I cannot live without books.-Thomas Jefferson

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Lost Art of Letters

I found this book while browsing at my local library, and after reading the first few pages, I was hooked. I've always loved epistolary novels because they feel personal, like the letters are written to you. It helps that I love all things British I suppose. The novel is set in post-WW II England and the island of Guernsey. I've heard a rumor that a movie is in the works with Kate Winslet playing the main character, Juliet. If so, I can't wait to see it!
  But reading this book got me to thinking, how sad it is that people don't write letters like they used to! Before the days of instant messaging and video chats, letter writing was the only way we had to keep in touch with friends and family. Don't get me wrong, I love the ease and convenience of using Facebook to instantly share things with everyone I know. But wouldn't it be great to check your mailbox and find an unexpected letter from a dear friend?
  With the decline of post offices, it may not be long before letter writing is something we only read about in the history books that we download to our e-readers.  I guess you would call that progress.  Am I the only one who feels like sometimes a little regression might be a good thing?