Literature Appetizer
Ben Kusserow
A Northern Appalachian's Journey

Recently I just finished Appalachia North by Matthew Ferrence. In it, he recounts the complex relationship he still has with the land as a Northern Appalachian. Typically when I finish a book I write a Literature Appetizer to get people a taste of what they will find. Since his book is such a personal journey, I would not do it justice by recounting his life.

Many of his experiences reflect my own experience growing up in Western PA. So instead of condensing his journey, I thought I would condense mine.

The Hero’s Journey is a common literary structure where the hero of the story departs home to do a great act, and then returns victorious. My Northern Appalachian Journey is a bit different, but has a similar structure of three parts; Living in Water, Succeeding by Leaving, and The Mountains are Calling.

A Northern Appalachian's Journey

democracy

Fascism is Democracy’s Pollution

Fascism is Democracy’s Pollution

This morning marked the third day that Pittsburgh has been in a “Code Orange” for air quality. For those who are unaware, code orange is defined as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” While there are a multitude of factors including seasonal weather and topography, one of the largest factors for the Monongahela Valley is Clairton Coke Works.

Even though I am not in one of the defined sensitive groups, I had trouble breathing when out and about yesterday and today. The thick haze that has covered my city has made me want to stay inside and find distractions.

I cannot think of a better analogy for how I have felt politically over the past four years.