand-in for the many quaint villages that dot the Cape. Each tale is steeped in the dialect, customs, and eccentricities of the region, offering a nostalgic and affectionate portrayal of New England coastal life. The collection includes stories such as “Two Pairs of Shoes,” “The Count and the Manager,” “The South Shore Weather Bureau,” “The Dog Star,” “The Mare and the Motor,” “The Mark on the Door,” “The Love of Lobelia ’Ankins,” “The Meanness of Rosy,” “The Antiquers,” “His Native Heath,” and “Jonesy.” These stories often center on humorous misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and the clash between tradition and modernity. For example, in “The Mare and the Motor,” the arrival of a newfangled automobile causes a stir in the community, leading to a series of comic events that highlight the tension between old ways and new technologies. In “The Count and the Manager,” a visiting European nobleman becomes entangled in local affairs, revealing both the pretensions and the down-to-earth wisdom of the Cape Codders. Lincoln’s characters are often crusty but kind-hearted, with a deep sense of community and a wry sense of humor. The stories are rich in local color, with detailed descriptions of the landscape, the sea, and the rhythms of daily life. Lincoln’s prose is warm and engaging, drawing readers into a world where values like honesty, hard work, and neighborliness prevail. While the stories are light-hearted and often comedic, they also reflect deeper themes of change, identity, and the enduring strength of community bonds. Through these tales, Lincoln preserves a way of life that was already beginning to fade, offering readers both entertainment and a poignant reminder of the past.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.144.

Gallantry: Ten 18th Century Tales with an Afterword

By James Branch Cabell. Introduction by Colin Heston.

This book offers a witty and insightful examination of love, honor, and human imperfection. Through his richly drawn characters and elegant prose, he creates a collection of entertaining and thought-provoking stories. The themes of romantic love and societal expectations are explored with humor and irony, making "Gallantry" a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. His writing stands out for its sophisticated prose, satirical edge, and intricate exploration of themes like love, honor, and human folly. His style is a unique blend of fantasy and social critique, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. Gallantry is a fascinating collection of comedic narratives that delve into romantic entanglements and societal interplay, set against a backdrop reminiscent of the 18th century. Gallantry is part of Cabell's larger body of work that often blends fantasy, satire, and historical fiction. The book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each exploring different facets of love, honor, and human imperfection. Cabell's writing is known for its wit, irony, and elaborate prose, which are all evident in this collection.

Original Publication Date: 1922. Publisher: Robert M. McBride & Company. This version Read-Me.Org Inc 2025. 237p.

All Systems Red

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

By Martha Wells

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

NY. Tom Foherty Assoc. 2017. 154p.

BABES IN THE BUSH

By Ronf Boldrewood

Babes in the Bush is a captivating tale of survival, friendship, and self-discovery in the untamed wilderness. Follow the journey of three adventurous young women as they embark on a thrilling camping trip that quickly turns into a fight for their lives. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and the dangers of the wild, they must rely on their wits, courage, and bond with each other to navigate through unforeseen challenges. As they struggle to find their way back to civilization, they uncover hidden strengths and forge unbreakable connections that will change their lives forever. Babes in the Bush is a gripping narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of female friendship in the face of adversity.

Library of Alexandria, Sep 28, 2020, 449 pages

ENGLISH, AUGUST: An Indian Story

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

By Upamanyu Chatterjee

English, August: An Indian Story is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the life and experiences of Agastya Sen, a young Indian civil servant posted in a small town. As Agastya navigates the complexities of his new surroundings, he grapples with issues of identity, culture clash, and personal growth. Through a blend of humor, introspection, and sharp social commentary, the book offers a unique insight into contemporary India and the inner world of its protagonist. A classic in Indian literature, English, August is a compelling exploration of tradition, modernity, and the quest for self-discovery.

Rupa. Faber and Faber. 1990. 305p.

I'm a Stranger Here Myself

By Bill Bryson

FROM CHAPTER 1: “In the late summer of 1996, an old journalist friend from London named Simon Kelner called me in New Hampshire, to where I had lately moved after living for twenty-some years in Britain. Simon had recently been made editor of Night& Day magazine, a supplement ofthe Mail on Sunday newspaper, and it was his idea that I should write a weekly column for him on America. At various times over the years Simon had persuaded me to do all kinds of work that I didn't have time to do, but this was way out of the question.

"No," I said. "I can't. I'm sorry. It's just not possible. I've got too much on."

"So can you start next week?"

"Simon, you don't seem tounderstand. I can't do it."

"We thought we'd call it 'Notes from a Big Country.'" "Simon, you'll have to call it 'Big Blank Space in the Magazine' because I cannot do it."

NY. Broadway Books. 1999. 299p.

The Spy that Wasn't

By Colin Heston

In this collection of short stories, follow the exploits of supreme psychiatrist and criminologist  Franco Ferrapotti as he weaves a web of intrigue in the labyrinths of the United Nations and the surreal world of Italian politics, big money, and of course, the Vatican. Other stories of high achievement explore the ancient origin of the animal species and gendered humans, the exciting zoo of enlightenment installed on the island that once housed Alcatraz, making it into the dream University of the Chosen, or if you prefer, getting elected the new Secretary General of the United Nations. But that’s not all. Get a brief glimpse of the future where precision doctors edit who you are or who you want to be. These stories originally appeared as part of the poipular Friday Story series offered free by Read-Me.Org on its web site during 2022-2023.

NY & Philadelphia. Read-Me.Org. Paperback. 2023. 147p. All proceeds go to Read-Me.org