Joan Lewis Knihy

Mitchell Lauers is a twenty year old man taking on responsibilities for himself and others. Wholesome and unwholesome characters enter his life; he accepts them as they are. At twenty-three Mitchell is drafted into the army. Julia Holton is eighteen years old, wanting a better life; she joins the navy. During a Greyhound Bus ride back to her base, Mitchell befriends her. At the end of the trip, they trade mailing addresses. Mitchell and Julia write as pen-pals; their correspondence becomes extraordinary. However, Julia has learned not to trust strange men; which might even include the good-looking soldier. What will become of their special pen-pal friendship? Will she discontinue corresponding? Or will his letters convince her they're destined to be together?

The story follows Marshall, an army soldier, and Joan, a navy seaman apprentice, who meet on a Greyhound Bus while in uniform. Their encounter sparks a year-long correspondence through letters, becoming their sole means of communication. Despite the depth of their written exchanges, they never speak or meet again during this time, exploring themes of connection and longing in a unique and constrained relationship.

Focusing on the transformative power of mindset, this poetry book emphasizes the potential for success regardless of one's circumstances. The first section targets children, highlighting their impressionable nature during early years and the influence of their surroundings. It conveys that a child's background does not determine their future; rather, their attitude and aspirations are crucial in shaping their adulthood. Through poetic expression, the book inspires young readers to harness their inner strength and strive for greatness.

The poetry collection explores the creative process, revealing how inspiration can stem from various sources such as actions, sensory experiences, and emotions. It highlights the struggle of finding words when inspiration is elusive, emphasizing the challenge and journey of seeking out those elusive poems. Through this introspective lens, the work delves into the complexities of artistic expression and the personal experiences that shape a poet's voice.

Tina, a bright and rebellious ten-year-old from Jamaica, leaves her homeland in 1968 to join her mother in Britain. But instead of receiving a warm welcome, Tina is forced to attend an ESN school, where she is treated as inferior due to her Jamaican heritage.