Gratitude from a friend of Bill W.

[Sheila330]

Dear Mr. Burke:

In 1978 I got my BA in English from Mills College, majoring in American Lit - charmed by Gatsby, awed by Faulkner. I think the first book I read of yours was "In the Electric Mist With Confederate Dead." loved it so much I immediately bought it for my Mom. Dave Robicheaux is an unforgettable character, but your writing was what took me out of the awareness of reading a book and transported me to see and smell and hear the story. I was hooked and so was my husband. We still love this book and think it is one of your best! Right now there are 4 of your books on the dining table, two on our night stands, 4 in Audible on my iPhone so I can hear Will Patton give his voice to your stories. So many times we each laugh at the audacit of a character and read aloud, "Just listen to this!" we read lots of books, but have to say your are enjoyed the most, triggering a James Lee Burke junket.

I believe you are the best writer of American Literature-- and had my path not changed, I would teach your books in American Lit courses. Faulkner didn't get the respect he deserved while alive. Had I read your work while in my Faulkner seminars, I would have had quite the attitude: "Don't you realize Burke is just as good as Faulkner if not better and he's still alive, prolifically writing incredible books?!"

I am only one person who appreciates a skillful writer and a good story. I appreciate you. Thank you for Dave and Hack and Billy Bob and poor Clete. My daughter like Alafair went to Reed. I too am a grateful friend of Bill W. Wishing you continued good health and stories to share.

In fellowship,

Sheila B.

[jamesleeburke]

What a letter, Ms. B. It's one of the best I have ever received. Dave Robicheaux talks about voices that come from a gentler and more genteel era. I think he had you in mind.

Didn't Miss Eudora graduate from Mills?

I hope you like Creole Belle.

All the best,

JLB

[Sheila330]

Dear Mr. Burke,

I am moved by your kindness. Thank you kind sir. A 57 year old young fan is very honored you would respond. I will check Miss Eudora and read Creole Belle next.

My Best,
Sheila B.

[jamesleeburke]

I'm afraid I mixed up Mills College in Oakland with Millsap College in Jackson.

All the best,

JLB

[Sheila330]

Hi Mr. Burke,

The wonderful thing about the Internet is also its curse late at night: the ability to visit and research so much... Among various sites celebrating Miss Eudora I went to her Eudora Welty Foundation. What a remarkable woman and author! Mills would have been proud indeed to claim her. Here is link to "Eudora Welty Biography Prepared by Suzanne Marrs, Ph. D., Eudora Welty Foundation Scholar-in-Residence, Millsaps College"

http://www.eudorawelty.org/Eudora%20Wel ... graphy.pdf

"Welty became perhaps the most distinguished graduate of the Jackson Public School system. She attended Davis Elementary School when Miss Lorena Duling was principal and graduated from Jackson’s Central High School in 1925. Her collegiate years were spent first at the Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus and then at the University of Wisconsin, where she received her bachelor’s degree. From Wisconsin, Welty went on to graduate study at the Columbia University School of Business."

I look forward to catching your NY Reedie at Powell's Books on June 22. Hope you can come here someday with one of your future books!

Best,
Sheila B

[jamesleeburke]

Our New York Reedie, a/k/a Alafair Burke, will enjoy meeting you, too, I'm sure. Thanks for the link regarding Miss Eudora's educational background. I didn't know she had studied up North. She was notorious for protecting her privacy.

Stay in touch.

All the best,

JLB