Ohhhh, Marla is real - and still alive? I can believe a real woman inspired this story. So much feeling, so much authenticity, even with the improbability of him finding that one book. "Magic Realism" comes to mind (I love that genre!). This is a strong, moving story. And it's fun too, with the books calling out - I'm reminded of an old TV commercial when the bottles of dish washing detergent jump out from the shelves saying "Buy me." You are much too young to remember...