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Two things came to mind as I read this fine piece.

First, Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics in “Incommunicado,” about John D.MacDonald (surely one of the finest writers of the mid-20th century, and one of my top 5 or so favorite writers):

“So when I finished that last line,

I put the book by itself on the shelf with my heart in it...”

Buffett, by the way, is or was apparently a reader as well. Several of his songs are inspired by books or writers or reading, such as “Nobody talks to the Captain No More” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), “Following the Equator” (Mark Twain), and of course “Love in the Library.”

The second thought that came to mind was of a line I wrote a long time ago inspired by an argument with a literature professor: “It doesn’t matter what the writer wrote. It matters what the reader read.” (I’ve had second, third and so on thoughts about that over the years, but it still strikes me as somewhat true.)

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Thank you, James. I don't believe I've ever known or thought about Jimmy Buffet that way. It's different than the persona he projects. I appreciate the insight and your own writing.

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Jenna,

As the sun rises on a new day your words compliment the light and warmth of that sunrise. You have a gift and we are appreciative that you willingly share your gift. It is a wonderful way to help us think about life and briefly divert us from the trials the day will bring.

Thank you

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Thank you as always, my friend.

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A beautiful work of literary art!

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That's much too kind, thank you!!

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