July 5, 2007

Dear Friend,

This is Bertrand E. Brown author of the novel The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter. And although I would love your support and hope that everyone purchases a copy that is not why I am here today.

As many of you know, I am a former elementary and middle school teacher, having taught in both North Carolina and New York City for the past sixteen years. (Am I telling my age...) Along with that I have spent a good deal of time working with so-called, at-risk teenagers. And although I have a strong passion for writing my first love has always been working with children. I have gotten away from that somewhat in the past two years but have not forgotten the needs of our children.

In Greensboro, N.Carolina where I currently reside the drop-out rate is almost an unthinkable forty percent and I see little improvement as the school year reaches the midway point. I am therefore, in the process of setting up a library to go along with the reading program we've already established with the hopes of increasing literacy among our teens. Currently, our concentration is primarily with high school juniors and seniors and I am only hoping that you can aid me in my endeavors by donating a few books.

Well, what can I donate you may ask? I've found, (to my surprise), that they're reading the same things you and I are and I don't mind as long as they are reading. I have found them reading Eric Jerome Dickey, Omar Tyree, Francis Ray, Bebe Moore Campbell, James Frey, Zane, etc.

So, if you can find it in your heart to send a few books I, as will they, sincerely appreciate it. Send one book or a thousand. New or used. It doesn't matter. We are grateful!!

You will also find that by indicating at the post office that you are shipping books and ask for the media rate that it is very, very inexpensive. If sending a gift certificate for Barnes & Nobles or Borders is easier please feel free to do so as well.

Again, I thank you for your time, support and cooperation. Pls. address all books and correspondences to: Literacy Library, 1706 Kay St., Greensboro NC 27405. Any questions or concerns pls feel free to e-mail me at berttheveteran@yahoo.com or literacylibrary@yahoo.com

Sincerely yours,
Bertrand E. Brown
author of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter