I heard Grace Paley speak about 20 years ago. She was the guest of honor at a conference, and had to stand up on a small wooden box so as to be seen over the podium. Part of her talk included the "Midrash on Happiness" (which is found in print, I believe, in an early Tikkun magazine issue, and in a collection of her essays/misc. writings). I was in tears. She writes about little things and ordinary people in ways that make it clear how much they matter.
I have to admit, as well, that except perhaps Esther Broner, she may be the only American Jewish writer whose books or stories I automatically make time to read, or that speak to my own life as an American Jew.
I heard Grace Paley speak about 20 years ago. She was the guest of honor at a conference, and had to stand up on a small wooden box so as to be seen over the podium. Part of her talk included the "Midrash on Happiness" (which is found in print, I believe, in an early Tikkun magazine issue, and in a collection of her essays/misc. writings). I was in tears. She writes about little things and ordinary people in ways that make it clear how much they matter.
I have to admit, as well, that except perhaps Esther Broner, she may be the only American Jewish writer whose books or stories I automatically make time to read, or that speak to my own life as an American Jew.