Demagogue

I’ll accept Eugene’s literary questionnaire challenge (although I’m worried that soon Feddie will have him reciting the Stations of the Cross) – just joking, blog leader. Anyway …

1. You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be [saved]?

Don’t be shocked, but I never read “Fahrenheit 451.” Yes, I’m serious. There were enough other classics on my senior English reading list that seemed more appealing – but I think I understand what you’re looking for here … my answer is "White People” by Allan Gurganus.

2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?

I don’t think so. Although thinking back of Saturday morning television when I was a kid, it occurs to me that while my older brother was ogling Betty and Veronica on “The Archie Show,” I was probably looking a little more intensely at Reggie.

3. The last book you purchased?

“The Pope & the Heretic” by Michael White – on a discount rack for only $4.98 and it was purchased, I hasten to point out, well before the passing of John Paul II.

4. What are you currently reading?

"Taking Charge: LBJ Presidential Transcripts,” edited by Michael Beschloss.

5. Five books you would take to a deserted island?

1. "Giovanni’s Room” … James Baldwin
2. "October 1964” … David Halberstam
3. "Mr. Bridge” … Evan S. Connell (I feel truly honored that Mr. Connell took the time to write a biography of my father.)
4. “The Primary Colors” … Alexander Theroux
5. “The Bostonians” … Henry James

6. Who are you going to pass this (questionnaire) to and why?

I will forward a copy of this to two people: a close friend and also to President Bush (we ain't so close). I am curious to see where among his top five books Dubya will rank Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.”