Thanks so much, Inge. I'm in a short story discussion group that will read "Bartleby" early next year (which will help to fill that sad gap in my reading). Your comments will help to orient me to it.

Your letting your students take books is a wonderful idea. One of my English teachers had a provision in her will that certain of her students (I among them) could go over to her house and pick out books. All of us were grateful--but wished we'd had a chance to discuss some of them with her.