Something I’ve learned about writing: You can’t assume that friends and family members will want to read your books and essays. Some won’t read them at all. (K doesn’t read my non-fiction writing because she says she gets “enough of me” in person.) And then there are the friends and family members that read you but find fault with your writing. An example: This 1926 letter from Grace Hall Hemingway to her son after reading his latest, The Sun Also Rises…

Ernest,

It is a doubtful honor to produce one of the filthiest books of the year.

What is the matter? Have you ceased to be interested in loyalty, nobility, honor, and fineness in life? Surely you have other words in your vocabulary besides “damn” and “bitch” – Every page fills me with a sick loathing – if I should pick up a book by any other writer with such words in it, I should read no more – but pitch it in the fire.