Like a collection of pre-Instagram photos with no filters to blur the hard edges, “Learn to Swim” (University of Hell Press, 2015) offers an unsentimental yet moving snapshot of a 10-year friendship. Author Joseph Haeger, 29, wrote the novella-length memoir while finishing up his English degree with an emphasis on creative writing at Eastern Washington University. The catalyst was the death of Ryan Emery, Haeger’s best friend since sixth grade. In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving 2007, Emery was pulled over in north Spokane for driving under the influence. As the Washington State trooper prepared to cuff him, Emery punched him and took off in his car. The trooper pursued. A short time later Emery lost control and went over an embankment. He died on impact. He was 20 years old/Cindy Hval, SR. More here.

Question: Do you remember your best friend from youth?

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