Calvin Trillin: If You Can't Say Something Nice

[SFG75]

I just bought this book today at a second hand shop. It's from the 80's and is filled with some great satirical pieces. Most people know him as a regular poetry contributor to The Nation. He takes some good natured jabs at his publisher at The Nation magazine throughout the writings.

When Navasky and I had lunch in 1978 to discuss his grand vision for transforming The Nation from a shabby pinko sheet to a shabby pinko sheet with a humor column and a fflashy office for the editor.

Not Hiring Deaver is a short piece about former Reagan advisor Michael Deaver who was more than ethically challenged during Reagan's presidency. Trillin mentions Deaver's closeness to the Reagans while lampooning their poor relationship with their own children at the time.

He is so close to Ronald and Nancy Reagan that he is often described as being like a son to them-something that has never been said of any otherir own children.

These and other biting observances are currently being enjoyed by me. Will write more later.