From: Elliot P. <[email protected]>

Date: January 2, 07:02 AM

To: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Subject: re: book

Hi Macy,

You’re welcome for the book. It made me cry the first time I read it, too. I know I didn’t tell you that, but I guess I should have.

I’m sure your dad figured out why you were crying. Also, I think it probably makes your dad happy that you’re crying about it even if he’s sad that you’re sad. But I hope he’s not mad at me for making you cry. I mean it was the book . . . I wouldn’t want to make you cry because of me.

I don’t think you’re weird or different because your mom died. I think you’re actually pretty cool, but it has nothing to do with whether or not you have a mom. You’re cool because you’re you. As an aside: you’re handling it pretty well as far as I can tell.

Ivanhoe (no d) is pretty good. It’s set in the 12th century after the Third Crusade. (Some of the current idea of Robin Hood is based on a character, Locksley. But he’s not the main character.) I like the action and the style. I used to role-play a little with my friend Brandon in seventh grade so I guess that’s where the interest in 12th century England came in. If you’re still into Nicholas Sparks you probably won’t like Ivanhoe.

See you,

Elliot

PS I didn’t mean that to sound condescending. Dad told me I can be like that and so I’m not sure if that was. I’m sure Nicholas Sparks is really good, just different than Sir Walter Scott.

From: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Date: January 2, 8:32 PM

To: Elliot P. <[email protected]>

Subject: re: book

Hi Elliot,

Nicholas Sparks is really really good. My friend Elena’s mom met him at a book conference and said he was super nice and way smart, too. I bet he’s read Ivanhoe (no d).

What do you mean you and Brandon role-played? Like the dork guys at the park with swords and flags?

xo

Macy

From: Elliot P. <[email protected]>

Date: January 2, 08:54 PM

To: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Subject: re: book

Hi Macy,

Yes. Exactly like that. And also helmets and cardboard horses.

Elliot

From: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Date: January 2, 9:06 PM

To: Elliot P. <[email protected]>

Subject: re: book

I swear you make me laugh so hard. I know you’re kidding but I can totally picture you on a cardboard horse all “On guard!” and “Ivanhoe!”

Macy

From: Elliot P. <[email protected]>

Date: January 2, 09:15 PM

To: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Subject: re: book

I was serious. We really did role-play like that. It’s actually a very well organized community called The Nobles and there are battles and royalty and it’s really fun. But I’m sure you wouldn’t like it because there’s no soft focus kiss at the end.

Elliot

From: Macy Lea Sorensen <[email protected]>

Date: January 3, 6:53 PM