John Lau

August 18, 2012

Mr. Pinkwater,

I am a huge fan of your work, ever since I was a kid in middle school. I remember your books "Lizard Music" and "Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death" and what wonderful stories they are for adolescent kids. Now that I am an adult with children of my own, I look back and see how your books started a life long appreciation of literature. They way in which you incorporated elements of science fiction also opened the door for me to explore other "weird" science fiction as I grew older such as Stanislaw Lem and Harlan Ellison.

Your books often contain characters who were out-casts or a little off beat. They capture the vulnerability and wonder of adolescence perfectly. Since I was an awkward and off-beat kid myself, reading those books gave me a great sense of comfort. It made me feel less strange, like less of a freak show and more of a regular kid. Your books definitely helped me get through some dark times as an adolescent.

Thank you for the comforting memories, and I will most certainly introduce my children to your wonderful books!

The cool thing is I get a letter like this, and I had so much fun writing the books.  Does anyone have a better life than mine?