The book, Gift of a Letter, by Alexandra Stoddard, provides a timeless analysis of the value of hand-written communication for both the writer and the recipient. She intimately describes the value of a letter in revealing deep truth and loving thoughts and compares letter writing to "sending your ship out." as the vulnerability and permanence are fixed. She encourages leaving the misspelled words, cross-outs, and additional expressions of truths because a letter written from the heart, i.e., a “spontaneous letter,” is an “extraordinary gift.” She further reports that a correspondence with, “… only one line is sufficient.”

Ms Stoddard refers to and quotes many famous letter writers including Samuel Johnson, Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Barrett, E.B.White, etc.; provides appendix listing famous letters she has enjoyed; and warmly discusses the writings of Virginia Wolf throughout the book. She states that, “Surely letter writing must be a part of the pursuit of happiness.”

Who can deny the pleasure of receiving a hand written correspondence from someone you personally know even if it says only, “I’m thinking about you...” Ms Stoddard challenges, “dare to begin,” “it is never too late,” that “no news is not good news,” and provides advice concerning how and what to write including comments concerning quality of hand writing.

I recommend this book for any wondering about taking up the valuable habit of letter-writing. Letters allow you to purposefully communicate your true intent and may be read and re-read by the recipients at their leisure. This is an easy and educational read. ( )

This is the book that influenced me to acquire a multitude of "Penpals", back in the days before e-mail when I was in grade school. I corresponded with people from all over the world, mostly kids but also a few adults and even one convict... There was a worldwide culture of penpals who would send each other "FBs" or Friendship Books (sort of like a chainmail message board). Each person added their address and interests to the FB, and you could correspond with any of them.

With the advent of e-mail letter writing has taken a new turn. Though we don't send as many "real" letters, we actually correspond more virtually. This book can inspire "virtual" letter writers, just as it recalls the joy of receiving a "traditional" epistle.

Stoddard offers many inspiring tips on letter composition as well as the nuts and bolts (stationery, supplies, etc.) One of my favorite suggestions is to carry a stack of postcards with you and jot down quick notes to friends when you have a few minutes of free or "waiting" time during the day.

Just flipping through this book inspires me.... enough reviewing, I'll go write a letter! ( )

an appeal to get people to continue to write letters ( )