Literature and Life

Bravo for Daniel S. Hinerfeld’s suggestion of cities uniting around literature (“One Book, One City,” Voices, Oct. 20). I can’t think of a more opportune time to immerse ourselves in ideas and discussions with our fellow citizens. (How much CNN can we really watch?) And, at these particularly difficult times, it becomes more relevant to try to begin to understand people who are different from ourselves. A citywide reading project could be the answer.

If you could sit across a table from someone and share thoughts about a novel, wouldn’t you be less apt to feel threatened by him or her due to differences in race or religious beliefs? It offers, at least, the possibilities of discussion.

Linda F. Diamond

Los Angeles