The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more



or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Start reading The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life [Hardcover]

Marie Tillman
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)

List Price: $23.99
Price: $16.65 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $7.34 (31%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Only 14 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it tomorrow, May 21? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition $9.78  
Hardcover $16.65  
Audio, CD, Audiobook, CD $20.51  
Multimedia CD --  
Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged $20.95 or Free with Audible 30-day free trial
Image
Save on Popular Books This Summer
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more.

Book Description

June 26, 2012
In 2003, Pat Tillman, serving in the US Army, hastily wrote a "just in case" letter to his wife, Marie. When he returned on leave before his departure to Afghanistan, he placed the letter on top of their bedroom dresser. For months it sat there, sealed and ever-present, like a black hole through which Marie knew her stable life would be pulled if she ever had reason to open it. Then, in April 2004, Marie's worst nightmare came true. In the days following his death, it was Pat's letter that kept her going and, more than that, it was his words that would help her learn to navigate a world she could no longer share with her husband.

In THE LETTER, Marie's talks for the first time about her journey to remake her life after Pat's death. In it, she recalls meeting and falling in love with Pat when they were kids, his harrowing decision to join the army after 9/11, and the devastating day when she learned he'd been killed. She describes how she withdrew from the public spotlight to grieve, learning along the way the value of solitude, self-awareness and integrity in the healing process. And, finally, Marie recounts her work to rebuild her life, including founding The Pat Tillman Foundation, an organization established to carry forth Pat's legacy of leadership, and her decision to step back into the public eye in order to inspire people to live with meaning and purpose.

Filled with the lessons Marie learned and the wisdom she gained since Pat's death, THE LETTER is both a heartrending love story and an inspiring tale for anyone, young or old, whose life has taken an unexpected hard turn -- and who struggles to get back on the right path.

Frequently Bought Together

The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life + Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman + The Tillman Story
Price for all three: $44.82

Buy the selected items together


Editorial Reviews

Review

"Marie Tillman's elegantly written memoir weaves together a love story with the life affirming lesson that grief's tributaries can flow toward healing and acceptance. This book reminds us that it's possible to move past trauma without forgetting or letting loss define you. This is a must read for anyone who has worked to overcome life's sorrows and embrace its triumphs with grace." (Lee Woodruff, New York Times bestselling author of In An Instant and Perfectly Imperfect )

"Marie Tillman's gentle memoir of love and loss is an important reminder to all that life isn't measured by its length, but by its depth." (Regina Brett, New York Times bestselling author of God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours )

"The Letter is a candid, eloquent account of unthinkable loss, its incapacitating aftermath, and Marie Tillman's long, lonely journey back to daylight. Graced with illuminating vignettes of her marriage to Pat Tillman, the ambivalent Army Ranger who was killed in Afghanistan by his comrades, The Letter is both a heart-rending elegy for an extraordinary man and an indispensable road map through the wilderness of bereavement. It's a brave and wonderful book." (Jon Krakauer, author of Into the Wild and Where Men Win Glory )

"Marie Tillman's moving memoir, The Letter, is a story of profound courage. It takes courage to walk out into the unknown to reclaim one's life after a tragedy. It takes courage to live in a public way with such private pain. And it takes courage to share one's journey with an open heart knowing that it will bring comfort and connection to others. Marie's courageous example will inspire so many to recognize their own power to be architects of change." (Maria Shriver, Journalist, Author & Activist )

"In this moving debut memoir, the author describes her struggle to deal with grief and to come to terms with the cynical abuse of his sacrifice...An inspiring account of the author's difficult decision to become a public advocate for military families." (Kirkus )

"In this thoughtful memoir...[Marie Tillman] successfully honors her husband's legacy while offering solace and hope for those in anguish." (Publishers Weekly )

About the Author

Marie Tillman is the founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation which inspires others to create positive social change through its leadership programs and scholarships for veterans, active servicemembers, their families, and college students across the country. She lives in California.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (June 26, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0446571458
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446571456
  • Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

This book is awesome I cried when I read it. Jen  |  7 reviewers made a similar statement
This story is raw emotion. Lyssa  |  8 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable debut June 14, 2012
Format:Hardcover
They say behind each successful man, there's a smart woman. I say behind each hero there's a Marie.

The Letter by Marie Tillman is a heartfelt insight into her life after her husband's death as well as a journey through all stages of grief she's experienced since then. Pat Tillman's life had been in the spotlight very little before he died as both he and Marie have shied away from the public eye, preferring the coziness of their home, the serenity of their relationship, the comfort of their love. The NFL player who gave up a successful career as a football player to enlist in the army became an icon after his death in April 2004. The circumstances surrounding his death still create a lot of controversy, including two congressional hearings and multiple investigations. Somehow Marie had to learn how to cope with the media infatuation with her husband as well as with all the attention she unwillingly received.

I applaud Marie for her ability to capture real feelings, real emotions making the book that much more intense, allowing readers a close look into a grieving heart. The book contains very little dialogue, but it's easy to follow and finish in one sitting. Its simplicity, its reflection on life's fragility and what matters most as well as how Marie chose to navigate through the murky waters of healing is done gracefully. From a shy lotus lily living in Pat's shadow, Marie grew into a confident woman, working constantly to keep Pat's legacy alive. She went through the stages of grief in her own way, at her own pace, and came out not completely healed but stronger.

The Letter is a compelling, poignant book, a true story of heroism and altruism behind the deadly lines of war.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Must Read... June 16, 2012
By Alex G.
Format:Hardcover
Marie Tillman's The Letter is a wonderful read...I found I couldn't put it down and keep wanting to learn more about this incredible woman's story. I found myself relating the story and message of The Letter to my own life and believe I am better for having read it.

Marie Tillman's writing style...her `voice' (filled with raw honesty and true candor) ...made the experience even more powerful. I look forward to her next work and recommend this book with as much verve as possible.

The Letter is inspirational, Marie and Pat Tillman's story is amazing, and Marie Tillman, in her earned own right, is a national treasure.

Read The Letter and learn more about the continuing work of the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Was this review helpful to you?
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply Insightful June 14, 2012
By Dana
Format:Hardcover
The words coming from an inspirational figure such as Marie Tillman will improve and help another ones process of healing. The story touches upon an experience of love, loss and rebuilding. I truly feel after reading this story will bring great value to those who need a real life eye opener.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars over all, a worthwhile memoir
Even though memoir is my favorite genre to read, I must admit to being a little skeptical of grief memoirs. The internal journey has to be great in order to maintain my interest. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Jill
4.0 out of 5 stars Tillman tells the whole story, nothing held back
Usually stories about loss are extremely sappy and religious. This was straight and to the point. She had no words for her loss, and she didn't try to find God in all the pain. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rissy Roo
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing
Excellent book to read. A very inspirational book for someone who has lost their significant other. I would recommend it to anyone!
Published 2 months ago by nickel
5.0 out of 5 stars Need to read
This book is awesome I cried when I read it. It is so touching I am a child of a military veteran. My dad served in desert storm I know what families and love one's are going... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jen
4.0 out of 5 stars Hi
Great! This book can be relatable to so many people, which is why I loved reading it. Thank you for writing it.
Published 3 months ago by Hannah Germain
4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed it.
This book was definately written from the heart. It was written quite well. I cried a lot while reading it. I'm glad Marie is finally able to move on.
Published 3 months ago by Blueladybug2
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Anything involving Pat Tillman gets good reviews from me. Easy reading and a refresher of the greatness of Pat Tillman and family.
Published 3 months ago by GoLow
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, great read!
This was a great read. It really made you appreciate what someone would do for their country and other people. Such a selfless man.
Published 3 months ago by Amie B
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Was so much better than I expected. Loved how it was so personal packed full of memories and the truth.
Published 3 months ago by S. Lorton
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Ever.. Stand up woman
This product is in good Condition. Decent shipping. This book has been a great help and very enjoyable. Thank you for the sale.
Published 3 months ago by nicolehawaii
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Forums

There are no discussions about this product yet.
Be the first to discuss this product with the community.
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 





Look for Similar Items by Category