The story follows the life of a Czech farming family in Texas and the twisted world which has been carved out for them

Bruce Machart, OS author of issue #34 “What You’re Walking Around Without,” received praise for his

debut novel, The Wake of Forgiveness in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. Machart, who read from

Forgiveness at One Story‘s reading at Powerhouse Arena last Thursday, weaves together a gothic tale of

tragedy, deceit and beauty. The story follows the life of a Czech farming family in Texas and the

twisted world which has been carved out for them. The book begins with the mother’s death in

childbirth. Afterward her husband, Vaclav Skala, symbolically burns their bed. He “reached in and

pulled out the feathers, one bloody handful after another, and fed them to the fire, which spat and

sizzled before blazing into yellow flames and thick white billows of smoke.” Machart’s stark, blunt

language carries the mystery and tragedy of the American Southwest, yet remains grounded in its

humanity. Bruce has crafted a raw and captivating debut novel. Check out the latest Book Review!

I recently came across a story about a Chicago woman who had for years worked in relative anonymity, as

a nanny and with a passion for photography. Unfortunately, during her lifetime Vivian Maier did not

receive recognition for her incredible talent for capturing amazing pictures with her street

photography. This was due in part by her choice to strictly guard her private life.

Fortunately, her pictures are now coming to light thanks to the discovery of them by a real estate

agent John Maloof who was searching for historical photographs to include in a book he was cowriting

about Portage Park. At a local auction house he bought some stuff that included a box with more than

30,000 negatives. He put it away in a closet, but later went back to the box. Although he knew almost

nothing about photography he scanned some of the negatives into his computer and began viewing them. He

discovered wonderful shots, became intrigued and even started experimenting with photography himself.

He quickly gained a greater appreciation for Maier's keen eye and artistic sensibility. He realized

this type of photography was much harder than it seemed.

You should certainly go to this story, The Life and Work of Street Photographer Vivian Maier by Nora

O'Donnell. Read the article and view the photo gallery. It is stunning work and a reminder that so many

people indeed have an interesting and special gift that should be shared with the world. Although

Vivian Maier didn't seem to crave attention, her photos show us much about Chicago at that time and is

a legacy of her passion as well as wonderful snapshots in time.