Stories from Life W/Animals

In this final installment of his three-part autobiography ( Court of Memory appeared in two volumes), McConkey, who teaches creative writing at Cornell University, records the thoughts preoccupying him from 1984 to 1991. A humanist concerned with our survival, McConkey was driven to explore the value and meaning of his life by the threat of nuclear destruction. In a series of eloquent reminiscences, he reflects on his relationship with animals during his childhood and as an adult. Other sketches deal with his son's cancer, the illness of an old friend and the author's loving relationship with his wife. Present events trigger childhood memories that in turn touch the present. Written with perception and humor, his brave inward journey has plainly enriched himself, and will do the same for readers. (Oct.)