Stick to the books

Imagine my horror when you speak of ``The Nothing'' as emanating from the movie, ``The Neverending Story'' in the editorial ``The Courage to Read,'' Sept. 6. I am currently reading the book by Michael Ende to my children. The leap into imagination so encouraged in the book completely escapes the movie. Only a reader would appreciate the subtle messages conveyed in the changing of the font color.

Ironically, the book's strongest message demonstrates reading's power to cultivate imagination. For without imagining the possibilities, we are unable to escape many of our sad realities both big and small. Let's stick to the wonderful books and not the movies that attempt to imitate them. John W. Hebeler Jr., Ellicott City, Md.

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