Letters to Jenny

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.

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:)

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.