Frank does important work

Frank Bascombe is author Richard Ford's fictional character in his award-winning trilogy -- the latest being "The Lay of the Land".
Bascombe, a Realtor peddling homes in New Jersey, is quite savvy about property and real estate deal making. He is also a man on a constant search for happiness -- more hopeful than dismal about the prospects.
I recently heard Ford speak at a lecture series in NYC in an interview format with former New York Times Book Review editor Charles McGrath. The room was packed with Ford fans -- me too.
Towards the middle of the pleasing interview, McGrath asked "why real estate", you know why is Frank a Realtor? The implication, of course, which seemed to resonate with the crowd (except for me) was Real estate is a second-rate, lowly, contemptible profession.
Ford's come back was masterful.
He said, there is not enough cynicism in the world to dispute that buying a home is a fundamentally good thing, and that people who help others find a home are doing something fundamentally good.
I agree.

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