Third Readings 6/24

The themes of these three essays seem to address not only nostalgia but also the difficulty of accepting change.  I get the sense that all three authors feel that their memories are bittersweet, and that they can be so vivid at times that one cannot discern present from past.  Although Steinbeck has the most unique style, I found Attiyeh's the most engaging for me, due to her descriptions.  Through these, I was able to fully empathize with her because she took her audience back in time with her.  Her title "My Ghost Town: A Vanishing Personal History" establishes the point that many things of a person's past make up an individual, but as long as this place is still present in their mind, it is a part of them.  It kind of reminded of the Coldplay lyrics from "42": "Those who are dead are not dead, they're just living in my head."