I met Douglas Adams once at a public appearance. It was one of the great honors of my life to tell him, personally, how much his books had meant to me. He was

I met Douglas Adams once at a public appearance. It was one of the great honors of my life to tell him, personally, how much his books had meant to me. He was friendly and gracious despite seeming, to me, rather uncomfortable with the throngs of people there to see him. In addition to feeling slightly bad about being part of said throng, I always remembered and admired that about him. It's easy to be friendly and gracious when you're comfortable; it's quite another to manage that feat when in truth you'd rather be anyplace else. I often think of him. I'm so sorry that we lost him so soon.