I think it is wonderful that so many different parts worked out together and you have been able to live a life that you believe truly expresses who you are.
I think too, of the 'infrastructure' that allowed all of it to happen.
That there was a library that you could go to. That in literacy you have a medium to access stories and also to create them. And more infrastructure; publishing, both traditional and digital, that your creations (like this essay), are able to get to all of us.
I like the idea of freedom/courage/permission even? to be who one truly is.
"Fear of Flying" blew my mind when I encountered it the summer after my freshman year in college. But "How to Save Your Own Life" is my favorite - highly recommended for anyone working up the courage to make a change in their life!
Pat Sajak had a late-night talk show? Well good on him. Those shows very often had writers as guests. Before the Internet, before YouTube, before streaming, seeing an author interviewed by Dick Cavett, or Tom Snyder, or William F. Buckley was for many of us the first (and maybe only) chance we ever got to hear an author’s actual voice. Even if often it came across as an unhip interviewer ingratiating himself (always a he), maybe so something of his hip guest would rub off (look up on YouTube the clip of Steve Allen at the piano tickling the ivories as Jack Kerouac reads aloud from On the Road).
Thank you, Laura, for introducing me to Erika Jong and to Jeffrey Streeter for introducing me to you. May we have something to say continue to have the “courage to live like a wound that never heals.” Thank you for sharing your fearlessness.
I think Jeffrey Streeter says it best: a love song to Erica Jong. I read _Fear of Flying_ when it first came out in paperback, the copy on my book shelves along with some 3,000 other books. She taught me how writers must take risks to get to the heart of the matter.
This essay is so thorough, detailed and well annotated that we who own this site (me, Joshua and Sam) are honored to have you here, Laura. Thank you.
Thank you, Laura. Your discussion of Jong and Roth is especially revealing. I've never read Fear of Flying, but it's now on my list. I have been thinking about these things for my daughters since Roe v Wade was overturned, how fundamental sexual freedom is to the pursuit of happiness. Everyone deserves that chance at self-discovery.
I only found out recently that Molly is her daughter.
I think it is wonderful that so many different parts worked out together and you have been able to live a life that you believe truly expresses who you are.
I think too, of the 'infrastructure' that allowed all of it to happen.
That there was a library that you could go to. That in literacy you have a medium to access stories and also to create them. And more infrastructure; publishing, both traditional and digital, that your creations (like this essay), are able to get to all of us.
I like the idea of freedom/courage/permission even? to be who one truly is.
"Fear of Flying" blew my mind when I encountered it the summer after my freshman year in college. But "How to Save Your Own Life" is my favorite - highly recommended for anyone working up the courage to make a change in their life!
I enjoyed this and I’m excited to check out Jong’s work…
Pat Sajak had a late-night talk show? Well good on him. Those shows very often had writers as guests. Before the Internet, before YouTube, before streaming, seeing an author interviewed by Dick Cavett, or Tom Snyder, or William F. Buckley was for many of us the first (and maybe only) chance we ever got to hear an author’s actual voice. Even if often it came across as an unhip interviewer ingratiating himself (always a he), maybe so something of his hip guest would rub off (look up on YouTube the clip of Steve Allen at the piano tickling the ivories as Jack Kerouac reads aloud from On the Road).
Thank you, Laura, for introducing me to Erika Jong and to Jeffrey Streeter for introducing me to you. May we have something to say continue to have the “courage to live like a wound that never heals.” Thank you for sharing your fearlessness.
I think Jeffrey Streeter says it best: a love song to Erica Jong. I read _Fear of Flying_ when it first came out in paperback, the copy on my book shelves along with some 3,000 other books. She taught me how writers must take risks to get to the heart of the matter.
This essay is so thorough, detailed and well annotated that we who own this site (me, Joshua and Sam) are honored to have you here, Laura. Thank you.
Thank you, Laura. Your discussion of Jong and Roth is especially revealing. I've never read Fear of Flying, but it's now on my list. I have been thinking about these things for my daughters since Roe v Wade was overturned, how fundamental sexual freedom is to the pursuit of happiness. Everyone deserves that chance at self-discovery.
What a glorious love song to the work of Erica Jong! And such a fascinating account of how she influenced you. Such a marvellous post. Thank you!