I truly adored so many aspects of this book.

The writing style was simply outstanding. It had a certain charm that was both engaging and slyly funny, which kept me hooked from the very beginning.

I could really relate to the concept as I also had pen pals when I was a kid. Brooks' exploration of how her choice of pen pals mirrored her childhood desires was fascinating. She not only shared some of the actual letters but also took the reader on a journey as she tracked them down as an adult.

Moreover, she skillfully intertwined this with the generational desire of young people to leave Australia in search of themselves, just as she did by becoming a foreign correspondent. It was interesting to see how much that has now changed in today's world.

This book is a wonderful blend of personal reflection, nostalgia, and social commentary, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these themes.

Surprisingly, I loved this.

It was a required reading for my Travel Writing course. At first, I had to force myself through the first 20 or so pages. But soon, I was completely hooked.

It's a beautiful story that is both very devastating and hopeful all at the same time. I found it fascinating to read about this life that I wasn't even born into.

However, through her words, I felt as though I was reliving it. I was experiencing a life that I couldn't have even dreamed of.

I really, really loved it! This book has opened my eyes to a whole new world and made me appreciate the power of words and storytelling. It has also inspired me to write more and explore different cultures and experiences.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and wants to be transported to a different time and place. It's truly a remarkable piece of literature that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed several of Geraldine Brooks' books.

This particular one is a memoir, and its premise is truly captivating. It's not simply about growing up in Australia, which in itself is interesting, nor just being a fellow baby-boomer, which provides a sense of comfort.

What makes this memoir stand out is that she also tracked down her childhood international pen pals and updated their lives. That pen pal twist added a great element of surprise and intrigue.

She hadn't expected that some people wouldn't want to be found, which added an unexpected layer of complexity to her journey.

Overall, this memoir offers a unique perspective on growing up, friendship, and the passage of time. It's a must-read for anyone interested in personal stories and the power of human connection.

From one of my favorite authors, comes a truly fine story that revolves around letters and the wonderful friends we encounter via the mailbox.

This story has always held a special place in my heart as it beautifully captures the essence of communication and connection through the written word.

I've often found myself lost in thoughts of tracking down the pen pals from my childhood. I long to hear the rest of their stories, to know how their lives have unfolded over the years.

The idea of reconnecting with these long-lost friends is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.

Would they remember me? What would we talk about?

Nevertheless, the curiosity within me burns bright, and I hope one day to embark on this journey of rediscovery and relive the precious memories of our correspondence.

I want to travel after reading this, and see the value of being bold enough to connect with old friends.

Traveling is not only about visiting new places but also about rediscovering the beauty of human connections. When we take the courage to reach out to old friends, we open the door to a world of memories and new experiences.

Sometimes, we may be hesitant to contact those we haven't seen in a long time, fearing that things have changed or that we might not have much in common anymore. However, as this article shows, taking that leap of faith can lead to wonderful surprises.

By reconnecting with old friends during our travels, we can share our adventures, learn from their perspectives, and strengthen the bonds that once united us. We might discover that despite the passage of time, our friendships still hold the same warmth and significance.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to travel, don't be afraid to reach out to those old friends. You never know what kind of valuable experiences and memories await you.

Such a meaty book for me, especially since I've been corresponding with friends for decades! Brooks delves into the lives of her childhood/adolescent penfriends. One, a French woman, has remained within the confines of her village her entire life. Astonishingly, despite living just an hour's drive from Paris, she has never visited the capital city. It seems she has so little curiosity about the world beyond her small village. Another penfriend became a star in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" film, which is truly fascinating. The only aspect that I felt was lacking - and I understand this wasn't the main point of the book, so it was only a personal omission for me - was some of the thoughts of her correspondents. I would have loved to have heard their preconceptions of her when they first wrote to an Australian girl. It would have added an extra layer of depth to the story and given me more insight into their initial perspectives.

The book is really interesting.

The descriptions of Australia have fascinated me and I have often "envied" Geraldine for her life.

However, nothing could change the fact that I found it as heavy as a boulder even though it was very short.

I had an extremely difficult time reading it!

I don't know if it was because of my own lack of understanding or if there were some aspects in the book that were a bit too profound for me.

Nevertheless, I still managed to get some valuable insights from it.

Maybe I will need to read it again in the future to fully appreciate its essence.

Overall, it was a challenging but also a rewarding reading experience.

I really had a great time reading about Sydney in the 50's and 60's.

It was truly a different place compared to what it is today.

The author's reflection on meeting her pen pals and their families, as well as the various cultures she encountered during her childhood, was really interesting.

It made me think about how much the world has changed over the years.

In those days, communication was mainly through letters, and meeting pen pals was a special and exciting experience.

The different cultures that the author was exposed to must have broadened her horizons and given her a unique perspective on life.

Overall, the article provided a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and the memories that can shape a person's life.

It also made me appreciate the importance of cultural exchange and the value of making connections with people from different backgrounds.

I look forward to reading more about the author's experiences and the interesting stories she has to share.

If you have ever had a pen pal or dreamed of becoming a foreign correspondent, then you are sure to fall in love with this book.

The author is such a talented and beautiful writer, with a plethora of captivating stories to share about her life. From her American father, who wholeheartedly embraced Australia, to her wise and delightfully funny mother, each character adds a unique flavor to her narrative.

Growing up in Sydney, she absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the world, which eventually led her to leave and embark on a journey of exploration. However, after spending years in the war-torn Middle East, she ultimately finds herself yearning for a sense of home and a simple life.

I simply can't wait to get my hands on her next book, Horse. It promises to be another精彩的 installment in her literary oeuvre.

A mild memoir compared to the other Geraldine Brooks’ books I’ve read, particularly "Nine Parts of Desire."

That book, which is a memoir combined with an in-depth analysis of the fates of Muslim women in the Middle East, makes this book seem very tame.

Still, "Foreign Correspondence" is well-written and details Brooks’ early life and how it led to her later, very successful, writing career.

She started off being obsessed with having pen pals in different parts of the world. This innocent hobby gradually evolved as she matured into a famous journalist.

She ended up living in the countries her pen pals were from, which gave her a unique perspective and丰富的素材for her writing.

The book takes us on a journey through her early years, showing us the events and experiences that shaped her into the writer she is today.

It's a fascinating look at the making of a successful author and a reminder that even the simplest of beginnings can lead to great things.

“As another carpenter from Nazareth observed a long time ago, it is the meek who shall inherit the earth.”

This book was bought from the $2 rack at Lost City Books. I had no clue that the author was a journalist. I simply thought she was a cool gal with international friendships. Interestingly, this fact gives me another form of identification. It was also extremely interesting to learn about the late 20th century cultural shift in Australia.

In this digital age, it's difficult to envision this level of in-depth correspondence. I'm secretly envious of the "great trip" that properly cuts me off. In an era where everything is accessible, what great stranger would be willing to carry my secrets?

Perhaps in the past, when communication was slower and more personal, people were more likely to share their deepest thoughts and feelings with strangers. But now, with the ease of social media and instant messaging, it seems that we've lost some of that connection.

As I read this book, I'm reminded of the importance of taking the time to truly communicate with others, to listen to their stories, and to share our own. Maybe then, we can find that sense of connection and understanding that we so often crave.

Geraldine Brooks looks back on the significant role that her international pen pals played during her childhood in Australia.

The book delves deep into Brooks' perceptions of the lives of her pen pals when she was a child. It also explores her journey of seeking them out in adulthood to discover their diverse realities.

As an adult, Brooks became a Foreign Correspondent with the Wall Street Journal. In this role, she retraces her early days of foreign correspondence, which marked her first foray into the world.

Brooks' talent and hard work were recognized when she won a Pulitzer for "March". I would highly recommend any of her books to those interested in engaging and thought-provoking reads.

Her works offer unique perspectives on different cultures, experiences, and the human condition. Whether it's through her exploration of childhood friendships or her reporting as a foreign correspondent, Brooks has a remarkable ability to bring stories to life and connect with readers on a profound level.