Nov
19
Written by:
host
11/19/2009 7:00 AM
When I first noticed Letter to My Daughter at the bookstore, there were three things that tempted me to purchase it. First of all, I was attracted to the cover; it is quite colorful. (I realize this may sound shallow, but after all, that’s the purpose of cover art, to get us to take a closer look. In this particular case, it worked!) Secondly, the title intrigued me. I have a daughter. I am a daughter. Thirdly, the author of Letter to My Daughter is Maya Angelou, a woman I admire and respect.
As you’ve probably surmised, I did in fact buy Letter to My Daughter. Since I had high expectations, I was almost afraid to read it, for fear of being disappointed. It was in my “to be read” pile for quite awhile, but I finally gave in. I was not disappointed.
Maya Angelou has one child, a son. She has written this book for the daughters she never had, but sees all around her. In this book she shares events and lessons that she has found useful. It is difficult to choose my favorite nugget of wisdom from the book, but here is one I enjoyed greatly:
"Many things continue to amaze me, even well into my seventh decade. I’m startled or at least taken aback when people walk up to me and without being questioned inform me that they are Christians. My first response is the question ‘Already?’
It seems to me that becoming a Christian is a lifelong endeavor. I believe that is also true for one wanting to become a Buddhist, or a Muslim, a Jew, Jainist, or a Taoist.”
The book is an easy read; the twenty-eight chapters are all short, ranging from two to seven pages. Some of the writings are autobiographical stories, some are musings, and some are poetry. Some chapters will make you sad, some will make you laugh and some will provide you with thoughts to ponder. All are worthwhile.
This book would make a meaningful gift for the women in your life who are high school age or older. (Sorry, guys.) It would also make a nice addition to a church library and an easy read for a women’s book club. Maya Angelou has a wonderful way with words. In Letter to My Daughter, she has used this talent to share some of her wisdom and experience in a most delightful way.
~Sally Hoelscher