I enjoyed King Rat as an opportunity to "see the other side". Where King might have been seen as totally a user, manipulator, and profiteer (and is seen as just that by the English character who is trying to hunt him down), he is also furnishing a market for the needy, as the narrator discovers when he's the one in need.

It was also an interesting view of a 'class' system among the Americans whereas the English prisoners were reduced by circumstances to a single class (prisoners).

Present world circumstances remind me of the excellent play "Caine Mutiny Court Martial" which has been revived in New York City.

My comfort food is Jelly Belly jalapeno jelly beans. Someone gave 'em to me as a kind of joke when I flew to Europe, and they were nice to have as I landed in Frankfurt.