What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self

I just Read Spragins amazing collection of letters and had to post this message about it. If you're looking for a meaningfull thought provoking gift this is it! This book will be cherished not just because it reveals the inner thoughts of some amazing people on our planet, but because it confirmations the inner voice in all of us that is often ignored. This book is wonderful for young people who could use the sage advice of a mentor. It's great for people thinking about the changes they want to make in their life. It's also a good way to stimulate you to write your own letter. After reading "Letters to My Younger Self" I wrote a letter to myself about what I wished I'd known 20 years ago. The experience was very helpfull. It allowed me to think about the past and contemplate the future in a way I hadn't before.

I found this book as I was looking for a gift for my daughter's college graduation. The concept seemed incredible to me so I grabbed it up and brought it home. Reading the letters inpired me to write my own letter. I wrote a letter to myself 23 years before, pregnant with my daughter. The process of reflection was intense for me. I cried as I remembered the fears I had--the uncertainty. My sister called as I was writing this letter and the two of us went even farther back than 23 years. We remembered each other as children--when we were unable to communicate our fears. Our conversation helped our relationship and helped me to finish my letter to myself. In the end, my letter to me became my gift to my daughter. Without this book, all this reflection would be lost.

What a super idea ---Contact 41 noted women-- from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to country singer and song writer Trisha Yearwood. Then persuade them to write short letters back to themselves at an earlier age. I suspect many of us -- men and women --have thought at times about "if only we could go back in time and help our younger selves not only cope with life, but chart a true course and make an impact." The women in the book go to different times in their past life, but it is clear that they care for their earlier versions, no matter if there are some rough edges and mistakes. Clothing designer and entrepreneur Eileen Fisher, 55, tells herself in her early twenties "You don't have to be afraid of living alone," in response to a troubling live-in relationship. Author and poet Maya Angelou tells her younger self: "Don't let anyone raise you. You've been raised." Country music star Lee Ann Womack finds her younger version stressed in recording her first album. She advises making a record to enjoy, rather than one just aimed at success. I agree with other reviewers that the book is of interest to men and women alike. But I understand that Spragins may do a future book with letters from men. I can hardly wait. Personally, I'd love to go back over 40 years to my teens and tell myself not to get so hooked on the Chicago Cubs. "Being a Cub fan will result in decades of disappointment," I'd tell that young man with a full head of hair, and so much idealism. Enjoy the book!

I read these reviews before I bought "What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self" and they all recommend the book for women. I agree that it's a must-read for women, especially for high school and college students. But I think men -- fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, employers! -- could learn a lot from the stories and personal insights shared by these accomplished women. Spragins's introductions to each of the letters are also insightful and provide just the right type of background the reader needs to truly enjoy the letters. Buy it for Mother's Day, wedding showers, or graduation gifts!

I loved the idea of writing a letter to your younger self. It seemed to be therapeutic and a good reminder that there is always a silver lining. The context of the women's lives was as interesting as the letters themselves. It makes you think about the difficult turning points in your life and what you needed to know then. In that sense it's a book about faith. It's both comforting and inspiring to know that even women at the top struggle with the same issues.