Objects of Affection

I read this book because I'm interested in the personal essay as a form and have been thinking about trying my hand at a few essays of my own (the word “essay” being particularly apt for that intention). It is a rewarding book on many levels. The essays are beautifully written–many were published in fine literary magazines before being assembled in this collection–but they also deal with fascinating subject matter. The author has lived in the US for many years, but was born and educated in Poland. In one way or another, the essays deal with that dichotomy: being both Polish and American; existing with both the Polish and English languages, including writing in both and doing translations; and exploring identity. Highly recommended.