The New Folks in 3L

Have they figured out that if they take a bath, their soapy water will sink down, through the floor, to fill 2L's kitchen light fixture? Do they notice the slant in the kitchen? (Countless runaway rice seeds, popcorn kernels, macaroni elbows and grapes huddle in the groove where the floor doesn't quite meet the back wall because of this.) Have they figured out a better way to use the space? (A railroad apartment is a tricky problem: the middle two rooms dank caves, no natural light.) Have they been bitten by the mosquitos in the summer? Have they banged their way to the special alchemy of adjustment on the radiators in the winter? Do they know that their fire escape takes an apartment firmly in the 6-7 range and pushes it to a solid 8? (Hint: buy a hammock.) Have they heard their neighbor's parties? (She doesn't have them often, but she's a lawyer, so when she does, they're raucous.) Have they discovered a way to love that place? It grows on you, I know firsthand. There will be a time, later on, when you look back and remember it.

The Orchardist

The Orchardist, a novel by local Portland author Amanda Coplin, is worth your time. The beauty with which she describes the Pacific Northwest takes nothing away from the power and forward momentum of the tale. It is quiet and surprising.