There is a woman I know through my work, who is one of the kindest, sweetest, most supportive people I’ve had the good fortune of knowing.  Her care and concern are genuine, and I always look forward to talking to her.  It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about our dogs, the latest episode of Game of Thrones, her jewelry (which is amazing!), or any of the myriad television shows we can geek out about together.  Conversations with her are always stimulating and enjoyable.

I say all of that to get to the point of Ride the Train.  She started reading it yesterday.  Anyone who has read the book knows that the subject matter could be considered controversial or, at the least, upsetting for someone who doesn’t agree with the message.  I was very nervous about her reading it, since I know that she is active in her church.  She’s an open-minded woman, I just didn’t know to what extent.

This morning started off with a great conversation about how she had to force herself to put the book down.  For an author, any author, that is a magical thing.  It means that someone is so enthralled, engrossed, or enchanted by your book, characters, plot, or all of the above, to the point that life around them could burn to cinders, and they wouldn’t notice.  Avid readers know this feeling.  Authors enjoy hearing about it.

The best part of the conversation was realizing that she gets the message, and she agrees with it.  I’ve long known that she is a proponent of gay rights, and I mentioned her open-mindedness.  However, to hear my thoughts and feelings echoed in her words, based on what I had written, was as welcome as her asking after the health of my dogs.  It is a wonderful feeling.

Susan, thank you for getting it!