Ms. Picoult-
I’ve long been a fan of your books and the issues they bring up (I consider myself a storyteller, as an acting major and amateur writer; I believe it is one of the oldest and noblest professions) they make the reader question both themselves and the world they live in. What more can a storyteller ask for?
I read Sing You Home over this past weekend, and was completely blown away by the story. I laughed, I cried, I empathized, I raged.
You see, I am a bisexual student at Brigham Young University, one of the most close-minded, unaccepting places in the world. My gay friends and I live in constant fear of being found out; everything we do requires utmost secrecy and we can’t trust anyone, for fear of being reported.
Needless to say, I empathized and identified greatly with Vanessa, Zoe, and especially Lucy. I could feel their pain, because I feel it every day. Having to hide myself, from not just everyone around me, but my parents, my siblings, my family.
I don’t want to write this to sound pitiful, or to try and put myself on a cross. I’m writing mainly to thank you for writing this story.
As a popular and well-known author, writing about such “sensitive” and “controversial” issues is admirable. Who can deny Vanessa and Zoe’s love? Who, after reading their story, could possibly think that someone would choose to live a life of ostracization, denial, fear and as a second-class citizen? I thank you for writing this story, for bringing these characters to life- because everyone who reads it; even if their ‘views on homosexuality’ differ, can understand.
And understanding is what will change this world- so thank you. Thank you from all of us who, because of you, can live with a little less fear.
-Kira J. Bard
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