Jamie Doom...

answers his own rhetorical questions.

Tuesday, December 23

Tobias Wolff

Today, two days before Christmas, has been a wonderful and beautiful day. I spent my lunch time eating fresh, spicy, and piping hot food within the friendly and familiar confines of my favorite restaurant. The owner and the wait staff, strolled by from time to time, to make small conversation (my Chinese is only good enough to make very, very small conversation). It’s in the low seventies today; the wind was fresh and is taking great care not to be chilly. During lunch, I was accompanied by a genius, and wisely I let him do most of the talking.

Let me explain. Earlier today, while I was sitting in my office staring hard at my notebook screen, Mr. Quan strolled in carrying a box that said "Amazon.com" on it. I looked up and smiled. Mike Rhoades is king among men. He pre-ordered the new Tobias Wolff book for me some time ago. The day it was released in the States, it began its quick journey to China. It’s quite possible I have the first copy in China. During lunch, I read the first chapter of Old School, and I gotta say: Toby Wolff is a genius.

I spent most of my lunch bent over a beautifully perfect bowl of rice, drunk with the smell of a new book, laughing out loud at the absurdity of such wonderful writing.

Thank you Mike Rhoades! I owe you one. Thank you, Tobias Wolff. May our paths cross one day.