For decades, Bill McClellan has shared his insight, wisdom and self-deprecating humor with readers through his weekly columns in the pages of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Gently Down the Stream," Bill's latest compilation of columns, features nearly 90
I've been reading Bill McClelland for years, and follow his column in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. He has a gentle, human way of writing about crime, law, current events and aging that is personal and accessible.
McClelland writes about real people, and brings in history, social changes and a personal curiosity to make tell a story of how the world changes and how we fit in. The stories are short; 2-3 pages.
My only complaint: too much of a good thing. In the paper, we get his column spread out over 3 days a week. Reading these columns one right after the other, without time to ponder, and without further commentary by the author or an editor, reduces the power of the stories.
Best read one or two at a time, befitting the daily rhythms of a newspaper, these columns from the bard of St. Louis generally focus on the little people, often in trouble for one reason or another. The language is direct, the attitude forgiving. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill recently and he's just as you'd expect: funny, smart, curious and kind.