Reader’s Responses:

I bought your book, "Elder Affairs-Silenced" at the mall in Marion, IL after you told me a little about the theme of the book. I enjoyed the first chapter so much that I offered to read it to my husband and we read together every night until we finished the book. Each chapter added so much suspense that we found it hard to put it down.

I liked the relationship between Arthur and his daughter and was able to empathize with both of them. I also could easily visualize Mr. Otman and shuddered whenever he appeared.

As a social worker with quite a bit of experience with nursing homes and asisted living facilities, I did find the environment at Southern Retirement Community to be unrealistically restrictive, particularly in the ALF section. However, I am sure that there are some Otmans in the world and that some of the things you described happen. I also find it heard to believe that a person can come out of the influence of drugs so quickly and completely as you describe.

The beginning of the book caught my attention immediately and I found myself laughing at the descriptions of the incident with the stove, the tree, the elbow through the window, and the EMT's. The middle section where Arthur found himself at Soutyhren Retirement Community was depressing, but I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. I thought the whole bank robbery scenario was a bit slap stick, but it was exciting.

Suspending believability in parts, I enjoyed your book very much. Actually, I think it would make a terrific movie.

Jo Clifton