Author Spotlight: Calvin Trillin

I have just recently discovered an author that it seems a lot of other people knew about already, but not everyone, so perhaps he will be new to you, as well. Calvin Trillin is a columnist, a humourist, really, but not in the broad, slapstick sense that the word implies to me. Instead, he writes short pieces on a wide variety of subjects - family, politics, current events, and daily life - that are dry and witty and light. His is an intelligent humour that leaves a nice taste behind, even when he is leaning towards the snide.

In addition to books of his columns, I've discovered books about the joys of eating, about travel with his family, about his beloved wife, Alice, and about a handful of other people and themes. I've read about six of his volumes so far in my Trillin binge, and not one has fallen flat. In fact, I'm liking him better and better, and I think he might be just the thing for summer reading or long subway trips, when lightweight is the right weight.