<DIV>A chance encounter by two writers, one young, one older, develops into a wonderful friendship neither expected. Frank Conroy, the author of the classic memoir <I>Stop-Time</I>, meets Tom Grimes, an aspiring writer and an applicant to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, which Conroy directs. First as teacher and student ? and gradually as friends?their lives become entwined, and through both successes and disappointments, their bond deepens. Exquisitely written, <I>Mentor</I> is an honest and heartbreaking exploration of the writing life and the role of a very important teacher.</DIV>