Here's Atticus. He tore his ACL, had surgery, got an infected foot, and has been hobbling around our basement for the past few months. Sad puppy -- but I think he's on the mend. Send some love his way.

"The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray -- One of the best novels I've read in a while: multiple POVs with distinct voices, careful and surprising plot reveals, a great fairy-tale metaphor that runs throughout the novel, and oh, the characters. You'll end up missing each of them when the novel is done.

Hey all! My chapbook, "Superior Stories," came out last week, and I'll be doing a reading at the Roethke House in Saginaw on Wednesday, June 18, at 7 pm. If you are around and about, come and listen -- copies for sale! Hope to see you then. www.friendsofroethke.org/events/super...