The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication

I hardly ever wrote notes or letters - especially the dreaded "thank you" note for a gift (a process that I still remember as a childhood punishment) - despite the good intentions of my mother. Now, over 40 years later, I am beginning to become civilized at last. Thanks to the helpful advice in this book, coupled with very useful sample phrases and "do's and don'ts" lists, I can write a pretty good note as needed. My friends and family appreciate the change. And I am continually surprised at work at how much goodwill a hand written note generates! Whether it's to a coworker, one of my employees, or the head of another department, a hand written missive gets a lot more attention than just another e-mail.

A great book! Full of inspiring ideas and tips on reconnecting through handwriting. Lots of good habits to teach the next generation, too. If you've ever thought of wanting to express something special to someone else and didn't know how to start or what to say, read this book before you decide to do nothing.

I really enjoyed this book & it has been helpful in starting me to write NOTES. I guess I thought that you had to fill up a whole page with "something". It is a lot easier to write a short amount on some nice note paper. Not as frightening as a full size sheet of paper. I had just finished the book, when I had to write a condolence note & a welcoming note to my daughter's mother-in-law before she came to the US for a visit. The book was a big help.I gave to all my kids for Christmas.KM

When I first heard of the existence of this book, I immediately ordered it. It turned out to be both inspiring and instructional (practical).First, it gives you many reasons why it is so important to make the effort to send handwritten notes and how valuable they are to the recipient. It inspires you to go sell all you have and get some nice stationery and start sending notes to everyone. It also goes over the practical aspects of note writing from the different kinds of writing instruments and stationery available, to penmanship lessons (there are tips to show you how you can refine your handwriting, repair it, or rescue it if it is really bad!). It gives examples for constructing various types of notes (useful formulas, and what to avoid) so your notes will most effective and classy.There are many photos and facsimiles of actual handwritten notes including some by past presidents.It is the kind of book you will want to loan out to a friend after you are finished.