It couldn’t have been more appropriate. Before I went to church, I read just five paragraphs of Joan Frank’s essay, “Making Room for Otherwise” (Nov. 2), and assumed it was about failed marriages.
Before I got home, I had written a rebuttal in my head about people in good marriages. Was I surprised when I read the rest of the article and discovered it was about wrong assumptions! I had jumped to my own conclusions.
Thanks for reminding us that it is interesting to be wrong–and how often that can happen.
Ann Hamman, Clarendon Hills
THE DANA MONTANA STORY
Regarding “Dreams for Sale” (Oct. 26), about Dana Montana’s Sugar Shack clubs, I neither condemn nor condone Ms. Montana’s method of livelihood. However, I cannot comprehend what the patrons are looking for. As far as the entertainers (male and female strippers) being novel, I say, put a bag on their heads and down there we are all the same.
Dorothy Farnsworth, Chicago
Your poignant cover story about Dana Montana’s life was a little out of place. There are so many great people to write about and so few cover stories. I regard her as another sleazebucket who exploits women. Are we supposed to shed a tear for her?
Sam J. Maggio, Wheaton
“Dreams for Sale” was an exceptional piece of writing. Like many who have risked much to make a difference, Dana Montana has paid the price for breaking down barriers to equality in our society. It means something that at least her efforts have not gone unrecognized.
Ric Bencriscutto, Racine, Wis.
You billed Dana Montana’s life as a lesson in our attitudes toward sex. The only lesson I see is that trash is trash no matter how you dress it up. Trash is also the author and the publication that gave her all the free publicity.
Christine Shiel, Chicago
The lesson is to avoid emulating Dana Montana’s life at all costs. She spends all of her time trying to get her life back in shape. Her own definition of class is out of her reach. She doesn’t like the way she looks. Nothing and no one pacifies her but horses. Fantasy is better than reality.
The story of Dana Montana is sad, because there is no hope, no promise. Her life has all the direction of a handful of hay in a hurricane.
Daniel J. Kramer, Lansing, Ill.
A WONDERFUL WALK
Wow. I just finished reading Allen Young’s “Passing of a Season” (Oct. 26). Thank you, Mr. Young, for taking me with you on that incredible evening walk, and introducing me to the stoical katydids. Thank you for reminding me that their ever-present evening chorus has been an integral part of my summers since childhood. And thank you for the lilting music of your own words. “From one night to the next, their symphony strained more and more, as death claimed and quieted them one by one.”
Carol Davis, Carol Stream
A DRESS FOR $5,665?
Great clothes by Chanel (“Coco,” Oct. 12). For a change, I really liked them all. I think I’ll go out and buy them after I stop at the bank for a home equity loan.
Lorraine Hozian, Des Plaines
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