Michael Croft's novel,
The Eleanor
, is a delightful romp through the streets of downtown Reno. After a mysterious hum nearly debilitates Leland Powers, he seeks to liberate the throwaways who have lived in his transient hotel for many years. Committed and nearly doomed, he rides the waves of compassion as he creates a monastery-like existence for those willing to live in a collective silence devoted to understanding the ins and outs of the universe. Along the way there is food, poetry, love, pitfalls, and wine coolers. Ultimately, a magical bird, Aspasia, wins out and the Eleanor Hotel is transformed into an oasis of understanding.