Update: Our Man in Room 229

Well, I wanted you all to know that I continue to be on sick leave. I am trying hard to read when I can but it is a struggle to concentrate. For example, I read Graham Greene's "The End of the Affair," which is a little over 190 pages, in the amount of time it took me to read two volumes of Will Durant's "The Story of Civilization" a year ago. I get tired easily, I guess, but not as easily as to not pay attention when a passage of fiction moves me. There were so many passages in this novel that really struck a perfect chord with me (not because of subject matter, but simply the language usage). My paperback copy has one of those one-liner critiques by famous writers (in this case William Faulkner) which categorizes "The End of the Affair" as the best novel written in English (or any other language). While I have (for the most part) neglected Mr. Faulkner's work, I do recognize how particular he was about the usage of language and imagination (however realistic). Graham Greene's book is probably in the top ten finest books I have ever read. I've never watch the film (the recent one), but I might pick it up one of these days.

Thank you to those who have contacted me with well-wishes... it means a great deal.