Dear Sebastian

by Christine Horgan

Every parent's fear is not to be there for their child, to answer their questions, to give them advice and guide them through life. When Jordan Ferguson was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of thirty-four and told he had only months to live, a psychologist advised him to write a letter to his nine year old son Sebastian for when he wasn't there -- a letter with words and advice to help him when he was growing up. But Jordan wanted to leave a lasting legacy for his son. He decided to gather together words of wisdom and advice from a host of Irish people who have succeeded and excelled in life. The result is Dear Sebastian, a collection of letters to a young boy from writers, politicians, artists, clergy, sports stars, musicians and business people with their poignant, honest and inspirational thoughts on living life in the best way possible. The letters in Dear Sebastian deal with the pain of loss but above all they speak of hope, of the optimism of life, and the enduring power of love. Jordan passed away quickly and without having had the chance to write his own letter to Sebastian. In his final days, he asked his mother to complete the book. She gave him her word that she would do this. Jordan died on 27 June 2008. Dear Sebastian is a father's remarkable legacy of love to his son. Contributors Gay Byrne, Ronan O'Gara, Shay Given, Derek Davis, Christy Moore, Pat Kenny, JP McManus, Gloria Hunniford, John Magnier, Daniel O'Donnell, Sr Stan, Brian Cowen TD, Pauline Bewick, Patrick Kielty, Nicky Byrne and many others.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad story but short, interesting as a collection of letters but not engaging enough to call a good read.

[Darragh Howley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really nice idea for a book. I think a handful of the bits of advice given were very good.

[Ummi Farhana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear Sebastian is a collection of letters/e-mails written by prominent Irish icons, dedicated to Sebastian, of course. On the request of his late father, and later his grandma, these icons gave Sebastian their words of wisdom, inspirations and motivation as well as some advice.

For me, the letters are okay. But the thing is, if it's for me, I'd rather have a personalized letter by my very own father. These people, they don't know me like my father did. Yes, they're all very successful in their respective fields, but they're not related to me. They're not my hero.

Well, that's the way I see it. It's inspirational, though.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that reminds us that life is too short & tomorrow is never guaranteed. A father who finds out he hasn't long to live and has cancer asks a number of 'famous' personalities what general 'life advice' they would give his son after he passes away. This book contains many excerpts of such advice!

A book that really makes you think - and I didn't have dry eyes every time I read it!!

[Eliott McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of wisdom on how to live a full life, written by famous Irish people for a dying man's son. I loved reading the letters.

[Sara McInerney Hauck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A father writes to many famous and influential people asking them for advice to pass onto his son as he learns he will die shortly. Makes you appreciate what you have!