Here's a reading list

Regarding the Editor's letter, "If there were better books ..." (Dec. 1):

Better books are all over the place, and I'm sure D-H readers could list many. People that veg out on TV and do not read cheat themselves.

Try these titles. They will sort of hang around in your mind long after you put the book down.

Fairly fast reads:

• Any book by Tony Hillerman or Dick Francis.

• Dave Barry has two books in print; both are great fun.

• P.J. O'Rourke is an acquired taste; could be you will love him.

• Vince Flynn writes barn burners that are hard to put down.

Stronger stuff:

• "Outrage" by Dick Morris (a "now" read, with wakeup information you should know).

If you can handle a disturbing read:

•"The Innocent Man" by John

Grisham.

• "Until Proven Innocent" by Stuart Taylor Jr., the true story of the Duke lacrosse case.

Better books from the past:

• "Shogun" by James Clavell (the first of a six- or seven-book series).

• "Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand.

• "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell.

• "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat (first printing in '57, 25th printing in '86; good luck finding this one).

• "The Mormon Murders" by by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith (first printing '89).

• "The Long Ships" by Frans Gunnar Bengtsson (published '54, fifth printing '61, a real winner).

If none of the above spark for you, go back to the TV.

Edith Harrison, Albany

The leaders who gave us LBCC

They had a dream. Perhaps you missed it, as it was on page 5 of the Thursday, Nov. 29, edition of the Albany Democrat-Herald - the article on Linn-Benton Community College. Over 40 years ago some local citizens had a vision to have a community college in Albany. It was not an easy vision to complete, but thanks to their perseverance and dedication, we now have a beautiful campus and staff at LBCC in Albany.

Through the years, they dedicated their time, talent and leadership to bring this about and to persuade us voters to fund their vision.

I won't mention all their names, for they know who they are, and I might not remember them all. Some have passed on to their great reward. But they should be thanked for bringing to our fair city an institution that serves the future, our youth, in fact all of us. It does not pollute the air. In fact the campus is a beauty to behold. It has brought from afar many new active citizens to our city.

While it may be true that it takes a whole village to help with a vision, without dedicated leadership and the talent and perseverance, a project will not be a success.

We have all benefited from the vision of these dedicated leaders. This citizen and so many others, I am sure, want to say a big thank you, and bless you each and every one.

Marilyn Catt, Albany

An act of kindness

On Nov. 12, I was in a fast food restaurant. When I went to pull up my chair, it sliced the end of my ring finger almost off. I jumped out of my chair and said, "Your chair is broken and it took my finger off."

Not one staff member came out to help me. The staff just kept saying they are are contacting their manager. I would like to thank, though, the very nice gentleman who got me some ice to put on my finger while my sister-in-law was getting my granddaughter and the keys to take me to the hospital.

I wish I could thank him in person. Other than my family members, he was the only one who showed any concern. I am truly grateful for his kind act.

Debra Murphy, Albany

Line maintenance pays off

A big thank-you to Consumers Power for the work they have done to maintain their overhead power lines.

They have contracted out maintenance on their lines, and done some on their own, and though the results are not aesthetically pleasing, the results have been the measure of their efforts. During the past two days of storms, our power flickered only once and we never went without. Thanks so much, guys, for all the good work you do and the thoughtfulness of preparing for the worst!

Never thought I'd say it because of the scars you left on our property, but thanks just the same. And I really mean it.

Sandi Jensen, Lebanon