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A question from Walt Glazer

I just finished your delightful book and was particularly impressed with your candor and ability to keep on topic/theme without too much talk about your career success and restaurant gossip.

I have a special interest because my daughter, Lisa Glazer, was in your class at Columbia and, more importantly, Elli (Cohen) Burkett was a student/friend from the University of Pittsburgh (I was teaching American urban history at the time). In fact, at graduation, we got together to celebrate and I recall them claiming Elli was the oldest and Lisa the youngest student in the class (I was reminded of this by your claim to be "one of the youngest."

I have (tried to) follow Elli's career and am amazed how she keeps changing topics and addresses: last I heard she is teaching journalism in Africa. If you have any news, please let me know.

P.S. I also recall reading your long profile of George Bush in the NYT and the point you made of his identity as a "cheerleader" in school. I was struck by that at the time (because it was so different from the claims-to-fame of other prominent men) and I have come to believe, increasingly, that it was the key to his character and, tragically, his presidency.

Thanks

Answer: 

Hi. Nice to hear from you. I remember Lisa. Although this is all off topic, these questions come through to me without email addresses, so this is the only way to respond. Those reading this for weight- and eating-related stuff, my apologies.

Anyway, Elli divides her time between Zimbabwe, where she indeed teaches, and the Catskills, where she has a house. It is, indeed, an interesting life Elli leads! I'll tell her you said hello.