National Authors Day 2022

2022-11-01

When I was a kid I was a big fan of the literature by Isaak Yudovich Ozimov aka Dr Issac Asimov (1920-1992). I felt that his insights into the scientific world gave a depth to his science fiction which imparted relevancy — and he was that intersection of both science fiction and science fact that naturally appealed to my early diffuse interests.

Dr Asimov fell victim to a serious heart attack. In December 1983 he underwent a triple bypass surgery at NYU Medical Center, during which he contracted HIV from a blood transfusion.

His HIV status was kept secret because he and his family feared the anti AIDS prejudice which might be directed at both him and his family members.

He died in Manhattan on April 6, 1992, and was cremated with a reported cause of death as heart and kidney failure.

What a tragic ending for one of the greatest minds the world has ever produced.

He remained the favorite author of this wayward manchild thoughout the greater proportion of my lifetime.

Today is National Author’s Day. It is a day to spend with those works by your favorite author. I will likely spend the day reading either The Positronic Man, or I, Robot, or perhaps even Fantastic Voyage for the umpteenth time.

However you choose to spend the day I hope you'll consider the sadness I have over the loss of my favorite author so many years ago.