Dear Carl,

Thank you for unintentionally loaning me The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. But, next time you leave books at my house, I would appreciate you following these simple guidelines:

1. No books about China obliterating Tibetan culture. It really puts a damper on the Olympics.

2. No books about one man attempting to simultaneously preserve and modernize an entire culture. It makes me tired and it’s crushingly sad, even if said man does write books about how to achieve happiness.

3. No books without guaranteed happy endings. Notice that Pride & Prejudice, the book I leant you, wrapped up with lovely wedding bells and happily ever afters? Hmmmm?

If you need me, I will be curled in a small ball, contemplating the fate of Tibet and the mortality of the Dalai Lama. I hope you’re happy.

Sincerely,
Tanya