The Query

The Query is a collection of stories - stories of hope - arising from a simple question: What is the reason for the hope that is within you? They were gathered through chance encounters with strangers across America: On airplanes in restaurants or cafés at a car dealership in a jury waiting room. The stories are as diverse as the storytellers: a teen anticipating senior prom in the arms of her first love; a crusty construction superintendent; an engaging nuclear physicist; a widow scarred by life with no hope; a Catholic priest on assignment in Rome; a long-haul truck driver; an Army colonel with tours in Bosnia Iraq and Afghanistan; a seasoned executive in the twilight of career; a thrice-married divorcee yearning for another chance; an eager young Polish immigrant now a Fortune 500 engineer; and many more.Readers eavesdrop on deeply personal conversations as stories unfold. They are struck by a sad truth when Todd the bankruptcy attorney and attentive husband in the story Everything Changed shares: Ive been reflecting that we dont really take the time to listen to people anymore.