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Dead Mr. Coville,
When I was in 7th grade, I read all of your books that my middle school library had copies of. I remember the Magic Shop and My Teacher is an Alien books in particular, along with Odder Than Ever.
Earlier today, I happened across a copy of The Letter Q and read your short piece in it about being bisexual.
This obviously doesn't change how I felt about the books then, or now, but it has made me think about there having been something special happening, without my knowing it, when I was a young gay boy (somewhat cognisant of that fact, but not fully) reading fantasy that I loved by another queer man. Across time and distance, without you knowing me and without me knowing anything about your identity, an older queer man created fantasy that was beloved by a younger one, a joy found within a building and age that was largely unwelcoming.
Apologies for this not necessarily being a full thought, and I obviously don't want to reduce you to a label or imply that the work isn't special on its own terms. There's just something nice about inter-generational queer stories, and I'm happy and thankful for what you did in your career, creating books that me and others could love.
Best,
Eric
When I was in 7th grade, I read all of your books that my middle school library had copies of. I remember the Magic Shop and My Teacher is an Alien books in particular, along with Odder Than Ever.
Earlier today, I happened across a copy of The Letter Q and read your short piece in it about being bisexual.
This obviously doesn't change how I felt about the books then, or now, but it has made me think about there having been something special happening, without my knowing it, when I was a young gay boy (somewhat cognisant of that fact, but not fully) reading fantasy that I loved by another queer man. Across time and distance, without you knowing me and without me knowing anything about your identity, an older queer man created fantasy that was beloved by a younger one, a joy found within a building and age that was largely unwelcoming.
Apologies for this not necessarily being a full thought, and I obviously don't want to reduce you to a label or imply that the work isn't special on its own terms. There's just something nice about inter-generational queer stories, and I'm happy and thankful for what you did in your career, creating books that me and others could love.
Best,
Eric
Reply by Bruce Coville
Eric -
Many thanks for this message, which quite warmed my heart. Your description reminds me of the boy I was myself long ago, and I loved the intergenerational aspect of what you described.
All best,
Bruce
Many thanks for this message, which quite warmed my heart. Your description reminds me of the boy I was myself long ago, and I loved the intergenerational aspect of what you described.
All best,
Bruce