A few years ago, one of my old neighborhood pals that I had gone to grade school with passed away. As a result of signing the online Guest Book for my friend; I became reacquainted with another old friend that I had not seen in over forty years. Since then, we have exchanged several e-mails, and he came and saw a performance of mine in INHERIT THE WIND, which he said he was very impressed.
Now he has returned the artistic favor. He is a journalist and an author, having written four non-fiction books that have been published. About two weeks ago, he told me that he had written his first work of fiction, a novel for young people. He asked if I would be interested in reading it and giving my opinion. Well, frankly, I have put it off, afraid that I would hate it or be bored to death.
I need not have worried. The book is fantastic. I couldn't put it down, and even though I finished it this afternoon, I am pretty sure that the story and the main characters will remain with me for some time. I sent it back this evening, with a few spelling errors and a few very minor things that I think he should change; but other than those, I truly think this book is a winner.
