Book Review for Please Write by Lynne M. Kolze

I received a free copy of this book from Readers Favorites. This does not impact my review.

Please Write, by Lynne M. Kolze, is a heartwarming self-help book about the importance of letter writing and the legacy it creates. The book is divided into 6 sections. Section 1, Introduction, presents a brief but poignant argument about the almost sacred quality of letter writing. Section 2, The Legacy of Letter Writing, details the mental health benefits that are associated with letter writing, while Section 3, Letters We Remember, showcases the nostalgia and almost bittersweet effects letter writing can have on our lives. Section 4, Letters Inspire Art, details the whimsical and creative ways we can implement in letter writing, while Section 5, The Curious, Quirky, and Fascinating World of Letter Writing illustrates the almost childlike ways letter writing has impacted our community, as well as the weird ways it can nourish ties, even for complete strangers. Finally, Section 6, Writing the New and Preserving the Old, teaches how we can preserve letter writing as a momento mori, whether it be for ourselves or future generations.

I have to admit; I was equally surprised and enthralled when I discovered a book dedicated to letter writing. And pleasantly enough, I wasn’t disappointed; more often than not I recommend letter writing to clients who have experienced trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ect. Because of this, I especially enjoyed Section 2. Moreover, I’ve volunteered with organizations such as Letters Against Depression, and have sent one too many greeting cards to members of my church when they’re having a hard time, or the sisters from my circle when they find life a little too difficult. My husband has written letters to me on our anniversary, and to this day I still treasure them.

That being said, I absolutely loved the stories that Kolze included. I like the idea of an ancient tree encouraging lovers to stick together by holding their love letters (the fact it has an address still stuns me!). The man who became the first human package delighted me also. Then of course, you have the avid stamp collectors (my father-in-law, father, and little sister), the packrats (me), and the romantic seal sealers (my husband). I’m sure this book would reaffirm familial ties just by reading it, but it also has fun activities for loved ones to try. The activities might not mean much initially, but nothing beats looking back at the plethora of letters you’ve written to someone, or letters someone has written to you, and rereading them.

Because of this, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this book for parents, grandparents, and romantics who are easily swept away by fairytales.