One of the best things I have read recently is Jon Raymond’s collection of short stories entitled Livability. Set against the background of the bleak Pacific Northwest, they are nuanced and excruciatingly real, to the point where I found myself tearing up constantly, and inadvertently merging characters with people in my own life.

Equally subtle, and emotionally tender, are Kelly Reichardt’s film adaptations of two of Raymond’s works. Old Joy is based on the story of the same name, and Wendy and Lucy on “Train Choir.” The former stars Will Oldham (with music by Yo La Tengo!) and the latter, Michelle Williams.

And both feature my favorite onscreen canine, Lucy. I swear that dog was a person in a previous life.