Richard Crasta

Works in Progress Richard Crasta

Young love and sexual discovery in India, stories about fathers, memory taxes, the Bush family and the two Iraq wars, a philosophical inquiry into attitudes to beggars in certain countries, and other subjects make up this varied book (with 8 separate works, including a letter to Kurt Vonnegut) that defies characterization but includes confession, observation, satire, analysis, and much passion. The title "Works in Progress" indicates that I consider myself to be a work in progress, developing constantly, always open to new ideas and to changing my thinking. In many of these essays/stories, there is no firm conclusion, because my mind is not fixed: I am open to correction and new understanding. Besides, for many authors, some famous and legendary, a book is never finished, and the writing is never done (which is why newspapers and magazines impose deadlines). As I have been nursing so many works that are close to my heart and that I wish to make available to my dedicated readers, and because life is fragile, I have forced myself to overcome my cowardice and publish this book.* I hope you enjoy it.