Letters for Emily by Camron Wright

Letters for Emily by Camron Wright was one of the best books I read in 2006. I walked into my public library and chatted with the librarians about clean novels they loved. Letters for Emily came highly recommended.

Harry Whitney is dying. Alzheimer's is taking away his mind and life. In his "good" times, Harry types frantically at his computer. His estranged kids think he is crazy, and never cared much for him in the first place.

After Harry dies, they find three exact copies of a book complete with stories and poems by Harry. The collection is called Letters for Emily, as Emily, Harry's granddaughter, was his only true friend at the end of his life.

Each poem/story in the book is a riddle. Each answer is a password for a computer file. Harry's children and grandchild learn a lot about Harry that explains much of his behavior, but more importantly they learn about themselves and the power of forgiveness.

This is one of those books where you laugh one second and cry the next. The structure of the book is fascinating. If you enjoy books by Mitch Albom, Nicholas Sparks (not all his books are Clean Reads), and Richard Paul Evans, you'll like this one, too. I loved it.

Posted by ME, Emily. My personal blog is here.

And look what others have said about this book!

“Clever, heartwarming and heartfelt, LETTERS FOR EMILY is a novel every member of the family should read. I love it!”
– Mary Higgins Clark, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“This is an exceptional story, gleaming with goodness and hope.”
– Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“Eloquent...powerful and gripping.”
– Publishers Weekly

“...An advice-laced heartwarmer in the tradition of Mitch Albom’s popular Tuesdays with Morrie .”
– The Boston Herald

“This wonderful book is touching, sweet and blessed with a voice that remains long after the last page is turned.”
– Kathy Ashton, Editor, The Inkslinger Book Review

“...A very intelligent, well-crafted and feeling piece. I found it totally absorbing and difficult to lay down. The writing style is full of energy -- the characters real and alive. …A passionately poignant work that touches the human heart. Reading it was an absolute pleasure.”
– Ray Goldrup, Movie and Television Screenwriter

“I loved this book. I absolutely loved it! Telling the story through the letters, the passwords, and the poems was enthralling, wonderful and unique. You can’t imagine how close to my heart it came.…A warm inspirational story which leaves you feeling more grateful for love and family. Chills. Tears. Fabulous!”
– Amanda Dickson, KSL Radio

“Two pages had not passed, and I had already laughed out loud twice and felt the catch of a tear. This is an honest and good-hearted book.”
– Marvin Payne, Actor and Playwright

“Comforting as cocoa, a heartfelt first novel...”
– Kirkus Reviews