Jenny Riddle

The Joy of Putting A Bookshelf in My Bathroom

November 17, 2021 Jenny Riddle Leave a Comment

I am sitting on the toilet in the bathroom of our new apartment perusing books on the shelf directly in front of me. I pull Think Again by Adam Grant off my black bookcase just an arms-length away from my “seat.”

I open the spine to a random page and read: “Questioning ourselves makes the world more unpredictable. It requires us to admit that the facts may have changed, that what was once right may now be wrong…”

I replace it face up on top of the others—to be continued next … [Read more...] about The Joy of Putting A Bookshelf in My Bathroom

Learn to Love the Bomb

March 25, 2021 Jenny Riddle Leave a Comment

It’s the morning of April 19, 2011 when I receive the email. It's from a friend who has an acquaintance in desperate need of an actress to step in to an original play due to open in ten days. They have fired the current actress and need someone—PRONTO.

“Here’s the phone number to call, if you’re interested,” the email reads.

I’m scared to make the call, but I’m intrigued because the play is written and directed by three former Second City guys, and I think it would be cool to work with … [Read more...] about Learn to Love the Bomb

Which Book Would You Read First And Why?

November 24, 2020 Jenny Riddle Leave a Comment

Based on the following three opening lines from three new bestselling books, which one would you want to read first?
1) Of all the rooms and halls and landmarks that make up the White House and its grounds, it was the West Colonnade that I loved best.
For eight years that walkway would frame my day, a minute-long, open-air commute from home to office and back again. It was where each morning I felt the first slap of winter wind or pulse of summer heat; the place where I’d gather my thoughts, … [Read more...] about Which Book Would You Read First And Why?

Should You Tell The Truth To Your UPS Person?

October 3, 2020 Jenny Riddle Leave a Comment

I don’t know the name of the guy who delivers my UPS packages. In all this time, I never asked. And he never uses my name, even though he must know it after delivering oodles of packages over the years.
I wonder if it’s an unstated rule, not to address recipients by name.
On my walks, his brown truck frequently passes me on the street. We enthusiastically wave at each other. He often gives me a thumbs up.
We discovered years ago that both our boys were serious tennis players, and, on … [Read more...] about Should You Tell The Truth To Your UPS Person?

You Cannot Become What You Cannot See

July 3, 2020 Jenny Riddle Leave a Comment

During her sophomore year of high school, our youngest daughter shares with me that one of her girlfriends, a friend she has known since kindergarten, now identifies as male. He cuts his hair, changes his name, and updates his clothes.
At first, when she, that is he, comes over to the house, I have to make a conscious effort to use the correct pronoun. Once I yell downstairs, “Do you girlies need anymore popcorn?” Realizing my blunder, I hesitate and add, “I’m sorry. I mean do YOU need more … [Read more...] about You Cannot Become What You Cannot See