Thank you for reminding me of the power of books!

Comment:

You may never see this, and I’m also sure you get so many messages just like this, but I feel compelled to write a note to you. Like so many others, I grew up with Alice. I read every book multiple times and felt so close to every character. The other night I was thinking about the series and I knew you had written some additional books that I hadn’t yet read, so I quickly bought the final four and fell right back in to Alice’s world. I wept through every single one. You captured something so raw and honest with these girls and their adventures and I felt like I was visiting an old friend. In some ways, these characters are more real to me than many of the people and memories from middle school days. I sobbed upon finishing the series because I didn’t want to say goodbye to any of them, and because in some ways it feels like I’ve now closed a chapter on my own adolescence.

I don’t really know what I’m trying to say here other than thank you. Thank you for these stories and for these friends that will last a lifetime. This is the true power of books: entering a world that feels so real and vibrant that you can lose yourself in it but also learning how to take the strength of the characters and the lessons in the story and apply it to your own life.

It’s been awhile since I was this emotional about a piece of art. I’m probably going to cry a lot more about this in the coming days, but I feel so grateful to have experienced something like this. I’m sad to be finished with Alice, but I know her story lives on beyond the page, and I can’t wait to reread the books again and share them with more people. I’m having trouble eloquently expressing how grateful I am to you, so I will once again just say thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Phyllis replied:

Thank you so much for writing to me.  You might be surprised how often I hear something similar, that sort of vague feeling of saying goodbye, or closing a chapter, or your own adolescence.  It’s difficult to express, because didn’t we all look forward to growing up?  Having adult privileges?  No longer considered a child?  And yet….   There are things we miss.  Sobbing out loud when we’re hurt.  A parent’s hand on our forehead when we’re sick.  Sitting on a lap.  Hugs at bedtime….   And who would we feel comfortable talking to about this…telling a seemingly sophisticated friend that we miss cuddling on the couch with our dad?  At every stage of life, we will probably regret something we’ve given up in order to get there, but I’m glad Alice helps you relive the things you miss, and wish you many happy years and experiences yet to come!