Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 64 votes)
5 stars
20(31%)
4 stars
28(44%)
3 stars
16(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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64 reviews
July 14,2025
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I read these more than forty years ago and they still inspire me.

It's truly remarkable how the power of these words has endured throughout the decades. Each time I recall them, they bring a fresh wave of motivation and encouragement.

They serve as a constant reminder that no matter how much time has passed, certain ideas and concepts have the ability to touch our souls and drive us forward.

These words have become a part of my being, influencing my thoughts and actions.

They have taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, determination, and the importance of believing in oneself.

Even in the face of challenges and setbacks, I can draw strength from these words and find the courage to keep going.

I am grateful for having read them all those years ago, and I look forward to continuing to be inspired by them for many more years to come.
July 14,2025
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I have always had a great passion for literature, and one of the authors who has truly captivated me is E. B. White.

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know him on a deeper level through his letters, which are compiled in this massive and fascinating book.

As I delved into the pages, I was immediately drawn into his world. His letters are not only a reflection of his thoughts and feelings but also a window into the times in which he lived.

Each letter is a precious gem, filled with his unique wit, wisdom, and charm. It is as if he is sitting right beside me, sharing his stories and insights.

I found myself completely immersed in his words, and with each passing page, my admiration for him grew.

This book has truly been a remarkable discovery, and I am grateful to have had the chance to explore E. B. White's life and work through his letters.

It has been an enriching and unforgettable experience that I will cherish for a long time to come.
July 14,2025
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He was a remarkable writer who not only crafted his New Yorker pieces and books with great skill and finesse, but also wrote letters to his family, friends, and fans with equal proficiency.

His letters were a reflection of his unique personality and writing style. They were filled with wit, humor, and profound insights.

The snippet "I can only assume you tripped over the First Amendment and mistook it for the kitchen cat" is a prime example of his brilliant writing. It is a sentence that makes you stop and think, while also bringing a smile to your face.

Reading his letters is like getting a personal glimpse into his life and mind. It is an experience that is well worth having, as it allows you to appreciate his writing in a whole new way.

Whether you are a fan of his work or simply someone who enjoys good writing, his letters are sure to delight and inspire you.
July 14,2025
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No, I never finished the task that was assigned to me. I don't know why I couldn't seem to get it done. Maybe I was distracted or maybe I just didn't have the motivation. However, I do know that I need to try harder next time.


Yes, he writes well. His words flow smoothly and his ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner. I always enjoy reading his work and I learn a lot from it. He has a natural talent for writing and I hope that he continues to pursue it.

July 14,2025
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Just getting started.

This simple phrase holds a world of potential. It implies a beginning, a fresh start, and an opportunity to embark on a new journey.

When we are just getting started, we may feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The possibilities seem endless, but there may also be uncertainties and challenges ahead.

However, it is precisely at this stage that we have the most room for growth and learning. We can set our goals, make plans, and take those first steps towards achieving our dreams.

Whether it's starting a new business, learning a new skill, or beginning a new relationship, just getting started is the crucial first step. It may not always be easy, but with determination and perseverance, we can overcome the obstacles and build a successful future.

So, embrace the moment of just getting started and let the adventure begin!
July 14,2025
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He reveled in it.

He was such a good man!

He truly loved the farmyard escapades. There was something so enchanting about the rural life for him.

At the same time, he was also intrigued by the urban desires. He found himself constantly learning how to balance these two very different aspects of his life.

The simplicity and charm of the countryside, with its wide open spaces and the sounds of nature, pulled at his heartstrings.

Yet, the excitement and opportunities of the city also held a certain allure.

He would spend his days on the farm, engaged in various activities, and then at night, he might dream of the bright lights and bustling streets of the urban world.

It was a continuous journey of discovery and adaptation for him as he strived to find that perfect balance between the rural and the urban.
July 14,2025
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I have managed to progress approximately a third of the way through this enormous book. However, I now have to return it to the library.

Nevertheless, I have truly relished what I have read up until this point. It has been an absolute delight.

I am certain that I will have to check it out once again at a later time in order to complete it.

The author of this book is truly brilliant. Their writing style is engaging, and the story is captivating.

I can't wait to pick up where I left off and continue exploring the wonderful world that the author has created.

It's rare to come across a book that has such a profound impact on me, and I'm grateful to have discovered this one.

Even though I have to part ways with it for now, I know that it will be waiting for me at the library when I'm ready to embark on the next leg of my reading journey.

July 14,2025
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This man truly rejuvenates my profound love for the written letter.

His letters are not only highly entertaining but also incredibly interesting, filled with humor and deep insights.

What astonishes me is that he can convey so much within just a few words.

It's truly amazing how well he can write, even in a hastily scribbled note.

His writing style is like a breath of fresh air in this digital age where communication often lacks the personal touch and charm of a handwritten letter.

Reading his letters makes me realize the beauty and power of the written word, and it makes me long for more such wonderful correspondences.

I can't help but admire his talent and hope that I too can one day write with such elegance and expressiveness.

His letters have become a source of inspiration for me, and I look forward to every new one that arrives.

July 14,2025
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It is the last book of letters I will ever read.

This statement holds a certain finality and perhaps a touch of sadness. However, despite it being the last, I have chosen to keep my heavily self-annotated copy.

The annotations serve as a record of my thoughts, emotions, and interpretations as I delved into the words within the book. They are like little breadcrumbs that lead me back to the specific moments and feelings I experienced while reading.

Keeping this copy allows me to revisit those precious memories and continue to gain new insights from the letters. It is a tangible connection to a past reading experience that I do not want to let go of.

Even though I may never read another book of letters in the same way, this one will always hold a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf.
July 14,2025
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I read this book years ago, but I'm reading it again because his granddaughter has recently added new letters. It's truly a wonderful read.

At the beginning, he recounts his adventures with a fellow Cornell graduate. They bought an old model T and traveled around the country, getting jobs only when they ran out of money. In 1922, when they were in Kentucky, they caught the horse-racing bug and decided to bet some money. White's travel companion, "Cush" (Howard Cushman), had done research, tried to figure out the racing forms and advice, and placed his bet. White, on the other hand, went with his gut and bet on "Auntie May." Here's his hilarious account of the race:

"The race was scheduled, I observed, for 'maidens three years old and upward.' By carefully tracing down the page, I found that Auntie May's number was 8. This was a needless effort, for when a moment later I looked up and gazed down the track, I knew her immediately. The race was, as I have said, for maidens three years old and upward. Auntie May looked upward of thirty-five...The other maidens were all full of life and zest. They were frisking and sidling in the most maidenly fashion...Not so Auntie May. She not only had no personal enthusiasm for the race, but she had actually lost interest in life. The sight of the eager stands failed to thrill her; the feel of the turf under hoof failed to send a gladdening beat to her heart...I was sobbing quietly in my seat in the stands, beating gently upon my breast. Suddenly, the starter cried 'Come On,'...There never was such a change in any animal. Folks at home, I wish you could have seen my Auntie May! Thirty-five years of maidenly experience had taught her that prancing and showing enthusiasm before the stands before starting time required just so many vitamins, and that the real dope was to save 'em for the performance." Auntie May won the race, and White received the amazing sum of $24.60 for his $1 bet.

It's not all humor, though. The letter he wrote in 1929 to his new wife, a divorcée, older than him, and with 2 children, is beautiful and at the same time down-to-earth: "Dear Katherine (very dear), I've had moments of despair during the last week which have added years to my life and put many new thoughts in my head. Always, however, I have ended on a cheerful note of hope, based on the realization that you are the person to whom I shall return and that you are the recurrent phrase in my life. I realized that so strongly one day a couple of weeks ago when, after being away among people I wasn't sure of and in circumstances I had doubts about, I came back and walked into your office and saw how real and incontrovertible you seemed. I don't know whether you know just what I mean or whether you experience, ever, the same feeling; but what I mean is, that being with you is like walking on a very clear morning—definitely the sensation of belonging there."
July 14,2025
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Just a wonderful book!

Open it at random and you are sure to find something that warms your heart or makes you wish you were eloquent enough to say it yourself. The words within its pages seem to have a magical charm, captivating your attention and drawing you into a world of emotions and ideas.

As you turn the pages, you can't help but be impressed by the author's ability to convey complex thoughts and feelings in such a simple and yet profound way. Each sentence is carefully crafted, like a precious gem, shining with wisdom and insight.

When you're done reading, it's hard not to feel like the author was one of your friends, too. You have shared in their experiences, laughed at their jokes, and cried at their tragedies. You have come to know them on a deep and personal level, and they have left an indelible mark on your heart and mind.
July 14,2025
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This writing is truly delicious!

It is like a precious delicacy that can be savored and enjoyed at will. The fact that it consists of letters makes it so convenient. You can simply pick it up whenever you have a moment and immerse yourself in its wonderful world. And when you need to take a break, you can easily put it down without any hassle.

I find myself completely adoring this form of expression. It has the power to transport me to different places, evoke a wide range of emotions, and expand my imagination. Whether it's a captivating story, a thought-provoking essay, or a beautiful poem, the written word has an undeniable charm that keeps drawing me in. I can't get enough of it, and I will continue to cherish and explore the magic of writing for as long as I live.
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