Letter of Admiration

Comment:

I remember I started to read your book, Shiloh, on my first cruise ever. I was so excited, and I wanted to finish the book that day. Shiloh had a big impact on my life. I now understand that I must be more kind to animals because some of them have had rough past, or some of them may be having a rough time right now. For example, they might of been kicked like Shiloh was in the beginning of the book. Your book has also changed my view on people. I know now they can be mean because they are lonely, like Judd, or have something rough going on in their own lives. After reading your book, I made some changes in my life. I began to donate old blankets and pillows to animal shelters, so animals could be warm and be happy. In addition, while I already was a vegetarian, but I began to take it more seriously.
Reading your book also helped me understand people more. I had not considered the psychological perspective of human behavior. I began to think about why people do what they do and what motivates their actions. Judd was lonely because he did not have any family. Sadly, he Judd kicked Shiloh because of that terrible feeling he had inside. Marty, the main character, had a happy family. This helped him to know how to love and as a result, be kind to Shiloh and Marty.
I can relate what I learned about Judd’s poor choices to the unkind choices bullies make. I think we should be more friendly to each other because we never know what a person is going through. Bullies often target another child because they have a sadness or an anger in their life. Judd is a bully to Shiloh and sometimes Marty. Although he is kind on the inside, his loneliness stops him from being kind on the outside. I know Judd has kindness inside of him because he slowly gives more and more thoughtfulness to what Marty needs. This is what all people need: more kindness inside them. Hopefully, this will encourage them to stop being afraid and to be nice to others again.

Phyllis replied:

There is a lot of wisdom in your letter.  I try to remember this myself when someone is rude to me or impatient or simply mean.  I wonder what could be going on in that person’s life that makes him take outh is anger and disappointment on other people.  It is marvelous that you are making changes in your own life because of your love and empathy for animals.  Thank you so much for writing to me.