Sanders’ writing is very moving. I don’t believe he grew up to be an alcoholic himself. If you’ve never read his essay “Under the Influence” you might want to look for it. It’s all about the experience of growing up with an alcoholic parent, and what that can do to you. Sanders writes of those self-critical feelings that you’ve written about. It’s a heartbreaking essay, and beautifully written.

Sander’s book A Private History of Awe is also quite wonderful. It does address Sanders’ father’s alcoholism, but it also shows what his father was like when he wasn’t drinking. It’s a lovely portrait of a complicated relationship.

I appreciate your generous words about my work, and your careful selection of passages to illustrate the qualities you admire. As a writer yourself, you realize that one spins out these lines in solitude, often amidst confusion and pain, and therefore it is heartening to learn that one’s solitary labors have given pleasure or illumination to others.

Scott Russell Sanders

I’m glad to hear that there are other Sanders fans out there. You just never know, until you start a blog, how many like-minded people you can find in the world. Scott Russell Sanders fans unite!

I find that so many folks (or at least folks I talk to, which might say something) don’t know him or have never heard of him. But I think is writing is so very beautiful and his observations right on.

Thank you for sharing!

(and I like your essayist posts!)

Thanks for taking the time to read the passages!

I enjoyed your review of Sanders. The selections you picked were poignant and so were your comments. You truly have an eye for good language and gift for discussing it. Have you considered becoming a professor of English Literature or Creative Writing? You’d be great.