Yes, Kryssi, of course Stephen King has always had enormous audience, a genre, yes, practically an industry unto himself, but, alas, the critics have not always been kind, and the literary types tend to hold their elegant noses at the mention of his name. And I must admit not ALL his work rates my genius stars — especially his more recent offerings.

Right off hand, I can’t think of too many authors that I really get excited about - most especially since I abhor violence! Years and years ago I read one of the most amazing little pocket books - soft bound, if you will. I apologize for not remembering the author - since I no longer have the book I am unable to check it out. The title is very simplistic, the written pages are filled with narratives and conversations. I could not put it down until I finished it. It is entitled: “Mister God, This is Anna.” The author really does capture the heart and mind of the little girl, Anna! It is filled with serious life lessons, an on-going repudiation of ‘adult’ behaviors and practices, and brings the reader to a very base reality. Anna pretty much tells it like it is - is viewed by the reader (me anyway) as a rabble-rouser, and challenger of the big people around her. Alas! Anna is struck by tragedy! In any case, she leaves the reader with a heroic outlook on life. As, life is good afterall. I must add the book as I recall it, reminds me a great deal of our shero “Edith Ann”!

So glad to see a mention of Adriana Trigiani! And someone who admits to reading popular fiction without shame. An author who gives many people a few hours of pleasure is a treasure.

Hello. I’m new. To posting, but have been perusing long time. When it comes to books and reading- had to sign in. My favorites…John Irving (owen MEANY!!); Ian Mc Ewan (although his latest are getting a bit tedious); David Sedaris (just knowing he exists makes me laugh-in a poignant kind of way); for the tie…Bryce Courtney (until he moved to Australia); Tom Robbins (before he fell into his own peyote/LSD created esoteric abyss); Christopher Moore (only read “Lamb”-but over and over and..); Paulo Coehlo (ok, I’ll stop.)

Oh no Whoopi I heard on The View that you are under the weather :( I hope you are up and back to yourself soon. Chicken soup, ginger ale, tea, toast and pretzel rods … I hope that you have someone to bring you some food that will go down really easy to soothe and heal you.

Stephen King is tops. Whoopi if you get me a size 6 clog from Melissa Plastic Dreams I will trade you a piece of Roseville. You won’t believe this but in the 1960’s my mother and a friend used to go through the trash at Roseville factory in Ohio. I have thousands of pieces.