The Gift of a Letter

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.

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