A How to Book

Not having written for a day, I was feeling a twinge of guilt.   Not that I did not want to, but I have had other things on my mind.  Well, the state of affairs as it stands this week is rather on the annoying side- the less said of it, the better.

So, I thought that I would shuffle my feelings around a little by entertaining myself with the newest book by Glenn O'Brien which hit the bookstores today- "How to be a Man" (Rizzoli), which I have been looking forward to since seeing it in the Rizzoli preview catalogue in the late autumn.  As usual, Mr. O'Brien issues a few choice essays in his always contemporary sounding voice.

The book as propped up on the sofa pillow.

One of the illustrations by the ever amusing Jean-Phillipe Delhomme

But, instead of being enthralled by it, I found myself thinking of other things- more so-called "serious" matters such as the nature of politics, of art, et cetera.  It is probably not just me but rather just the state of the world that has given me a bit of the reality blues.  After all, style isn't everything.  Or is it?

Although I must confess that earlier today, I was speaking with someone about changing my entire wardrobe.  I spoke with absolute conviction about the colors that I would once again don (it having been  practically over five years since I wore anything but a white shirt)  But after reading an essay on the lack of formality and proper dress in contemporary society, I thought that I may not change it just yet (if ever).

We'll see.  And I should get back to the book, as I'm only 2/3rds of the way through.  The rest will be some evening reading on the sofa, accompanied by the radio broadcast of a Mozart symphony (No. 41, Jupiter) performed by the Berlin Philharmonic which is roundly led by Maestro von Karajan.