Customer Reviews

Letters to Jenny

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you are looking to see where Letters To Jenny ties in with the Xanth Series, don't.

The two have only one thing in common and that is Jenny Elfs portrayer...

Letters To Jenny is about a young persons life hanging in the balance after a cruel twist of fate and the hands of a drunk driver tried to end her precious life. I found most of the letters very insperational for her inner soul to heal, and hope to see what becomes of Jenny Elf in the Xanth series.

I gave this book 4 stars for the in depth information on the progress of this young persons daily tasks for life, and the heart of a wonderful writer to reach out and pull her back to the living.

It's folks like Piers Anthony and many others similar to him that help folks of all ages take a moment out of their hectic lives and dream of something more adventures.

I do not believe that Piers Anthony was being exploitive in his publication of Letters To Jenny as one previous reviewer thought. This is a non-fiction work as all prospective purchasers should be aware of. This is a series of letters Mr. Anthony wrote to a very sick young fan over a span of several years. The letters are touching and entertaining and make for an easy read. I for one enjoy knowing a bit about the person who wrote the book I am reading so I am glad to have this opportunity. If the author's true motive was money I doubt this would ever have been published. Non-fiction works by fiction authors rarely sells as well as fiction.

I've always enjoyed Anthony's Author's Notes, finding it amusing and touching that he takes the time to share the ups and downs of his life with us as he writes. I was very moved by the Note in which he discussing his letters with a young suicidal woman. But in this, his Letters to Jenny, a real sense of Anthony comes across. This is a man often accused of being a sexist, whose life is surrounded and filled by a wife and daughters:) There is a real fatherly, or maybe "uncle-ly", compassion in his teasing and thoughtful letters to young Jenny. I have more regard for this author, who has given me so many hours of entertainment with his fiction, after reading this incredible piece of non fiction. My best wishes are with Jenny, and her guardian Ogre:)

I just recently purchased Letters To Jenny, and did so because I thought it was one of the most touching things I had ever seen on a bookstore shelf. That being the case, I am aghast to see that some people think Anthony is flirting with the child, he isn't, at least not in my opinion, rather he is using humour to pull her through a very difficult time in her life. Through the written word, he is being just as much a doctor as any one of her therapists. The fact that he published these letters exactly as he wrote them in the first place when he had no idea he was going to publish them, gives the reader a glimpse into what he may really be like. You cannot know a person just by their publicity, and this is a tiny glimpse behind the publicity. The only thing about this book that bothers me is how little of the proceeds are going to Jenny's family, but in the mind of Jenny, being in a Xanth book is probably more important than money, and at least they are getting something...which knowing the popularity of this author, could add up to a substanstail amount. Also, for those of you who think that this book is degrading to all concerned, remember that Jenny herself had to give permission to be published, and she was mentally capable of making that choice,we should all respect it.
All in all Letters To Jenny is one of the most touching and truly human stories I have ever read, I have a feeling that every time I pick it up I will learn something new. It proves that every so often someone can take time out of their busy schedule to do something truly kind for a fellow human being.

As a Deaf Education major, I can appreciate the fact that Mr. Anthony took time to write letters to Jenny. There are many authors who would not have done as much. This book is a delightful experience for anyone. I loved to read about what had gone on in his family and what he was currently thinking about. Rarely have authors made me want to repond to them on a personal level. Mr. Anothony did.

After reading Letters to Jenny, I decided to write to him - and he wrote back!! =)

Fans of Piers Anthony were blessed with the chance to know the author better in his Auto-bi-Ogre-phy, "Bio of an Ogre", but we truly get to know more about him when we read his letters. There's something about personal letters than can not be compared. Perhaps it is the fact that there is no editing, and the heart is a little bit more exposed. I would suggest this book to Piers' true fans. They will be anxious to read more of his books because of the experience

This collection of letters provides a unique insight into the heart of Piers Anthony. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about him.

I think this is one of Anthony's best books. I think it is not only humorous but very touching. I love the way Anthony makes up funny names for each month, like Marsh for March. I think this is a good book for anyone who likes fantasy and true stories. I think this is a GREAT book!!

Reading Piers Anthony's letters to Jenny, a twelve year old girl who had been struck by a drunk driver, gives the readers an intimate view of both the writer and the young girl's struggles to come back to the world. Humor, poignancy, and warmth infuse the letters and will touch readers.

The story behind this book is touching. The often intimate letters provide a glimpse into the everyday life of Piers Anthony and reveal a sensitive, candid side of him that most fans never get to see.

Beyond that, it all falls down. It's important to remember that this is not a novel; It is a series of letters, written without any intent (on the part of the author) of publishing them. There is no plot, no action -- nothing to hold the reader's attention.

If you're still curious, check out a copy from your local library; Don't waste the money it would cost to order it.