The ironic title of this story from Anne Tyler is said to be symbolic of protagonist Bet’s life. Like her fisherman father, Bet faces “average waves” (life challenges) in “unprotected waters” (alone). All her life, Bet has allowed herself to be battered by the waves, taking comfort from enduring. Unfortunately, the major challenge she has faced, raising a special needs son, is far from average. Her courageous decision to institutionalize Arnold suggests an attempt to take control of her life, but leaves her feeling empty and even more alone. Themes: memory, family, life-changing choices, motherly love, identity, courage, self-determination. More…

This story by Anne Tyler deals with different perspectives on growing up and parenting. Published in 1983, the story pre-dates the influence of modern devices such as PCs, the Internet, mobile phones, and even CD players. After-school entertainment involved TV, listening to music (on radio, vinyl records or cassettes) and neighborhood sport. However, many aspects of teenage life have remained unchanged. These include school and peer pressure, and dealing with parental authority and expectations. Without the right kind of support, young people having trouble dealing with these challenges must feel like life is a wasteland. More…

An unusual aspect of this Anne Tyler story about an eighty-two-year-old man going into an “old folks’ home” is that he is doing it out of choice and on his own terms. The old man has renounced the material world. For him, the most important possessions in life are his independence and dignity. Although he has a loving family who would gladly house and care for him, he is ashamed of his growing weakness and steadfastly (and somewhat selfishly) refuses to be loved at any cost. Themes: aging, independence, frugality/minimalism, family, pride, stubbornness.
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