‘The Inventors: A Memoir’ by Peter Selgin

In this memoir, Peter Selgin outlines the beginning of his passion for writing.

As the child of an inventor and a twin, Peter always felt he had to compete for his parents’ attention.

At the beginning of eighth grade, Peter meets a young teacher who took him under his wing: the two spend hours at the teacher’s cottage, drinking tea, playing chess and discussing books.

They become inseparable – until the teacher resigns.

Although they meet occasionally and correspond constantly, it is only after the teacher’s death that Peter learns he had completely invented his own past.

At home, Peter realizes his father has done the same – as, after a fashion, so do we all.