The western world, my dear McGee, is being turned into one vast cruise ship, and there is a shortage of cruise directors. Meyer, A Deadly Shade of Gold
John D. MacDonald. Image from Wikipedia
I have read every one of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee books. I grew up in Fort Lauderdale after all, just a short boat ride from our dock to Bahia Mar where MacDonald’s fictional hero Travis McGee lived on board the Busted Flush. And although slip F-18 didn’t really exist, nor did Travis or the houseboat, I always imagined they did and that when I was there having drinks in a favorite bar, the Bahia Cabana, Travis and his buddy, Meyer were somewhere near. I think it’s good to have such thoughts. To have writers who spark your imagination and who create characters you wish were your friends.
To John D. MacDonald, on what would be your 96th birthday, I toast you and thank you for the many hours of great reading!
Bahia Mar, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Christmas Eve, 2005
Bahia Cabana Lounge, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Christmas Eve, 2005
John D. MacDonald! I think my father has stacks of his books at home. I recall him from science fiction pulps (short fiction is my special interest).
My favorite author is Robert Aickman, creator of many “strange stories.” I adore atmospheric, spooky stories. My father loves mysteries and I suspect that my childhood bedroom has become a warehouse for Dad’s ever expanding collection.
Reading is such a wonderful activity. It is both extremely private and all inclusive. You can enjoy any book and share your solitary joy with countless others. Cheers to you and Mr. MacDonald!
Lori
Thanks Lori. Lately I have been on a journey to reread my favorites from decades ago, the books I love but have forgotten the details, because it’s been, well, DECADES since I first met them. A Moveable Feast, This Side of Paradise, Brave New World, 1984, anything and everything by Edith Wharton. So much reading, so little time. “Strange stories” would be a new genre for me, I just might have to take a peek! And when you wrote of your dad’s ever expanding collection, I must admit, I read paper, I can’t go electronic because I love bookshelves and having all my “friends” near me, where I can see them and be reminded on the many, many fanciful excursions they have taken me on. Most of my possessions I could sell tomorrow, but NOT my books and my art!
Thanks for stopping by! Charlotte