Last month, on my 50th birthday, I visited a bookclub inside the Coffee Creek Correctional Center, Oregon's multi-custody women's prison. By and large, every women I met was dealing with issues of forgiveness - particularly forgiveness of themselves. Most had children growing up outside the prison, and the pain of that separation was palpable. They told me how much reading The Crying Tree had meant to them, and mentioned that they can't keep the book in their cells because so many inmates want to read it. So, if you are looking for some way to give to others this season, I suggest you consider giving a copy of The Crying Tree or other book you have been moved by, to either a prison library or a women's shelter.  Prison rules vary on the type of books they will take. Some will only take new books, sent from a bookseller. Shelters will typically accept any book, new or used, that is in good condition.

I know your gifts would be greatly appreciated by people who largely feel alone at this season.