Time to answer some letters...

letter one
Can you update the site any less?

Janice Allen
Pittsburgh, PA

70 proof: It's been an extremely busy summer around here, what with all the court-imposed community service and the stints in rehab. There just hasn't been much time for reading and writing. And a funny thing about the detox, try and jam just one pen into the neck of an intern and they won't let you have another one. It's good to know.

Anyway, summer's almost over, and our supply of gin almost gone, so things should get back to a regular schedule around here soon.

letter two
Hey, did you ever see that "Great Books" show on The Learning Channel? And did you happen to see the one about Kafka's "Metamorphosis"? It's always been one of my favorite books and was wondering about 70 Proof's take on it.

Thanks,
Hillary Lyte
Richvale, CA

70 proof: Yes, we're all big fans of the "Great Books" show. Although we prefer Donald Sutherland's narrations to those of newcomer Jeff Goldblum, it always makes for quality viewing.

Having said that, they may have missed the boat in regards to "Metamorphosis". I think they read too much into Kafka's distaste for bureaucracy and politics, forcing it where it doesn't belong. To me, and keep in mind that I'm not that bright, "Metamorphosis" is about a man trapped living a life he doesn't want to lead. He suppresses his true nature in order to please his family and to fit the role given to him by society.

The metamorphosis, the transformation into the bug, is Gregor Samsa revealing his true self. And while Gregor remains the same person inside, everyone else perceives him as a monster once he's no longer capable, or willing, to live up to their standards.

The show also completely glossed over the theme of Gregor's sexual conflict. They mention that the last possession taken from his room by his mother and sister, his last anchor to humanity and his former self, is a framed picture of a beautiful woman, but they never addressed its meaning. The picture represents the ideal; everything Gregor should desire. In fact, this confusion regarding his sexuality is the underlying impetus for the change.

But, hey, that's just me. The allowance for interpretation is what makes great literature so great.

letter three
It seems you're a big fan of Fitzgerald. What about "The Last Tycoon"? Where would you rank it among his works?

Erin Riley
New York, NY

70 proof: I am an enormous fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald. And it's due to that very respect that I have never read "The Last Tycoon".

Fitzgerald was working on the book when he died and it wasn't until after his death that it was compiled for publication from notes and previous drafts. As much as I would like to experience more of Fitzgerald's material, I'm reluctant to do so because his vision for the book could be greatly opposed to the version currently in print. Who knows what he had in mind? He could have been mulling over plot points and possible revisions even as he drew his final breath. I just don't feel it's fair to Mr. Fitzgerald to read a work that was clearly unfinished.

As for ranking his other books, "The Great Gatsby" is obviously number one, followed by the vastly underrated "The Beautiful and Damned", "Tender is the Night", and "This Side of Paradise".

letter four
What kind of gin do you guys drink?

Steve Bryson
Kingston, MA

70 proof: I usually just go to the bar and ask for a shot of the cheapest, meanest swill they got. Not only do you save a few bucks, but it also sets the tone for the evening.