"I stand here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen was a quick read; and I could relate to it. This short narrative is a monologue by a mother, who has raised her family through rough times. She seems to be talking through her guilt; for not being a better mother for her oldest daughter, Emily. I can relate to her guilt, it seems like the oldest child has to set or live with the learning curve of their parents. In the end, the mother realizes her daughter will be okay in spite of her mistakes, misfortunes, and short-comings, and I guess this is the message...people, our kids, can and do bounce back from their parents screw ups.

I read "The Metamorphosis" by Frank Kafka,(translated by John Siscoe). I have heard people talk about Kafka and I was curious. The story was kind of a sci-fi /tragedy, about a young man who wakes up one day to find he has turned into an insect. The author does not try to explain how or why this happened, and that probably make it a better read. The story becomes like a case study in human relations, family loyalties, and self interest's. How does a family adjust to a son and brother who spouts extra legs, losses the power of speech and hangs out on the ceiling? I think Kafka's style is similar to much of John Steinbeck's work, (you know, the story ends in a worse case scenario for the main character and responsibilities to jobs and social norms trump personal needs). I am not going to go out of my way to read more works by Kafka, but I'm not sorry I spent the time reading this one.