A sweeping history of emotional life that explores how 'Dear John' letters became a rite of passage for American servicemen.

A revealing collection of correspondence between Chester Himes and John A. Williams, two prominent twentieth-century African American novelists. Chester Himes and John A. Williams met in 1961, as Himes was on the cusp of transcontinental celebrity and Williams, sixteen years his junior, was just beginning his writing career. Both men would go on to receive international acclaim for their work, including Himes's Harlem detective novels featuring Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson and Williams's major novels The Man Who Cried I Am, Captain Blackman, and Clifford's Blues. Dear Chester, Dear John is a landmark collection of correspondence between these two friends, presenting nearly three decades worth of letters about their lives and loves, their professional and personal challenges, and their reflections on society in the United States and abroad. Prepared by John A. Williams and his wife, Lori Williams, this collection contains rare and personal glimpses into the lives of Williams and Himes between 1962 and 1987. As the writers find increasing professional success and recognition, they share candid assessments of each others' work and also discuss the numerous pitfalls they faced as African American writers in the publishing world. The letters offer a window into Himes's and Williams's personalities, as the elder writer reveals his notoriously difficult and suspicious streak, and Williams betrays both immense affection and frustration in dealing with his old friend. Despite several rifts in their relationship, Williams's concern for Himes's failing health ensured that the two kept in touch until Himes's death. Dear Chester, Dear John is a heartfelt and informative collection that allows readers to step behind the scenes of a lifelong friendship between two important literary figures. Students and teachers of African American literature will enjoy this one-of-a-kind volume.

A magical memoir of Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier: one of the greatest actors - and gentleman - of his generationSome years after John Le Mesurier's death, his widow Joan re-read her carefully stored cache of John's letters - to her, and to him from his closest friends. Dear John is her letter back to him today, helping us to understand their remarkable life together, taking us with her behind the scenes on Dad's Army and his many films, and into the world of their friendships - including with Clive Dunne and maverick Beatles publicist Derek Taylor.Through her own recollections and John's correspondence, Joan reveals the real John Le Mesurier, a man of kindness, charm and integrity. She describes how they first met when John was unhappily married to Hattie Jacques. It was Hattie - a wonderful woman who became a lifelong friend - who encouraged Joan and John to get married. Their marriage lasted 21 years and survived Joan's love affair with Tony Hancock. Although deeply hurt, John nevertheless welcomed her back.Honest, touching, nostalgic, this is a story that will warm every reader's heart as well as give a new understanding of a remarkable man.

A collection of rhythmic poems with such varied themes as pain, love, and the experience of jazz.

When a rebel serving in the Army meets the girl of his dreams, he must face an impossible choice as a national tragedy forces them apart in this powerful New York Times bestseller. An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love--and face the hardest decision of his life.

After losing her parents in a fatal accident, Marin must step at once into their shoes: her mother's to take care of her brother, John; her father's to run the advertising agency he founded. Her brother has Down Syndrome and has stayed at home most of his life, and Marin refuses to place him in an institution, despite the urgings of family and friends to do so. Phillip Wilder helps bring disabled and non-disabled people together by placing clients in jobs throughout the city. But when he receives a call from Marin Brooks, who hopes to use his service only as a day-care facility for her brother, he balks. What holds her back from letting her brother get a job? Will God help these two, who seem perfect for each other, reconcile their differences?

Jaime Clark-Soles takes readers on a dynamic journey deep into the heart of John in this lively reading of the Fourth Gospel. This book is not simply a commentary but a spiritual companion to be read alongside the Bible. Clark-Soles provides important historical and literary insights while illuminating the dramatic characters in John and emphasizing the Gospel's unique themes and symbols. Her engaging writing style will generate enthusiasm and investment in John's message. Readers will also appreciate the addition of prayers as well as questions for individual study and/or group discussion. This excellent guide will enrich our spiritual journeys while opening ourselves up to Jesus through the words, stories, questions, symbols, and characters we encounter in John's Gospel.