Daniel Handler's email was like a little birthday present — albeit a day late — for Chin Music. Mr. Handler may be better known to some readers as Lemony Snicket, author of the best-selling A Series of Unfortunate Events (check out the video on the Amazon site; now that's what I call a reading!) He's been following our work for some time now and has been quick with encouragement. Here's what he had to say about Goodbye Madame Butterfly:

Last night I finished reading the swell book you sent me. I thought it was just terrific: smart and lively and thoughtful and moving, like a good Studs Terkel without encyclopedic pretensions.

Thanks, DH!