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Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self
These nuggets of wisdom are offered by an Academy Award–nominated actor (James Woods), a popular comedian (Aasif Mandvi), and a world-famous novelist (Jodi Picoult) to their sixteen-year-old selves. No matter how accomplished and confident they seem today, at sixteen, they were like the rest of us—often unsure, frequently confused, and usually in need of a little reassuran...more
Hardcover, 134 pages
Published
October 25th 2011
by Atria Books
(first published January 1st 2011)
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What a neat concept for a book. In Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, Joseph Galliano has enlisted seventy-five celebrities to write letters full of advice, warnings, and encouragement to their sixteen-year-old selves. With a group that includes writers, singers, actors, and musicians, old and young, you won't be surprised that the letters range from the humorous to the serious to the touching.
Some of my favorite advice:
Dear Angie, Treasure your abilities: you won't always have them....more
Some of my favorite advice:
Dear Angie, Treasure your abilities: you won't always have them....more
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I will freely admit that the only reason I even knew about this book was because my favorite actor, James Marsters, has a letter printed in it... but it was really quite an interesting read. Some of the letters were flippant, some were way more personal than I would have expected, but nearly all of them got me thinking. My favorite may have been the letter from Alan Rickman saying, basically, if in the future someone asks him to write a letter to his 16 year old self, don't do it: "Make your own...more
If you wrote a letter to your sixteen-year-old self, what would you say?
In Dear Me – A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self (Hardback, 128 pages, Simon and Schuster, $20), that is the topic addressed by 75 celebrities, writers, musicians, athletes and actors. They offer words or encouragement, reassurance, warning and advice.
Initially, I was attracted to this book because of the entries by authors; I wanted to see what Stephen King would say to his younger self. I did read that, and I expected the...more
In Dear Me – A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self (Hardback, 128 pages, Simon and Schuster, $20), that is the topic addressed by 75 celebrities, writers, musicians, athletes and actors. They offer words or encouragement, reassurance, warning and advice.
Initially, I was attracted to this book because of the entries by authors; I wanted to see what Stephen King would say to his younger self. I did read that, and I expected the...more
I did not read the entire book because I only read the stories that interested me. I read Erykah Badu, Alan Cummings, Seth Green, James Avery, Rose McGowan, Michelle Rodriguez, Ricki Lake and Pauly Shore. All of the authors that I read really engaged with the idea of what they could give to their younger selves that would have made a difference. They focused on letting go of the things that didn't matter and bolstering self-esteem. Things were hard but you made it through. For me Seth Green's wa...more
capodanno 2012
Eccomi, come ogni Capodanno, a fermarmi per qualche giorno a pensare, e alla fine a raccomandare agli amici un libro che mi sembra particolarmente adatto a capire l'anno appena trascorso e a prepararci a quello che arriva.
Il libro di quest'anno si intitola Caro Me: lettera a me stesso sedicenne (Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, Autori Vari, a cura di Joseph Galliano, Atria Books, ottobre 2011). 75 scrittori, atleti, attori, scrivono a altrettanti se stessi adolescenti...more
Eccomi, come ogni Capodanno, a fermarmi per qualche giorno a pensare, e alla fine a raccomandare agli amici un libro che mi sembra particolarmente adatto a capire l'anno appena trascorso e a prepararci a quello che arriva.
Il libro di quest'anno si intitola Caro Me: lettera a me stesso sedicenne (Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, Autori Vari, a cura di Joseph Galliano, Atria Books, ottobre 2011). 75 scrittori, atleti, attori, scrivono a altrettanti se stessi adolescenti...more
“You seem to spend a lot of time laughing: that’s good. You’ll remember laughing like that when you’re old.” — Joanna Lumley
This is a really, really lovely book. I adore it. It is what the title states — lots of celebrities and personalities writing letters to themselves when they were 16. Most have advice, some are funny, some are sad, some are touching. It doesn’t matter that these people are famous. That may be why some people buy it, but that’s not what you get from the pages. If you’re youn...more
This is a really, really lovely book. I adore it. It is what the title states — lots of celebrities and personalities writing letters to themselves when they were 16. Most have advice, some are funny, some are sad, some are touching. It doesn’t matter that these people are famous. That may be why some people buy it, but that’s not what you get from the pages. If you’re youn...more
The premise of this book is that a number of actors, writers, sports stars, comedians and musicians (among others) write a letter to themselves at 16 with words of wisdom, humour, reassurance and advise. Proceeds from the book go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Stand-outs for me are Stephen Fry (that probably goes with out saying) but also Baz Luhrmann who's heartfelt letter shows just how much understanding he has gained about his relationship with his Father - parents can baffle and frustrat...more
Stand-outs for me are Stephen Fry (that probably goes with out saying) but also Baz Luhrmann who's heartfelt letter shows just how much understanding he has gained about his relationship with his Father - parents can baffle and frustrat...more
This was a very quick read. I'm not entirely sure what I really expected from it. I guess maybe some interesting insight into people who are now well known accomplished people. I enjoyed a few letters more than others, but overall it is an ok read. I think aside from getting an insight into these well known people and to see what kind of advice or wisdom they would like to have known then is the fact that this is written in letter form. I always like to read letters in books and this was a reall...more
What an inspired and charming book. I'd like to see another one published with letters from Everyday Joes (and Janes). In the spirit of this book, I am going to write a letter to my 16-year-old self too. I think everyone should do the same!!
Dear Ky (Miss 16),
What baggage you will have in the future! But as heavy as it is, it's all you, girl! I am here from the future to dispense a bit of advice to you. My first thought penny is that you should take everything with a grain of salt, including all...more
Dear Ky (Miss 16),
What baggage you will have in the future! But as heavy as it is, it's all you, girl! I am here from the future to dispense a bit of advice to you. My first thought penny is that you should take everything with a grain of salt, including all...more
This was a cute, quick read. It definitely makes one think about what one would do differently if what was known now was known then...it made me think at least. It was also interesting to see what famous people would say to their 16 year old self. Most seem pretty happy with where they are, so most of it was about trying to feel better about themselves. I talked this topic over with my partner at work and he said that he would write down all the power ball numbers and the days to play them! I wo...more
Great book, that inspired me to think what would I say to my sixteen year old self, and how would I advise myself.
Love the fact that most of the writers at some point usually tell themselves to not start smoking.
Good little book, I just wish I knew more of who some of the contributors are.
Love the fact that most of the writers at some point usually tell themselves to not start smoking.
Good little book, I just wish I knew more of who some of the contributors are.
A letter to my sixteen year old self is a great concept but the book does not live up to the potential of it's idea. The letters contained within on very rare occasions invoke emotion but for the most part miss the mark and land somewhere in mediocre territory. I constantly found that my eyes were wandering down the page to judge how much more there was to go before I could gratefully turn the page, a tell tale sign of an uninteresting read. There are a few familiar big names but for the most pa...more
Jan 16, 2012
Alyson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone, especially teenagers
Recommended to Alyson by:
a librarian
Shelves:
books-i-want
I loved this book. It's a collection of letters and notes from successful professionals (many quite famous) in various fields. Some of the letters were long and self-indulgent but there were a few that were so inspiring. I especially enjoyed the ones from Dustin Lance Black (Oscar winning screenwriter), JK Rowling, Alan Cummings, Graydon Carter (editor of Vanity Fair), and Armistead Maupin (author). The foreword from JK Rowling is so well written. (Of course, who could expect less from her?) And...more
Various people famous in entertainment, sports, politics and the wider world write to their sixteen year old selves. The book was published in support of "Doctors Without Borders." Basically it was a play on "It Gets Better." Everyone told their sixteen year old self that it all works out and that they shouldn't worry so much about what everyone thinks of them. It was okay. A bit predictable. Not that I expected anyone to tell their sixteen year old selves, "Yeah, life sucks." But it would have...more
Too homogeneous to read more than a handful of entries in one sitting, but not meaty enough to work as a coffee table book. It casts a wide net, covering everything from bestselling authors to youtube sensations, but the same sentiments are repeated over and over, those sentiments themselves being rife with cliches.
I also take fundamental issue with the premise of the book. I know the point of it is to see what wisdom various personalities have gained in the course of their lives, and there's n...more
I also take fundamental issue with the premise of the book. I know the point of it is to see what wisdom various personalities have gained in the course of their lives, and there's n...more
This book is a collection of letters that are being written from various well-known celebrities and successful people. They are letters they are writing to themselves. They are their sixteen-year-old selves writing nuggets of wisdom that only time exposed to them.
This book was fun to read and worth reflecting on.
A few of my most touching individuals:
Angie Dickinson - Treasure your abilities; you won't always have them.
James Woods - Call someone in your family every single day.
Jodi Picoult - Calc...more
This book was fun to read and worth reflecting on.
A few of my most touching individuals:
Angie Dickinson - Treasure your abilities; you won't always have them.
James Woods - Call someone in your family every single day.
Jodi Picoult - Calc...more
I just found this at the library today and thought it sounded interesting! I stood there in the aisle reading the many letters written by famous people to their 16 year old self. Some were eloquent-so funny-some foreboding-some happy-some sad. Of course I found Hugh Jackman's letter to himself first because I love that man! hahaha What would you say to your 16 year old self? I think a rough draft letter to my 16 year old self would be something like-
Dear Eri-
Hey sweetie! How's that red oldsmobil...more
Dear Eri-
Hey sweetie! How's that red oldsmobil...more
I became interested in Dear Me: A Letter to My 16 Year-Old Self when I discovered that many celebrities I look up to and admire had written letters to their younger selves, and all were compiled into this book. Then, as a surprise birthday present from my sister, I received a copy. I immediately started the book, and it was so much more than I imagined.
The letters vary on topic, style, and intent. Some are hilarious while others have a much more somber tone. My favorites can be found somewhere i...more
The letters vary on topic, style, and intent. Some are hilarious while others have a much more somber tone. My favorites can be found somewhere i...more
This book is great in theory. I wish the biographies had been with the letters because I flipped back and forth to see who was writing that specific letter. Some letters were really insightful. Some were quick and obligatory. I loved JK Rowling's and Jodi Piccolt's letters. They were thoughtful, humorous, and I could see a 16 year old understanding them. Jim Belushi's was heartfelt as well and gave us insight to his 16 year old self. Others were just meh. That was very disappointing ot me.
For the most part everyone said exactly what you'd expect them to say, the same sort of generic platitudes that every sixteen year old hears from adults already.
Even though I hadn't heard of some of the writers, obviously they're known in their field (and therefore wealthy) to have been included, so they can easily say: "Don't worry, all your dreams will come true." It might have actually been interesting to add in some nobodies' letters...
A few wrote pretty much an advertisement for themselves,...more
Even though I hadn't heard of some of the writers, obviously they're known in their field (and therefore wealthy) to have been included, so they can easily say: "Don't worry, all your dreams will come true." It might have actually been interesting to add in some nobodies' letters...
A few wrote pretty much an advertisement for themselves,...more
Lovely premise, reminds you how it feels to be 16 and has prompted me to write a letter to my 16 year old self with all the wisdom that hindsight brings! Will perhaps encourage greater empathy with my house full of hormonal teens! Some funny letters, some sad, and a few pompous asses that go on a bit (Stephen Fry are you listening!) A book that definitely reaffirms that old truism, youth really is wasted on the young!
What a fun and fascinating collection of letters from an ecclectic group of celebrities. If you're an adult, you'll read the letters and feel like you're 16 again. You'll also wonder what you'd write to your teenage self. If you're 16 (or near there) you'll find great nuggets of wisdom and realize high school is just a small splash of paint on the masterpiece of your life.
Galliano's collection of posts offers rare and honest insight into the personal lives of celebrities who felt anything but a...more
Galliano's collection of posts offers rare and honest insight into the personal lives of celebrities who felt anything but a...more
An interesting premise: If you could send a letter to yourself at 16, what would you say?
This book collects a series of letters from various celebrities and successful people, along with pictures of them at the age of 16. There is some similar advice ("stop smoking now," "talk to your loved ones before you can't anymore") along with the surprising advice to stay the course. These folks realizing that the bumps along life's road are not to be avoided, but that they are what shapes our character....more
This book collects a series of letters from various celebrities and successful people, along with pictures of them at the age of 16. There is some similar advice ("stop smoking now," "talk to your loved ones before you can't anymore") along with the surprising advice to stay the course. These folks realizing that the bumps along life's road are not to be avoided, but that they are what shapes our character....more
I thought this was a really good book. I was very interested in hearing what some of these people had to say. Some of the letters I couldn't read because of the handwriting so I skipped them. I'm not usually interested in what actors and artsy people have to say but this book was done very well. It makes me think "what would I write to my 16 year old self"?
Wonderful. The stories had wonderful variety, wonderful advice, and I loved seeing those little windows into the minds of people I admire. Some of them were incredibly sweet, and I was inspired by them. Some of them seemed a little rough. I loved J. K. Rowling's, Jenna Elfman's, and a few others that are currently slipping my mind.
This book has a pretty interesting concept; I also like the mix of handwritten and typed letters (some handwritings are really hard to read though). I didn't know many of the persons who wrote letters in this book, it probably would have been even nicer if I had known more of them. But it was really a nice read and it's really inspiring to think about your life.
While proceeds go for a good cause (Doctors Without Borders), the book is not well-edited and the quality of its submissions vary from total gems to d-list blather. A few letters are poignant and well-thought-out, with the authors showing obvious reflection and circumspection in the crafting of their letters. A few more are simple, brief, lovely, and to-the-point. Most, however, are either self-aggrandizing borefests or agenda-pushing screeds. A very uneven work.
An interesting premise, and the letters range from pragmatic through inspirational. I didn't know every author, but the handy listing of short bios helped with that. A couple of young authors were not yet sixteen, so their letters looked ahead rather than back; I enjoyed the wit of Lucas Cruikshank's letter. I liked Erykah Badu's hand-drawn map of her life, James Woods' touching insights, and George Watsky's angst. But most especially, I appreciated the plights of young gay teens (specifically A...more
Love this book! It's very touching and inspirational. it helps me to realise that I'm not the only one going through bad things and that times will get better if I just hold on. The only bad thing is that some are in hand written letters which can be difficult to read so I missed out on a couple but otherwise fantastic!
This is an interesting concept for a book and I did enjoy reading some of the letters. There were several that I passed over simply because I couldn't read the writing - thinking those should have maybe been typed so that readers could understand/read them. I also began skipping those that were from people I didn't know of - since not all of them were all that interesting.
Fun concept with a few funny, interesting and or thoughtful entries.
Fun concept with a few funny, interesting and or thoughtful entries.
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“There is no such thing as cool--follow your enthusiasms honestly. The few records you ever bought to impress stay in their sleeves...
Except for the Stone Roses' first one Ooooh lovely.”
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Except for the Stone Roses' first one Ooooh lovely.”
