choice choices

I love book reviews.


Not in the same sense some readers of The New York Times Review of Books like reviews -- as fodder for faculty party banter.  But as a source of information.


Reviews should not be an end in themselves.  With the possible exception of Florence King's reviews that almost always excel the books she reviews.


A good review should be the equivalent of a suggestion from a friend.  Someone you know and trust, who can give you compelling reasons why you should trade hours of your life to read the recommended tome.


Of course, there is often a gem buried here and there in book reviews.  I ran into one Sunday night while reading The Economist's review of Renata Saleci's book: Choice.


The subject of the book is obvious -- choice in modern life and how they enrich and bedevil us.  The reviewer shared one of those common sense ideas -- an idea we ll know, but often respond with  knowing nods when we hear it: "She shows that in large chunks of life, the simplistic search for the perfect choice is not only impractical, but leads to misery."


That was merely the introduction to this little gem.  Just a diamond chip, but worth noting.

Marriage is one example  The search for the perfect partner is likely to leave you lonely in old age: violence and resilience are better bases for a happy companionship than trying to maximize your utility..

I will save all of you my parade of disappointment that stretches to the horizon by not comparing the observation to my benighted love life.  But the reviewer's point is certainly good advice for anyone considering a move to Mexico.


I receive several email each week asking me how to choose the perfect spot in Mexico for the writer.  Usually, topped off with a request to find paradise in retirement.


My answer is the same.  There is no perfect place in Mexico -- to retire or to do anything else.  Just as there is no perfect place in Oregon, Alberta, or Sussex.


But there are numerous places that are good enough.  As long as you are willing to exercise large measures of tolerance and resilience.  If patience is not buried in those attributes, I would add it to the list.


And I am about to use those traits in resolving an issue that has long plagued me in Mexico.


My part of Mexico is not well-known for its interest in books.  I have found that a bit frustrating because I love books.  During the past year, I have flown to and from The States about five times.  On each trip, I load up on books to take south.


But technology may have come to the rescue.  Several bloggers have been singing the praises of their Kindles.  Not Barbie's boy friend, but a small computer that downloads books and magazines, to be read on a paper book size screen.  No more book importing.  No more book toting.  No more missing magazines.


I should say I have been looking at a Kindle -- and its competitors.


As a service to other book-starved expiates, I am going to start looking  at each electronic reader in the hopes of, at least, giving you my review of each..


Because this is a matter of preference, I am certain the posts will engender some comments.  At least, I hope so.