I can't remember if I replied to your review of Steppenwolf but I did enjoy the review. I wasn't sure what you would make of the book after announcing that you were going to read it, but I've read about six Hesse novels and I found it to be probably the most successful. (I loved Demian as well, but a lot of that was probably due to being a teenager when I read it.)

From what I remember, I am in agreement with your assessment of the magic theater episode. But I couldn't help but think that my reaction to that ending would've been improved if I hadn't expected it, however, and known of its influence on the hippie culture.

I just want to say that, from what I can gather, you are a very critical person (by which I certainly do not intend a purely negative connotation). On the contrary, I am usually content to have just experienced a book, and am not well inclined to formulating detailed or useful opinions beyond "it moved me" or "the author was clearly lost." That has a lot to do with why I don't write reviews; I don't feel especially critical and don't have a lot of faith in what I have to say about books. Anyway, I mention this because I tend to look out for your reviews, particularly when they pertain to things I have read or am interested in reading.