Dear Yann Martel,

I am just a person that read your books. So to you that may seem like not much. But then again, maybe that is important? You are writer and I have a feeling you care about your readers.

Here is my dilemma. I would love to come to one of your book signings. I would. But they are too far for me to make it there. I wish I could jet-set up to Menlo Park, be one of those that can just book a flight to see my favorite contemporary male author in one day and wiz back like a traveler that is fabulous and sophisticated. At this moment in my life, I am a devoted mom, wife and really rather domesticated. To veer off my schedule on a lofty moment is a lot to ask and I am just not able to do it.

Why not Los Angeles for your book tour Yann Martel? Why not the city of bright lights that took LIFE OF PI to the big screen and garnered you world-wide recognition? Do you not want to visit the city that you brought your vision and mastery of words to another form of art?

I am so sure there are many other readers just like me—and fans of THE LIFE OF PI movie that would love to see you in person under the sign that so promises the land of dreams are possible.

This stop on your book tour would be possible for me to make. It is very feasible for me to depart for half the day on the worst freeways in the world just so I could see the person that has evoked a new found inspiration for reading during a trying time. (A  few years ago.)

You see, your books- SELF, LIFE OF PI, & BEATRICE and VIRGIL spoke to a deeper something in my soul. I found almost a religious beating of a heart there. You know, like you hold up life through the characters in your books and beg for the readers to see more and to question more, too.

For Example: 

“Why is there such suffering in this world?”

“Where was God when I needed him?”

“Why are there evil persons like that taxidermist that really do exist?”

“Why did Pi’s family have to die and the ship had to sink?”

“And in SELF, were you reaching out to women when you so placed yourself in their shoes? Did you reach out to the female sex and say, ‘Yes, I comprehend your struggle. There is something fundamentally harder about being a woman. I feel your pain. Is that what the rape scene was about?”

“What did Pi finally decide after he visited the three different priests from all of the religions? Did he decide God was there in all of them? I think he did. I think ultimately at the end Tony Parker became a version of what he wanted to see in real life. Something mighty and bold protecting him from such a harsh and tragic world.”

–But then again. I could be wrong about this assumption. Only you could answer these questions.

I did like the ending of LIFE OF PI. I got it. I understood it. And, I wanted to say in person to you that your thoughts and inspirations speak deeply to my soul. And yes! Isn’t that so hard to find these days? In a world filled with so much technology, instant entertainment and less intimacy between the reader and the written word.

I wanted to tell you all of these things if you could just please tell your publisher, PENGUIN to add a tour date. Yes, please add the CITY OF ANGELS. The land of misfits, Oscars, dreamers, families, readers and those that just like a good movie. Add that one spot Yann. I am pretty sure LIFE OF PI made a big splash in Hollywood.

I am asking you to do something off your route and your schedule so not only me—but many LIFE OF PI fans from the Southern California area will have a chance to meet you on your book tour for the HIGH MOUNTAINS OF PORTUGAL.

Please come to the CITY OF ANGELS.

I think that you might see a date maybe sparkling on the calendar that could fit in on that book tour on a last minute ditch effort to please so many fans. These are enough words from me tonight. It is now 1:45 a.m. I must drive my son to school in the morning. My little white screen is lit up in the dark with just one hope and dream of meeting the person that has inspired my heart to question this precious life and think deeper that I had before reading your books. But for now, my routine is calling.

Thanks for considering my request Yann Martel. The best part for you? You will sell more books to many happy and inspired readers.

Sincerely,

Machel Shull