8 Comments
Mar 27Liked by Joan Livingston

An excellent piece!!

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Mar 27Liked by Joan Livingston

Fascinating, amiguis! Inspired me to read Moby Dick again.

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Coincidentally, my NYC brother texted me yesterday that he was reading Moby Dick. Today, you posted this wonderful story, which motivated me to pull out my annotated copy of the novel. I'm re-reading the introduction and perusing the drawings of a⁷ 19th-century whaler and maps before I dig into the first chapter again after do many year. Thanks for the reminder and the voyage I'm about to take.

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Great post, Joan. I particularly like your quote: "Good writers take what they know and have their way with it." I believe the same. When I taught psychology, I used to tell the kids, "You can only do what you know." Meaning, we learn from our parents and significant others, and I think consciously or unconsciously, we do what they did until we learn better. I think that's why your quote hit me.

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