#11 Juliet's Answer by Glenn Dixon

#11 Juliet’s Answer by Glenn Dixon

After reading several novels that were heavier in subject matter I was on the hunt for something lighter.  This book by Glenn Dixon perfectly fit my requirements.  
And he’s Canadian!

Although this is a memoir many parts of it read like a novel. Glenn tells us of his experiences teaching high school English for over 20 years. He includes exchanges with his students that highlight his knowledge and love of Shakespeare, his search for making connections with his students and helping them to find the connections between a century’s old play and their fast-paced, modern teenage lives. During a summer break, he embarks on what would become a life-changing journey. Though his motives are couched in delving deeper into the history of Shakespeare’s famous play in hopes of improving his teaching methods, the author secretly hopes to discover answers to his own questions by seeking council with the master of advice on love: Juliet.

Glenn travels to Verona to join the Secretaries of Juliet; people who answer the thousands of letters sent from all over the world with questions about love and heartache. Assigned the task of answering the English letters, Glenn sets out to provide words of wisdom to ease the broken-hearted not realizing the impact his response could have on the recipient or himself.

This book was a delight to read. Not only was my long ago knowledge of Romeo & Juliet updated (high school English class was a very long time ago), but I found it interesting to read a man’s perspective on the loss of love and to see Glenn’s growth as he learns how to respond to the heartache of others. While his early responses are filled with clichés they gradually become heartfelt replies that give insight into our need to feel love regardless of a person’s gender, country of origin, religion or age. As an added bonus we get to be an armchair traveler, wandering with Glenn as he explores Verona, a truly magical city and one which is definitely going on my bucket list! Until next time, dear reader…have you read a book today?

 Julie