Intriguing novel

TO THE EDITOR: Books draw you out of reality. Authors make you see life from a different perspective.

When a quality novel by Thomas H. Cook comes along, it is rewarding, for few authors can tell a wicked story like Cook. For readers who like their stories written with believable prose and dialogue, Cook rarely disappoints his loyal followers.

Though his latest literally endeavor is not as gripping as past works “The Last Talk with Lola Faye”, “Breakheart Hill” or “Places in the Dark”, his strong storytelling, meticulous dialogue and characterization of people and far-flung locales drive his newest tale of dark intrigue. The underlining question asked throughout the novel, What propelled Julian Wells to suicide?, takes the story’s protagonist, Philip Anders, through a twisty, dark and sometimes violent journey, meeting up with monsters from Wells’s past, to shocking discoveries of his best friend’s last days. Traveling the world for clues, Anders stumbles across dark things, brutal, malevolent things.

The heartfelt interaction between Philip and his father, who, with wonderful imagery, is declining with age. Those small moments between father and son, with the aid of Cook’s insightful prose, helps us glimpse, quite jarringly, the future of our own final moments. And Loretta is another memorable character, sharing quiet talks with Philip, discussing Julian’s shady, unlit past and his obsession with everything dark.

Striking, lyrical, intelligent and sometimes difficult to read, “The Crime of Julian Wells” is Cook’s recent brilliant work. A quick read, but a story that will stay with you and challenge you, maybe even alter your outlook on the morality of humanity, long after the final page.

THOMAS GRANT BRUSO

Plattsburgh

Car debt

TO THE EDITOR: My son purchased a car locally. No bank involved. The car had numerous issues. A few did get fixed. But not all.

Shortly after, he lost his job. He surrendered the car, peacefully, after having paid near $3,000 on a roughly $1,000 to $1,200 car. His girlfriend got a letter shortly after, telling her that if $5,900 is not received in 15 days, they will be taken to court. The problem is, the car is on the lot and website for sale.

Is this how New York state law works? I believe he is liable for just the balance after sale. Anybody know the rules? Help me out if you can.

BRIAN SNYDER

Cadyville

Grove Park

TO THE EDITOR: Many thanks to all whose tireless efforts have gone into making the Jay Grove Park a wonderful place.

Enough thanks cannot be said for the beautiful facilities our town’s children have. The whole basis for children is one of being a dreamer. With the work of Town of Jay, Jay Highway, Town of Black Brook, Youth Comission, countless volunteers, the children and their fans, they have all made the children’s dreams come true.

These wonderful facilities have given a dream to so many wonderful children and, for us adults, some dreams, too.

It is with that said, we wish to say thank you. May we all strive to continue a practice of excellence and high standards for the youths of our two wonderful towns.

To the children, keep dreaming, practicing and never give up your enjoyment in the program to which you participate.

AARON AND JACKLYN FUNG

AuSable Forks