Generally speaking, all serious writers probe existential subjects — good vs evil, the human condition and the meaning of life. This assessment is true of literary giants 2000 years ago and also true of those who aspire to greatness today. Generally speaking, the first work of most serious authors is their crowning achievement, their magnum opus, while all of their other work, however equally brilliant, digs the same essential ground. This assertion is most evident in the works of writers like Dostoevsky, Hugo, Bronte, Pasternak, Austen, Marquez, Poe, Wilde, Sophocles, etc. Unfortunately, these legends didn’t live to cash it in with Hollywood and network television. But their genius has nonetheless been on full display for decades. Millions have flocked to stage and screen to witness their achievements, some even induced to take up reading, thinking and learning. Generally speaking, the modern era is also congested with fine authors, prolific authors. On the popularity front, many of them are darlings of the movie industry. The novels of Grisham, Clancy, Rowling, Sparks, Steele, Irving, Fleming ( J. Bond), King (of horror), Atwood and many other literary heavyweights, check all the boxes of human drama, with big helpings of love, hate, wickedness, courage,, intrigue and heroism. But, generally speaking, the publishing industry also has an abiding interest in the huge, lucrative, non-fiction category, although critics like you might suggest there’s a big helping of fiction in non-fiction. Especially in the autobiography category. Consider how  all manner of celebrities, including politicians, eagerly capitalize on their names. The publishing hucksters routinely create provocative book titles and dramatic book jackets well before the ghost writers complete a first draft. This reproach, of course, is not aimed at the political star who recently decided to put aside ego and give her adoring fans the  lowdown on a selfless loyalty to Joe Biden.  Generally speaking, 107 Days is likely the inside story of Kamala Harris’ self sacrifice — of her dogged determination to continue the fight, even to admit to one reporter that, during the campaign, “she was terrified about what this (her loss) would mean for the country and for democracy.”  Hmm, touching. Or more likely, touched. For personal reasons, you have decided to postpone a review of the book.  As Scarlett so often and so famously said, “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.” After all, during the campaign, you did listen carefully to Kamala’s shrewd, penetrating wit, to her astute grasp of complicated issues, her bold solutions and spontaneous humor. What else can there be? You feel confident to guess at some of her back story. Certainly, the underdog complaint will surface — that 107 Days is a wink of an eye, so little time to prepare, so little time for people to know the real me, all the while facing the insults of a  former president who was also a media celeb.  Perhaps it didn’t occur to Kamala that, in fact, too many people might have come to know her too well in too short a time. Generally speaking, the political pundits are quick to weigh-in on a possible Harris rerun. Those who give thumbs down say that key Democrat power brokers are leaning to a photogenic, big State Governor who has the charisma to grow a diverse electorate. Now who could that be? you ask, tongue firmly in cheek. Others — fewer others — believe Harris still has credentials that appeal to a wide, assorted audience, not the least of which is the largest voting group in America. Take a guess, Matilda. Still other experts say she will decide, for private career reasons, to skip 2028. Face it, you have zero standing to have an opinion. If you decide to read 107 Days, you may find a clue lurking about. You may detect a combative resolve, or a vengeful remark, that exposes her intentions. While Kamala plugs her book on the requisite media stops, you discover another book that ranks #1 on Amazon, based on pre sales. Stop, in the Name of God, authored by Charlie Kirk, will be released posthumously in three months. Generally speaking, Charlie Kirk was no literary giant, no literary technician. He was no Dostoevsky, Dickens, Steinbeck or Rowling. But, as a self avowed disciple of Jesus Christ, he authored several best seller books** to remind a nation that America’s founding principals are precisely aligned with the principles of Christianity. You believe he would say the Founders got it exactly right, that The Constitution was immaculately conceived in its simplicity; then  summarily distorted and perverted to give a Central Government absolute power. The outpouring of love for Charlie Kirk was not for the shock of how he died, but for the realization of how he lived — hands outstretched to the young — his willingness to have conversations with anyone who disagreed with him. For centuries, great writers have observed and analyzed the human condition. Charlie reached out to touch humanity, face to face.  Gratefully speaking,  his splendid life speaks for itself.

** Note: Selected  works of Charlie Kirk: Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life; Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West; The MAGA Doctrine; Time for a Turning Point; The College Scam. Ed.

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