S.B. Fried

Most of the stories in "Tales" ring true and more would, if I lived in different neighborhoods here in town. The city *is* real, as is the shallow, petty, callous behavior. When we first moved here twelve years ago we caught a glimpse of things to come. The local Mothers of Twins 'club' discouraged my ex from joining because she and our infant twins 'wouldn't really fit in'. Those living in the various gated communities here are each a certain 'type'. Best not to be more descriptive of those unflattering reputations ;)

Since its publication the popularity of this book has been inversely proportional to the snobbishness of the reader. No surprise there!

In our local newspapers and online forums, "Tales" received surprisingly harsh comments. Sadly, the authors were personally castigated by their neighbors and other residents here in town.

For example, a reading set for a local bookstore downtown was apparently canceled due to negative advance feedback. Later, a lunch or dinner gathering of appreciative readers was likewise canceled because the restaurant received threats of a boycott and worse.

Very telling, how little respect there truly is for free speech and different points of view in our wealthy little bubble. Rather than encourage or celebrate diversity, the local media - especially the free weekly - touts our high rankings for 'wealthiest communities in the U.S. '. Flattering puffery for C-level executives who live here, celebrities and hot little start-ups are common. The back quarter of the weekly is all real estate - ads, puff pieces about the local market, and recent sales listings. Not surprisingly, our hamlet usually takes the top spot each week, versus the other two or three cities surveyed.

Oh, and the local tea party contingent often espouses vitriol against us 99%ers. Their theme nearly always congeals around the idea that regular people don't merit common courtesy or compassion. We should consider ourselves lucky to breathe the same air and eat at the same restaurants as our exalted hoi polloi.

Several current and former elected officials have publicly questioned the need for local elections and bemoaned their cost. The better choice is implicitly to appoint "qualified" citizens. The "in" crowd can then become an ever smaller self-congratulatory clique. The rest of us would become grateful afterthoughts, merely living in their world. My ex and I laugh about most of these shenanigans; crying is pointless.

More important, we teach our children well. Graham Nash of CSNY nailed it. The teaching moments are plentiful, using the happenings here in town. Both of our kids get it. They often share stories about schoolmates who turn a blind eye to the golden rule.

Also on the bright side: Recently, speaking at public meetings has revealed to me a surprising, encouraging number of smiles and well wishes from folks who recognize me when they pass on the street.

I applaud the courage of the book's writers. They have earned respect where it counts and enmity from those whose behavior is roasted on the pages of "Tales from Swankville".

All in all, this fun little book is a quick and memorable read. Even for someone like me, who peruses and savors the narrative of any absorbing book I open.… (mehr)