Who are you?

   
     From being a part of a group to specific unique details, we have many ways to describe ourselves.  We are mammals, primates, human beings, part of our family tree, born with an ethnicity, gender, and DNA, with a name, birthdate, birthplace, and given a social security number in the US.  Part of who we are involves relationships: parent, sibling, friend, and so on.  Other words describe how we spend our time: occupation, sports participant or fan, hobby, volunteer, etc.  We may include our philosophies: religious affiliation, political party, values, opinions.  We also may describe our personality, talents, and skills.  Some descriptions are directed toward a particular goal: college application, job interview, medical records, or impressing a particular person.
     When getting acquainted or developing a friendship, we reveal who we are and learn who they are.  Sometimes, we reveal our problems and seek advice from each other.
     Some parts of who we are cannot or will not change.  Outside influences beyond our control may change part of who we are.  If we have the desire to change some things about ourselves, we can set goals and try.
     Sometimes, other people try to define or label us.  Their opinions may be valid and helpful or distorted and harmful.  We need to have confidence in our own description.  Remember the wise words from Dr. Seuss.  
   

A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW

     In 1922 at age 33, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow.  He resides there for 30 years believing "if a man does not master his circumstances, then he is bound to be mastered by them."  As an educated aristocrat, he uses his wit and charm, befriends employees and residents, and learns to survive within the hotel.  Throughout his life, Rostov learns that "every period has its virtues, even a time of turmoil."
     He experiences love from being a father to his adopted daughter and from a romance with Anna, a willowy movie actress.  His longtime friend Mishka was loyal from college days to the end.  Young Sofia said the Count was "a man inclined to see the best in all of us."
     Author Amor Towles shows us Russian history and how people suffer, adapt, and survive.  Hope and determination leads many of them to find contentment and happiness.  "A Gentleman in Moscow" is captivating.