I keep track of new writings by Joyce Carol Oates and then, when they are released, I cringe before I read a word. Oates is one of this generation's most accomplished writers. She will forever have a place in a list of authors to be read. I cringe at many of her works because they get too close to the truth of human existence through the characters of her novels, who often are fictionalized (just barely) well-known personalities. "Blonde" is about the life of Marilyn Monroe, and was written...

I keep track of new writings by Joyce Carol Oates and then, when they are released, I cringe before I read a word. Oates is one of this generation's most accomplished writers. She will forever have a place in a list of authors to be read.

I cringe at many of her works because they get too close to the truth of human existence through the characters of her novels, who often are fictionalized (just barely) well-known personalities.

"Blonde" is about the life of Marilyn Monroe, and was written in 2000. The read is rich, deeply moving and raw. There is no over-dramatization here. There is no sizzle over substance.

This is a life of torture made real by a writer whose works always reach for the soul and usually find it. Lives are so often what we don't see or know. Oates sees and knows.

Oates has had to repeatedly say this is a work of fiction, not a biography. It is, but Oates has the ability to see in the lives of others that which we cannot or choose not to recognize. Therein lies the strength of Oates' works, and "Blonde" may well be her best.

I still recoil at the thought of her depiction of Monroe's relationship with Charlie Chaplin's son. "Brutal" seems the only fitting adjective.

As with most of Oates novels, once read, never forgotten.

This week's read recommendation comes from librarian Kwabena Sarfo of the Enoch Pratt Free Library: "Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson" by Mitch Albom.

"'Tuesdays with Morrie' is about Morrie Schwartz, a college professor, and Mitch Albom, his former student," Sarfo says. "Morrie was Mitch's favorite college professor. Mitch lost touch with Morrie after graduation. Sixteen years later, Mitch find out his old college professor is dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mitch sets up a visit with Morrie. After his initial visit, he began visiting Morrie every Tuesday. During those visits, they had discussions on wide range of subjects. Mitch was intrigued by Morrie's view on life that he began taking notes and recorded their conversations. Morrie impacted Mitch with lessons on the meaning of life."

Thanks, Kwabena. This book began a series of writings by Albom that have had lasting success.

Now to the video on "Blonde."

"There is no doubt fiction makes a better job of the truth." ― Doris Lessing, "Under My Skin: Volume One of My Autobiography, to 1949"

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2015 season is his ninth with the club and 30th covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Enoch Pratt Free Library will host STEM Starters, a program for children 3-5 and their caregivers, who will explore science, technology, engineering and math through play and discovery. The May 23 event will examine technology through simple machines at the Roland Park Branch, 5108 Roland Ave., at 11 a.m. Program size is limited, so please call 410-396-6099 to register in advance.

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