Go, Tell Aunt Birdie

Ruth Reichl’s parents’ minister was Maynor, not Maynard, and he was married to the most luminous singer of her generation, Dorothy Maynor. She was short and heavy, but when she sang, you were in the presence of a giant.

Although I live according to macrobiotic principles, I’m going to prepare Aunt Birdie’s potato salad (we don’t eat nightshade vegetables). I’m also going to buy the book when it becomes available next month.

MARLY HARRIS

Simi Valley

I just read Ruth Reichl’s article, and it was beautiful. In fact, it’s funny the way families keep secrets they think are so awful and embarrassing, but once revealed, these secrets are not a big deal.

CAMI BERKUS

Los Angeles