Pulitzer Prize-winning novels depict heating systems in a new light

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Pulitzer Prize-winning novels depict heating systems in a new light

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GW

Very good, Yes, our Great Society expects heat when the make their little commands at the thermostat. But, we are no one's minion; if you allow the customer to command you like just like they command their little heat switches on the wall, you are the anchor of the heating world. Let's earn, or better yet, command a little respect

kcopp

As usual Dan well stated and well thought.

Jamie Hall

Among the treasures in this ark I care for is a series of letters from one Julie Palmer Smith to her husband, Morris Smith, written during the Civil War. She was in Hartford, CT with four young girls. He was in New Orleans, busy selling tack (horse equipment) to the Confederates (there's a story there). In those letters, scattered around, are her stories of trying to keep their house in Hartford warm - at least warm enough to keep the water thawed. They are fascinating... we take so much for granted.

Erin Holohan Haskell

So true!

BradHotNCold

Purely coincidentally, I read this on the day of the second consecutive nor’easter in as many weeks. We drove to Maine knowing the snow was on its way. Upon arrival, we made plans for the loss of electricity. We have not gone the generator route, so loss of electricity means loss of heat. But we have a form of cental heat: a Russian stove or masonry heater which is able — with enough wood — to keep the center of our Maine house moderately warm. We wear sweaters! But as they say, making wood warms you twice. But today’s whiteout conditions are gorgeous! 02/08/2018

STEVEusaPA

So Dan, was there a clear winner-of all the books you read? Or at least a top 10?
I looked up the list and was surprised to learn I had actually read 5 of them, sadly none in the last 30 years.

Steve Minnich

Two of my favorites are in there - The Grapes of Wrath and To Kill a Mockingbird.

DanHolohan

Steve, anything but Faulkner. ;-)

RPK

This made me think of a Pulitzer Prize winner I read recently, Martin Dressler, by Stephen Millhauser. There’s quite a bit on steam heating and even an entire chapter called “The Radiator” What were your thoughts on this one Dan?

DanHolohan

@RPK I liked that one a lot. Thanks.

GBart

I love the little war Darren McGavin has with his boiler in A Christmas Story, very accurate right down to the damper controls on the kitchen wall.