Day 11: Dear E. Lynn Harris

Dear E. Lynn Harris

My distant and late mentor. Oh how I wish you were still here; here to continue your legacy of awesomeness! I will never forget the first book I read of yours, "Anyway the Wind Blows." I was only in the 11th grade and I'm not quite sure how I first became interested in you as an author but I can honestly say that whatever it was, it was meant to be. I had no clue about the "downlow" world but you opened my eyes wide and clear. As a woman, I truly thank you. Who would have known that you writing fiction literature would actually educate people on real life situations? I experienced your struggle and your pain with every one of your books. At first, I thought you were just a great writer. It wasn’t until I read your memoir "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" that I considered you to be the best. How could a memoir be so engaging and such a page turner!?

I remember the day that you past away. I was so hurt. I planned on meeting you and asking you to write a quote for my book cover. No one and I mean NO ONE could replace the joy I would have experienced to see your quote on my work. I decided to omit the quote all together because you are truly irreplaceable.

E. Lynn Harris, I want you to know that you will always be an inspiration to me. You are a pioneer to the African-American literature world and you will be forever missed.