Customer Reviews

Gift of a Letter: Giving the Gift of Ourselves-- Add Richness and Grace to Your Life Through the Art of Letter-writing

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Gift of a Letter was recommened to me by a couple of online friends. I have been a letter writer all my life, and couldn't resist buying the book. And my, I'm so glad I did. The book is such a pleasure to read, from start to end, about the pure joy of writing and recieving letters.
I took the book with me on one of my business travels, started to read it on the plane, could hardly put it down during the meetings I had to attend to, and read again at the hotel. The first thing I did next morning was to find a stationary shop where I could buy paper, envelopes, cards, new pens and so on, then (after more meetings) I sat down in the nearest coffeeshop to write letters.

The art of letter writing is almost forgotten today, it seems so much easier to make a call, or write an SMS or an e-mail. But nothing can be compared to the joy and pleasue of finding a real letter in your mail box.

For Alexandra Stoddard letterwriting is not just letters to your mother when you are away, letters to your boyfriend or letters to oversea friends. What about a thank you letter to a good friend after a nice party, or a letter to an old teacher, or an old friend. The book has given me so many new ideas of whom to write, and what to write about. The only negative thing I can think of is that the book talks about letters as something you can write in a few minutes, so lack of time is no excuse. This is only partly true. For me letters are also the letters you spend hours to write, hours because there are so many things to tell a close friend, hours because you just want to spend of your time with your penpal.

Though I have been an avid letter writer since I was a little girl, this book has opened up a new world for me when it comes to.....yes, you're right ....letter writing. I have to book on my desk and know I will read it again and again, and I will write letters as long as my hands and my eyes allow me. And I will keep on writing letters every day, spending all my extra money on stamps.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

This book was a great inspiration for me to return to letter writing in the era of email. Nothing brightens a persons day more than a hand written letter that can be read over and over again. I highly recommend this book

I read this book several years ago, shortly after its release in hardcover. Always an avid letterwriter, I found in this book several reasons to remain one in the electronic age. I recently gave a copy of the paperback version to a friend, and it changed his way of looking at letterwriting. He sent me a letter to thank me for it - something he could more easily have done in person or over the phone, as he only lives across town from me. The only complaint I have is the myriad of references to sources for letterwriting accessories and stationery which either sell exorbitantly priced goods or are in far-flung locations the average reader will not likely visit. Even this would have been all right if it had been balanced with more references to mainstream sources. Overall, however, a marvelous read.

I purchased this book not long after the hardcover first edition was published in 1990. I reread it in 1995 and again in 2005.
For those who enjoy writing and mailing letters, cards and notes, the book is a confirmation and a delight to read. Those who are reluctant writers may be instructed and inspired as well.
Stoddard enjoys and writes about the tools of her letter writing: special fountain pens, elite stationery purchased at special stationery and gift shops. While ambience may be a legitimate and satisfying part of letter writing, most of us will probably settle for more common tools or supplies. Whatever the tools used, Stoddard much prefers holograph or handwritten letters.
More than tips on letter writing supplies, the heart and principal theme of the book is that letter writing (including short notes as well as long letters) is a gift that we give to
others; a part of our inner being shared with others.
It does not necessarily ask anything in return, for the main pleasure is the giving of the gift.

Stoddard's books always inspire me and make me want to rise above the ho-hum daily life that most of us live. Having lived overseas for 3 1/2 years, I found letters became a lifeline. They give one a sense of connectedness when feeling overwhelmed by new experiences and great distances.
When my sister was living in India, her vivid letters helped maintain a feeling of closeness and push back the sense of loss that one feels when a separation goes on for years.
Save the letters you receive, as they form a journal of that person's life.
I need to take this book off the shelf every so often and read
Stoddard's beautiful words of encouragement that will incite me to put pen to paper and send some letters.

This lovely book will inspire you to turn off your computer, hang up the phone, and share your heart in a handwritten letter. Truly a lost art, Alexandra encourages you to create your own personal correspondence that enriches not only your life but the life of the person receiving your missive.

Read in one sitting. Inspired me to buy a good italic pen and some fine stationery.

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 book would probably be inspiring for someone not already enjoying writing letters and receiving them. Already a letter-writer, I enjoyed it but won't keep it. Some of her suggestions are pricey and might sound funny; so take from this the main point, and use what you can to enjoy letter writing.

In todays world of text messages and email the art form of letter writting is being lost. The first time I had copy of this book I did not appreciate it or was in the right frame of mind to read it. This time around I could not put it down. I own most of Alexander Stoddard's books. This one hits near and dear to my heart. I moved 2,000 miles away from my home and my mother would write me letters every week. Sometimes I would get one or two letters a week. When I read these letters I could see my Mom writing them with a cup of coffee and quite momemt. I was home again with her and my family. She would use regular spiral notebook paper and write with a Bic pen. My mother passed away in 1989 from breast cancer. And the first time that I went to the mail box after her death I realized that I would never again open the door to my mailbox and see her familiar hand writing. I still have most of the letters she sent me.
As you read this book it is full of ideas of how and why to keep the art form of letter writing alive. Alexander also makes reference to many others whose letter writings is a part of history. Right now I am in the search for the book Appetite for Life written by Paul Childs. Based off the letters he sent his twin brother. Awesome. I love going to the mail box and finding a letter waiting. Let's keep the art form of letter writing alive.