A few minutes ago, I finished reading a terrific book – “What is the What”, by Dave Eggers.  It is a fictionalized account of one of the Sudanese Lost Boys.  Because it is fictionalized, it is actually a novel, not a memoir.  But it reads like a real-life account of the refugee.  It’s a big book, but I really had trouble putting it down.  I started Tuesday and read for hours – most of the day.  Wednesday I had some responsibilities that cut down on my available time for reading.  I finished the book this morning.  I recommend it highly.  What did I like so much about this book?  Aside from the horrifying account of how terrible humans can be to other humans (the experiences in Sudan and also in Atlanta), the book has some glimpses of graceful, generous people who reach out to help.  It definitely brings up the question of God, whatever you think about that.  Valentino (the main character) has a generally positive attitude in the face of all his calamities – that is a wake-up call for me about putting my own troubles into the proper perspective. -- Nan