Why I'm thankful to Patrick (who did not love my book)

As an author, it's easy to get caught up in who loved your book and who didn't, and to worry (especially at this time of year) when your book is or isn't part of the discussions about notable lists and awards and things like that.  I got a letter in the mail a couple weeks ago that I have set aside. I know I'll want to read it over and over again, because it puts the whole issue in perspective.

It's not the kind of letter you might expect to be an author's favorite. It was part of a packet of...