I know I should put this in the comments to Doc's entry but who reads the comments? We only have three people reading this blog anyway, and I want them all to know this: Mark Helprin is the greatest living writer in the English language. In his writing you hear the echo of the angels. The excitement most people have for the upcoming Harry Potter novel, I have for Freddy and Fredericka . My copy is pre-ordered, and if I had a custard store, it's the book for which I'd have a special flavor .