Serendipity

     By coincidence I recently read two good books, not knowing in advance that their subject matter involved dying.
     The first book was Kent Haruf's most recent book, "Benediction".  I requested it as I very much enjoyed his previous books, "Plainsong" and "Eventide".  His writing lends a quiet dignity to his characters and captures the essence of a place and the people residing there.  This particular book happens to be about the death of an old man in a small town on the eastern plains of Colorado, and about the people in the town who help him and his family cope.  Haruf's writing is thoughtful and descriptive.  I really feel that I know the town of Holt, CO, and its people. I can imagine exactly what they are doing today on a lazy April Sunday.
     The second book, "The Fault in our Stars" by John Green, is a novel for young adults.  I requested this book as I had read a brilliant quote by the author and wanted to read more of his writing.  It is  the star-crossed love story of two teens with cancer who met at a cancer support group.  It is smart and sarcastic and touching. It feels real. These characters and the author are much more intelligent than I am, but it is a riveting read. I need to re-read this one to get every last detail it has to offer.
     The first book is the sun and the moon rising every day and the rotation of the planets.  The second book is a shooting star.  Both have import. Both give perspective. I recommend them.