Compelled to Write to You: Letters on Faith, Love, Service, and Life

What a lovely book -- and how refreshing to read this celebration of personal integrity, wisdom, beauty, and hope. How inspiring to read these letters between a gifted teacher/author and his student. I was reminded of Rilke's LETTERS TO A YOUNG poet, yet I found that this book went even deeper. I keep this book on my bedside table, and plan to buy copies for the college students in my life. I wish it had been available back when I was a liberal arts student. I highly recommend all books by Christopher De Vinck. -- Cindy La Ferle, author of Writing Home: www.laferle.com

I really enjoyed the vivacity and authenticity that characterized Christopher and Elizabeth's written dialogue; it was truly a joy to absorb their thoughts and emotions and experiences.

As a college chaplain, I have seen many students work their way through the mix of angst and excitement that is their senior year. This book, _Compelled to Write to You_ is about that series of debates and struggles, but it is about so much more. The book is actually a series of letters between a college senior and a writer that she admires. After completing one of his books she was "compelled" to write him. To her surprise and delight, he responds, and the two enjoy a year long correspondence that covers a range of topics from choosing a vocation to choosing a life partner. The depth of their spiritual friendship is refreshing. I loved this book. I found it useful, and insightful, a quick read, and one that I will go back over again and again.