Stephen King's Elevation - review - Return to Castle Rock

 Small book, big ideas.

Stephen King has been writing for nearly 50 years. His work is more diverse and intriguing than ever. This little tale set in fictional Castle Rock, Maine, covers lots of ground: morality, prejudice, acceptance, community and the hereafter. It's pleasing to see this septuagenarian still heralds his liberal views.
King doesn't bother to try to explain Scott Carey's weird weight loss condition, it's not the point of the novella. A mundane incident (a neighbour's dog defecating on Scott's front lawn) turns into a poignant finale. The folksy illustrations are a delight.

Melbourne Midsumma Festival 2014 January 12

My wife and I are in our late 50's. Each year we make a trip to the CBD for the opening day of the Midsumma Festival (Celebrating Queer Culture). It's free and only 5 mins walk across the Yarra from Fed Square (in the Alexandra Gardens). This was a huge improvement on the dusty Birrarung Marr where the carnival was held in 2013.
Great atmosphere, friendly people and very inclusive. Homophobes could learn a lot by visiting and observing. Nearly 100 000 people visited the carnival on the day.
We returned for the T Dance on the Main Stage until 10 p.m. Lots of fun. Must bring our dog for the dog show next year.
A big thanks Festival organisers and the Melbourne City Council.