Tayler Grittmann

Dear Francine Prose,

The moment I started reading Goldengrove, I knew it was bound to change me. When I began reading it I could almost feel the presence of inspiration, like I knew this book was more than just words plastered to the paper. I felt I had a certain unspoken connection to it, as weird as that sounds, it's true. This wonderful novel has moved me in so many unexpected ways, and I would like to tell you how.

First off, this book has inspired me to be a better person. Not in the sense of doing good deeds to keep up a reputation, but merely in a way that I could be more understanding to others, and not be so self-absorbed in my own issues. For instance, when Nico subconsciously expels her negative emotions on everyone else, and blames them for her sister's death, I realized that I should lighten up on people when I'm upset. I mean, after all it's not their fault. This novel has made me realize that I'm not the only one who doesn't have it all together, and that what I think is bad news could be the greatest news that someone else has gotten in a while.

Secondly, I'd like to say that this book has given me an entirely new perspective on that old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" . You see, I've always interpreted this motto to mean that you shouldn't judge people based upon their race, appearance, or other things of that nature. Although now it means something so much deeper, so much more meaningful. My regenerated interpretation of this saying is that if someone appears to have a hard exterior, you shouldn't judge them until you've heard what their interior has to say. After all, everyone's got a story to tell, and sometimes you should take time to listen.
 
This book has also given me a new and improved understanding of death. Loss of a loved one is never an easy thing to undergo. Especially when it's one of the closest people to you in the world that it hits. Now, I can't say I'm an expert on this matter, considering that I've never had anyone extremely close to me die, but since reading your book I've gained a better discernment on how people feel when this happens. Goldengrove has made me realize that when someone close to your heart dies, they take a little piece of your heart with them, leaving a small void in your fragile body. It's made me finally see why people are so reluctant to fill that void with joy, and given me a better outlook on the grieving stage.

Overall, this lovely novel, Goldengrove, has done so much as to morph me, and forever instill new perspectives into my mind. This is now one of my favorite books, and I think you are an excellent writer. I'm looking forward to reading some of your other books fairly soon, and I am eager for you to produce more.

Sincerely,
Tayler Grittmann,