David L. Thompson,

Started your book on Sunday night, finished Monday night and hated for it to end.  When I am able to put myself into the story and feel a part of it--to me that is a good book.

I am a member of Barker Ridge United Baptist Church and Smith Creek Church and all the others in that area have been known to me for many years.  I have know Earlene and Mauna since they were girls.  Jerry and Earlene have been coming for a few years and not Mauna since she has married our pastor.  These girls have been good to me.

I loved Earlene's quote about the food and the one about the testimony of a sister Gue and her husband's remarks.  I wrote both for my collection.  I also enjoyed what you had to say about Mrs. Green--the school nurse.  I wrote in my memoirs several years ago of my fear and feelings of her visits.  I suppose many felt the same concerning her but few recorded their thoughts.  It was just great to read your opinion.  I told Mauna last evening at church about my enjoyment of your book and she said that she would tell you.  However, it was so good that it deserves a personal review from me.

It is great that you and your wife have been able to travel and enjoy the beautiful sights of our country.

Also, your neighbor, Rosa is one of our church members and I saw her parents on different occasions.  I saw them at church and remember seeing Mr. Nida at the 26th Street tobacco building. 

I can identify with so much of your way of life, and being older, remember the days of WWII and the Korean War time before Vietnam.

Thank you--your book has increased my thinking about many things.

Annie