ABSTRACT
Something bothering me about the end of most books is the author never formally saying goodbye. Books that I like best are those in which the author becomes a live person to me, with whom I feel I get acquainted while reading her book. In both fiction and non-fiction, if the author is effective, she has invited me into her mind or into an intimate dialogue on something she is passionate about. After this relationship, that has a predictable ending, I miss the author not offering me a farewell. I know she can’t experience my response to what she has written. Of course, I do not know how much of a person I have become to any particular reader, but I will say goodbye to you. The form of farewell that I wish to extend is an attempt at sharing something of what I have learned as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. At least it will send you, the reader, on your way, with a notion of what I think is important, in addition to my good wishes for you and your work. I will not repeat what I have already written, but rather offer something to leave an impression with you of what I have been trying to convey.
