It's with tremendous sadness that I relate that George Hodgman, author of Bettyville and a lovely friend, has passed away. After reviewing his book, we started corresponding and eventually he was helping me house hunt. He knew just what houses I would like. Ultimately, I didn't move to his state.
However, he was always around with a wry observation, a book recommendation, a bit of comfort when I was sad. Which was quite often, in the past. When my Dad was ailing he had suggestions and affirmations and, helpfully, explained the concept of "sun-downers" with dementia patients in a way I hadn't understood through other means.
I'm terribly saddened by this news. He has done other great work for Vanity Fair, but Bettyville was artful and moving and graceful.
Here's the review again. He leaves a lovely lab named Raj.
http://www.theblacksheepdances.com/2015/04/bettyville-by-george-hodgman.html
Washington Post obituary:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/george-hodgman-best-selling-author-of-bettyville-dies-at-60/2019/07/24/7f91fff8-ad67-11e9-bc5c-e73b603e7f38_story.html?utm_term=.93bad5ea3689
And for the record, Graydon Carter can go to hell.