Brian D Mains

It has begun – the lists. More and more recommendations, top tens, reviews of the aughts, and all kinds of silliness are flooding my popular culture outlets.

A friend recommended a concise list by author David Sedaris. Here are Sedaris’ recommendations (collections, audio books, and two novels) as presented in the New Yorker.

I’ll pass more along as I find them. I feel a lot of little pieces of paper stuck in my pockets too. And I’ll have my paltry weigh-in on audio books soon, as I just experienced my first.

I went out Saturday evening, had dinner with friends, grabbed a cup of coffee at Sitwells and then went home early. I noticed a disturbing pattern among my friends. They all seem to be in newly minted, or  – gasp – healthy relationships.

I don’t wish these people any ill will, but as the single 33-year-old in the crowd during the holiday season, do they have to throw it in my face with their relative cuteness? I mean, don’t get me wrong, the single life isn’t that bad, but sometimes their overt signs of a burgeoning relationships is a bit much.

I thank goodness that it is not Valentines Day. At least I will be able to console myself with gifts and giving.