Thank you for reading.

This is a fictional story with fictional characters—the story/content/text have been copyrighted (2016). During the project, I revised the story and expanded it into a short one act play. Many thanks to all in the WordPress community for their support via likes and follows, and to poet Brian Walker for his kind words & re-blog. And thanks to my friends Raquelle and Maria and to the sole unknown/kindred spirit who also followed the story by email from Australia (I think). Thank you all!  For more of writing on Jane Austen or my other literary and non-literary thoughts please visit:  https://shaldenandneatham.wordpress.com

Safe travels home

Anthony, That’s such a relief that the base library was spared. Did the happy dance around after reading the news. Know you worked hard to save it. Yes I’ll help with the VA and clinic libraries. Enclosed are the winter poems from the book featuring poetry by children for Lily and Raf. Wishing you safe travels home, Janine.

Secured the library.

Janine, I am happy to report that someone has stepped up and we have secured the base library. Our new C.O. really appreciated the Kerouac books, and that helped us out. Once I’m back can we set up a new account? Buddy of mine Luis, is at VA in long-term care. He is asking me to set up library there for the patients and also at some of the nearby VA clinics, I’m sending a message to the book exchange now. Talk soon, Anthony.

Darcy v. Wentworth.

Janine, Unfortunately, I keep hitting walls here, but I have managed to finish Pride and Prejudice and have a few questions for you about the Darcy v. Wentworth debate, but they will have to wait. I am still working to see if we can save the base library here before I depart, Anthony

Library Contingency Plan

Janine, I am writing with news I don’t want to give you after everything you sent us, but I’m not sure we can keep the base library. Doing my best on putting together a contingency plan. Trying to take some pointers from your boy Darcy or was it Wentworth? I am counting down the days now to leaving, seeing my children Lily and Raf again, and being able to turn on and off lights just because I can, Anthony

Wrapping it up.

Janine, I am sending this to tell you we appreciate everything that was sent. I am in the process of wrapping up my time here and will be heading home in a few weeks. There are still arrangements to be made and finalized. I am holding out that someone here will take over the library for me and become the new contact for the book exchange, Anthony

Naughty or Nice?

Anthony, This time had a lot of help. Friends from book club (Bookcrossing), from work and my family too. You know how you ask for something and people say: “oh sure.” But then they just forget about it. Well was organized enough that it didn’t happen. Everyone has contributed something. Took a couple of trips to the postal station to but it’s all been sent now. Cannot imagine how hard it must be for all of you so far away from your friends, family and all you know that is familiar during this time of the year.

Holiday shopping can be a project but have finished. This year I sent my former A.P. English teacher Mr. d., a copy of Vonnegut’s Mother Night. Recently learned he had not read any of Mr. Vonnegut’s books, but he admitted to seeing parts of the film version of Slaughterhouse Five. My original plan was to send him Cat’s Cradle but I could not locate it and chose Mother Night instead — thinking he might appreciate the World War II connection. Later did locate Cat’s Cradle. Was over with the “Naughty or Nice” section of staff recommendations.

Enclosed for you is a copy of Pride and Prejudice by Austen. This is the first Austen novel I read. Was back in college, juggling novels for different required classes; wondering why everyone was worried about everyone’s honor. Almost ten years later read it again and really got how it nails and rifts on human nature. Every year try to re-read it around the winter holidays. Be well and take care of you, Janine