By Ray Saadi – Book Editor

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAINTING  By Wendy W. Rodrigue, UL Press, $24.95

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George Rodrigue’s wife Wendy, his companion, colleague and critic, has written the revealing story of their life together in this handsome and solid book which, in light of his recent death, will lovingly stand as a personal tribute. Wendy, a prolific blogger and creative writer, details Rodrigue’s life from his upbringing as an only child in New Iberia where, at nine years old and confined to bed with polio, he was introduced to painting with a “Paint by Numbers” gift from his mother. Wendy reveals the story behind each Blue Dog and Jolie Blond painting and in a humorous chapter explains the proper pronunciation of Rodrigue. 

SHAKESPEARE’S TREMOR and ORWELL’S COUGH

By John J. Ross, M.D., St. Martin’s Press, $24.99

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Toward the end of his writing career, which came in his late-middle age, Shakespeare’s handwriting appeared quite shaky; a symptom that the author speculates may have been connected to his syphilitic obsession and gossip about his sexual misadventures. What? Shakespeare? Who would’ve thought? Dr. Ross diagnoses 11 other famous writers including James Joyce who endured a rather graphic gonorrhea treatment, although he may very well have had syphilis or herpes simplex as well, since patients often had more than one venereal disease simultaneously. Fascinating reading.