Horton Foote is one of our unheralded treasures. In an era of cinematic special effects, his screenplays reflect the heart and soul of the nation. I particularly recall his trilogy: "1918," "On Valentine's Day" and "Convicts," which went unnoticed. His work also includes the play and film of "A Trip To Bountiful" and the movie, "Tender Mercies." Those are the reasons that I was pulled to his memoir, FAREWELL, a reflection on his small town Texas childhood (published by Scribners).

His gentle reflections capture a period and place - Walton, Texas, - before the author's departure for an acting, and later writing, career. Horton Foote's family is unraveld before the reader's eyes, and they give you an added understanding of the characters in his plays and movies.

Let me make two recommendations. One is trip to the video store for you to become acquainted with the movies of Horton Foote, and secondly, go to your bookstore to familiarize yourself with this gentle giant of a writer. Horton Foote's FAREWELL is the book.