From Elatedness to Despair

by Sheila Serra

Dr. Chmiel,

I hope you enjoyed your peaceful time at 6 North (I think that is what it is called) the other day. Thankfully while searching through my enormous bag that I carry between my apartment and home, I found The Book of Mev! I am so glad that I don’t have to fight off my mom’s librarian friends to get it back. Anyway, I decided to start it over again and am about 3/4 through it. At home there are always two dogs barking, parents talking, or the TV running so I’ve been reading a lot at work which seems to be a much better place to get some quality reading accomplished. I am not sure if I have said it earlier, but thank you for giving me a copy of your book. I cannot imagine writing such a heartfelt piece and it is great that you are able to share so much of yourself with your readers. I enjoy the transitions in the book and how you go from one chapter about you and Mev, to something going on in the world at the same time. It really grounds the chapters and also reflects the idea that there is a whole world surrounding us with its own issues. Also, I really appreciate how your writing shows yours and Mev’s very human qualities. That might sound odd, but it is just that with such spirituality and dedication to causes, travel, etc. it is refreshing to see that you still have moments of bickering, rough-housing, and self-doubt. Nearly every intricacy of yours and Mev’s life together is captured in the pages of your book. The mood ranges from elatedness to despair and everything in between, but there is a persistent spirit that I believe touches you as your read. I hope to finish The Book of Mev this evening.

Thank you again for this book and do you have any future publishing plans? Stay cool in the 105 degree weather and take care.

Sincerely,

Sheila Serra

Sheila took Social Justice at SLU in the spring of 2005.