Your cover story about Ashley Smith was the best I've ever read in your magazine. It was gracious, thoughtful and sensitive to the experience she had.
Leesa Bellesi
Laguna Beach, Calif.
There aren't many who could hold it together the way Ashley Smith did as a hostage. She deserves the money for the capture of Brian Nichols. Ashley's a true hero and our American Idol.
Lacy I. Moore
Atlanta, Ga.
Wow! I'm a 14-year-old who reads PEOPLE religiously. Never has an article brought me to such tears. You've truly outdone yourselves. Your story was a miracle and absolutely perfect.
Ashley Tritt
Montreal, Que.
A big thank-you for making Ashley your cover. In a world where so many negative stories are associated with people of faith, it's nice to bring to light actions taken in the name of God in a positive way. What Ashley did was share words through love. And in case you're wondering, it was no coincidence that Brian Nichols ended up at her door.
Jodi Bertram
Shawnee, Kans.
I just finished reading your remarkable cover story. My only hope is that various religious organizations don't grab the narrative for their own cause. This is a story of one woman reaching out when threatened and responding to one man heart-to-heart. She used amazing spiritual insight to connect with a man who allegedly committed horrendous crimes. Ashley delivered a message of hope, love and faith to someone who may not have had any of the above.
Mary Lo Cox
Headland, Ala.
Perhaps it was Ashley's destiny to meet Brian. However, I must question her judgment in going to a convenience store at 2 a.m. with the knowledge that a fugitive wanted for rape and murder was on the loose in her area. When she spotted a man in a truck in the parking lot of her apartment complex upon her return, Ashley "got a little worried," yet she entered her home without noticing he was right behind her. Based on this recklessness, I'm wondering if it's appropriate to laud her "smarts and courage" on the cover of your magazine.
Joanne Schuber
Long Beach, Calif.
MEETING OF THE MINDS
Your article "Into the Light," about Emme and her husband, Phil Aronson, was a moving story on depression taking over someone's life. It's wonderful they were willing to share such a painful time in their lives. To not only put her career on hold but also help Phil during his darkest days while raising a child is amazing. Emme is not only a supermodel, she's a superwoman.
Steve and Jeff Nagel
Dayton, Ohio
LUCKY DOG
The work Kimi Peck has done to rescue Chihuahuas in "Dog's Best Friend" is admirable. She should be commended. Peck's proof that while a dog may be man's best friend, the reverse can also be true.
Ginger Willcox
Austin, Texas
NANCY'S GOOD GRACES
For being a voice for those who no longer have one, thank you, Nancy Grace. It seems too many times in our justice system the only person with any rights is the defendant. But what about the victim? I'm sure all the innocent victims of crime would love to thank you, but are silenced by criminals and their rights. You're the best, Nancy. Keep up the good work.
Kelly Kennelly
Buffalo, N.Y.
FAMILY PORTRAIT
Thanks for the photos of hard-to-place foster home kids in "Wanted: A Home." We just adopted three sisters who were reunited after living apart. What a wonderful experience adoption is. I hope your article reaches the hearts of many who may not have been open to the idea of adoption. It's a story that needs to be heard over and over again.
Kevin and Mary Barchard
Lake in the Hills, III.
FOOD FOR KIRSTIE'S THOUGHTS
I'll have to agree with Rosie O'Donnell in Scoop's "Fighting Fat." When I heard Kirstie Alley claim her heaviest weight was 201 lbs., I nearly choked on my granola. Kirstie looks beautiful no matter what her weight, but I'd like her to 'fess up to reality. It would be much more healing for her and others struggling with this problem.
Marilyn Naito
Tallahassee, Fla.
Get up-to-the-minute celebrity news and photos on your cellphone, iPhone or Blackberry at www.people.com!
