How do you pronounce Charlie?
How can you say Charlie in French?
How do you speak echo?
How do you pronounce Louisa?
loo-eez-a. Because the Louisas I’ve met all say it that way.

David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.