A "broken-in world" is one where more complicated, more interesting, and more deeply human stories are possible. The alternative seems to be forever skating on the surface of things, defending an image of a life against reality and change.
I'm really happy you are also now sharing your essays here in addition to the podcast. When you mentioned wanting to write more on A Special Place in Hell I got very excited. I discovered your writing thanks to someone recommending your podcast, so for me, the connection between the two is very meaningful.
I subscribed to Substack for exactly one reason: to read your essays again. I love both your podcasts but this piece reminded me how exquisitely you write and how much I have been missing it. Thanks so much for sharing your work with us!!
Hi Meghan, I'm a Brazilian writer/former academic, and I have been a keen reader since your first book. I'm so glad for the new format of the podcast that allows us to read some of your essays. I would gladly contribute more if the currency wasn't so hard on me. I read the essays that you posted here and they provided me perspective and solace. They're always such a joy to read. I love your take on the times, art, and most of all life. You are such an original, brilliant and brave voice. Love the interviews and interactions too. We need you more than ever! Wish you a tremendous sucess with all your current projects. Take care!
Super excited to see you writing essays again. Your article made me think of my stepfather and his long term girlfriend of almost twenty years. They met several months after my mother passed and have been together basically ever since (with my full support). However, they’ve never lived together. She had been through a horrible divorce and raised two daughters, and didn’t want to be saddled with responsibilities of raising another person’s child (my younger brother) or being daily accountable to a spouse. They live on opposite sides of my home town/small city, but he goes over most days of the week. It’s been like that for 20 years and it works really well for them. I couldn’t do it but I’m happy they have each other and that their relationship satisfies them.
“But don’t worry,” said Lois, my kind, 70-year-old next-door neighbor said to me. “That won’t happen to you. If you dropped dead your dog would bark.” Just one of my favorite tidbits of this beautifully written piece.
I enjoy your podcasts -- keep em coming -- but your writing is just so good. This whole essay, these last lines:
"The river that day was brackish yet choppy. It struck me a vast sea of sadness, a tattered artery breaking the land in two emphatically distinct pieces. It was devastating. It was beautiful. I couldn’t get enough. It was broken. It was home."
This is a brilliant essay that fully justified the cost of my Substack subscription, and I feel privileged to be able to read it. Please include it in your next book. I'm going through the end of a 28-year-long marriage. But despite the stronger connections I have made to friends since the separation, the chance to experience new romantic feelings, the insights into what went (and still goes) wrong (definitely worth the price of admission) in my marriage, and freedom from my wife's regular disdain, I have doubts. A brilliant essay though and one of your best - real tears.
Personal essays don't get better than this. As a broken-in middle ager, I would only add: don't give up entirely on the shiny new leather. Sometimes it's stiff enough to yank you in another direction.
"It’s a world built on scar tissue, which turns out to be a surprisingly solid foundation." <3
A "broken-in world" is one where more complicated, more interesting, and more deeply human stories are possible. The alternative seems to be forever skating on the surface of things, defending an image of a life against reality and change.
I'm really happy you are also now sharing your essays here in addition to the podcast. When you mentioned wanting to write more on A Special Place in Hell I got very excited. I discovered your writing thanks to someone recommending your podcast, so for me, the connection between the two is very meaningful.
You took me back in time to one of the most painful times of my life and made me smile.
I wish you would write more it's so beautiful and tragic and disturbing.
I subscribed to Substack for exactly one reason: to read your essays again. I love both your podcasts but this piece reminded me how exquisitely you write and how much I have been missing it. Thanks so much for sharing your work with us!!
Hi Meghan, I'm a Brazilian writer/former academic, and I have been a keen reader since your first book. I'm so glad for the new format of the podcast that allows us to read some of your essays. I would gladly contribute more if the currency wasn't so hard on me. I read the essays that you posted here and they provided me perspective and solace. They're always such a joy to read. I love your take on the times, art, and most of all life. You are such an original, brilliant and brave voice. Love the interviews and interactions too. We need you more than ever! Wish you a tremendous sucess with all your current projects. Take care!
Super excited to see you writing essays again. Your article made me think of my stepfather and his long term girlfriend of almost twenty years. They met several months after my mother passed and have been together basically ever since (with my full support). However, they’ve never lived together. She had been through a horrible divorce and raised two daughters, and didn’t want to be saddled with responsibilities of raising another person’s child (my younger brother) or being daily accountable to a spouse. They live on opposite sides of my home town/small city, but he goes over most days of the week. It’s been like that for 20 years and it works really well for them. I couldn’t do it but I’m happy they have each other and that their relationship satisfies them.
“But don’t worry,” said Lois, my kind, 70-year-old next-door neighbor said to me. “That won’t happen to you. If you dropped dead your dog would bark.” Just one of my favorite tidbits of this beautifully written piece.
Meghan, you write so well. I was with in every piece of this lovely essay. Glad I will get to read more from you going forward.
Excellent honesty Meghan, as always. I feel more connected after I read your very grounded, insightful words.
I enjoy your podcasts -- keep em coming -- but your writing is just so good. This whole essay, these last lines:
"The river that day was brackish yet choppy. It struck me a vast sea of sadness, a tattered artery breaking the land in two emphatically distinct pieces. It was devastating. It was beautiful. I couldn’t get enough. It was broken. It was home."
I loved this essay. Please write a divorce book!
This is a brilliant essay that fully justified the cost of my Substack subscription, and I feel privileged to be able to read it. Please include it in your next book. I'm going through the end of a 28-year-long marriage. But despite the stronger connections I have made to friends since the separation, the chance to experience new romantic feelings, the insights into what went (and still goes) wrong (definitely worth the price of admission) in my marriage, and freedom from my wife's regular disdain, I have doubts. A brilliant essay though and one of your best - real tears.
Personal essays don't get better than this. As a broken-in middle ager, I would only add: don't give up entirely on the shiny new leather. Sometimes it's stiff enough to yank you in another direction.
Beautiful.
Fabulous! Keep it up.