What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pen Pal
Avionce Griffin was only sixteen years old when he was sentenced to fifty-eight years in prison for first degree murder and after being transferred from a juvenile detention center to an adult male prison not long after his eighteenth birthday, Avionce is exposed to a way of life that he was not prepared for. He later joins the prison's Pen Pal program with the hopes of finding someone who could help him escape the mental anguish he felt from daily prison life as well as the secrets from his past which led to his incarceration.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2012
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 12, 2012
((Freebie on Amazon/Kindle))
Why bring God into it though?
Really.. Why?
This is a short story about two pen pals. An older white woman writes to a 18 year old black guy who’s in prison for murder..
I’m all about epistolary books, and I’ve had my share of pen pals too (what can I say, I like getting letters?) so I thought this would be something for me.. Why bring God into it though? Really.. Why?
These two pen pals quickly get attached (“I love you’s” after the 3rd letter.. Really now? Really?!) and later after the kid tells her some of his secrets, the older woman share some of hers, and so the story ends.. Happily ever after and all that jazz.. o_O
I can’t help but compare this to “real life” which this is most definitely not. Just ask my BFF pen pal.. He would laugh at this..
I like the premise, but not the fairytale writing, story or ending.
Why bring God into it though?
Really.. Why?
This is a short story about two pen pals. An older white woman writes to a 18 year old black guy who’s in prison for murder..
I’m all about epistolary books, and I’ve had my share of pen pals too (what can I say, I like getting letters?) so I thought this would be something for me.. Why bring God into it though? Really.. Why?
These two pen pals quickly get attached (“I love you’s” after the 3rd letter.. Really now? Really?!) and later after the kid tells her some of his secrets, the older woman share some of hers, and so the story ends.. Happily ever after and all that jazz.. o_O
I can’t help but compare this to “real life” which this is most definitely not. Just ask my BFF pen pal.. He would laugh at this..
I like the premise, but not the fairytale writing, story or ending.
August 10, 2012
This book has been sitting on my kindle for a long time and I would've never thought to read it if it weren't for one of my fellow book club members. I've never seen any promo and never read any reviews regarding this book and it's not the type of book that I would normally read. Let me say that I am so glad that I finally decided to get into this book. It was very well written and I felt the childlike innocence from the main character Avionce. His interaction with his pen pal and the encouragement that she gave him was beautiful. I was blindsided by his pen pal's revelation in that I never saw it coming, it was definitely a great twist. I recommend this book and I am currently looking to read the pen pal 2.
July 25, 2012
Exhale. Wow. I am all over the place with this book, as a mother, as a minister, as a person that loves people. First let me say that the book was very well written. The plot built to a crescendo and was full of unexpected revelations. I had to struggle with theology vs basic human compassion. I had to struggle with feelings as mother and how I would cope with any of the scenarios presented in this emotion packed short story. I literally sat up in the bed and screamed at the revelation of Raymond's mother...never saw it coming. I got this as a freebie on my kindle and was looking for a short read. I will definitely be sharing this one and reading again.
March 17, 2014
"The Pen Pal" is told through the unique writing style of correspondence between pen pals, Avionce and Raychel. While reading, I felt as though I was actually reading their heartfelt letters! Despite secrets and lies shared between the two....Together they learned to believe in God, gain trust, understanding, acceptance, love and forgiveness.
SCREAMING BRAVO!!!! I can't wait to read the next installment!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved!
SCREAMING BRAVO!!!! I can't wait to read the next installment!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved!
April 12, 2020
Interesting read
I didn't know what to expect based on the title but I was very pleased. Good read for a hopeless romantic like myself.
I didn't know what to expect based on the title but I was very pleased. Good read for a hopeless romantic like myself.
January 15, 2013
I enjoyed this quick read, did not spot a couple of the plot twists and was happy to read an LGBT book that progressed from tragic beginning to happy ending rather than the other way around. Some parts are genuinely touching and the book deals with important themes like self-acceptance and forgiveness. Whether or not you agree with the message sent will depend on your point of view.
My only nitpick with the story was that it is written in call-and-response letter format, which I am fine with, and you are confronted with a note at the beginning so that you aren't thrown by intentional misspellings and grammatical errors. I'm good with that kind of style, but if the goal was to make the correspondence seem hyper-realistic, the writing lets itself down by becoming extremely formal. In particular, an exchange between two teenagers comes across as something between two elderly friends from the 19th century. I just felt that if we are to feel that these are raw exchanges between characters, we needed to see a more realistic use of language. As it is, it sometimes came across as an author writing on behalf of someone else.
This doesn't diminish the overall impact, however, which is very positive indeed. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a feel good short story.
My only nitpick with the story was that it is written in call-and-response letter format, which I am fine with, and you are confronted with a note at the beginning so that you aren't thrown by intentional misspellings and grammatical errors. I'm good with that kind of style, but if the goal was to make the correspondence seem hyper-realistic, the writing lets itself down by becoming extremely formal. In particular, an exchange between two teenagers comes across as something between two elderly friends from the 19th century. I just felt that if we are to feel that these are raw exchanges between characters, we needed to see a more realistic use of language. As it is, it sometimes came across as an author writing on behalf of someone else.
This doesn't diminish the overall impact, however, which is very positive indeed. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a feel good short story.
April 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this short book. Avionce is facing a 58 year sentence for a murder he didn't commit. He had to deal with being raped once being sent to the prison. Once his cellmate introduced him to the pen pal program, that's when he began to learn more about himself as well as forgiveness. Once Mrs. Raychel reaches out to Avionce they form a friendship. Through their letters they're able to learn about each other. When Avionce is comfortable enough he tells Ray Ray the reason he's in prison and what his fear and decisions cost him. Raychel reached out to him when he felt as if no one really cared. From watching his cellmate and talking to Raychel, he learns about God and praying. She finally tells him who she really is and talks him into going back to court for his appeal to tell what really happened. He finally forgave himself and accepted his way of life. After spending 3 years of his life locked up, he was finally acquitted. Good read!
July 19, 2012
“The Pen Pal” by Rayven Skyy was one of ‘the” best short stories I’ve read in a while. It’s the story of Avionce, a 19 year old boy who is found guilty of murder and is sentenced to life in prison. Enrolling in the prisons pen pal program, he quickly begins to correspond with Ms. Raychel. What happens next will take you on a whirlwind ride of forgiveness, love, self-reflection, and above all else, redemption.
“The Pen Pal” is told in the 2nd person, giving it a very authentic feel. I read this short story in about an hour, give or take, and I was not left disappointed. The character’s growth was astounding. There were some moments that I definitely did not see coming. Rayven Skyy did a great job and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. 5 stars!
~Black Faithful Sister and Brothers Book Club~
“The Pen Pal” is told in the 2nd person, giving it a very authentic feel. I read this short story in about an hour, give or take, and I was not left disappointed. The character’s growth was astounding. There were some moments that I definitely did not see coming. Rayven Skyy did a great job and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. 5 stars!
~Black Faithful Sister and Brothers Book Club~
July 25, 2012
Author Rayven Skyy has wrote a beautiful, raw, emotion gripping story. Every word flowed beautifully and there was purpose. This story showed the power of forgiveness and love! even when it isn't from your own family. It showed how justice will prevail even when it seems like the bottom is always where you will be. Avionce is a character that we all can relate to whether we are gay/straight or male/female. His character is someone that made a wrong decision and ends up paying the consequences of those actions. He is someone that loved someone but didn't know how to express that love to the world and when that happened he was wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commit and now he will spend the next 55 years of his life paying for a small mistake. If only he could go back, everything would be different, right? Great STORY!
June 23, 2015
I happened across this story and thought I'd give it a read. I wasn't expecting it to be a short story, typically I don't read short stories, but I'm glad I read this one. It's simply a series of letters between a young black prison mate and a white middle-aged woman with a rather large family who become pen pals. From the first page it's emotional and draws you in to the point of tears. I wish the story could have been longer. The characters were amazing for a story depicting only 2 characters and there was a good deal of mystery and shocking moments to keep me turning the pages. If you're looking for a story of redemption, faith, acceptance, and a window to the human heart, pick up The Pen Pal.
April 7, 2015
Wow......just wow......
Told entirely via letters, this short read packs a lot into the pages, despair, hope, acceptance and forgiveness......I was knocked a little with the twist, but you could feel the emotions behind it, the fight and the need to make things right!
The last paragraph read like a newspaper announcement, cold and to the point, but filled with hope! I would have loved an epilogue, just to see a little of what the future held for the Ray Ray Clan.
Overall, this was a story away from the norm for me. It was simply laid out, but inspired and well worth the hour or so to read.
Told entirely via letters, this short read packs a lot into the pages, despair, hope, acceptance and forgiveness......I was knocked a little with the twist, but you could feel the emotions behind it, the fight and the need to make things right!
The last paragraph read like a newspaper announcement, cold and to the point, but filled with hope! I would have loved an epilogue, just to see a little of what the future held for the Ray Ray Clan.
Overall, this was a story away from the norm for me. It was simply laid out, but inspired and well worth the hour or so to read.
April 28, 2014
Where do is start
Where do is start
the way this story was written it truly pulled at your heart. I'm sure so many people can relate to this book on some level. not many would have gone through the length of saving a child based on conversations they had with their own child. at first I thought Ray Ray was just a saint with a big heart. she had a motive but a good one. I enjoyed it and it was well written. I wish it didn't end like that but I still enjoyed it and wanted more.
Where do is start
the way this story was written it truly pulled at your heart. I'm sure so many people can relate to this book on some level. not many would have gone through the length of saving a child based on conversations they had with their own child. at first I thought Ray Ray was just a saint with a big heart. she had a motive but a good one. I enjoyed it and it was well written. I wish it didn't end like that but I still enjoyed it and wanted more.
March 3, 2015
Amazingly Brilliant
There wasn't anything in this book that could make me say I did not like it. I was amazed by the book as a whole. The letters seemed real and at one point had me in tears. There was so much wisdom in this book I am sure anyone who has read it will take away something Positive. I wish I could see what Avionce is up to in a spin off or something. I loved RayRay and everything she had to say. It takes a strong woman to do what she did. This book is truly one of the best I have read in long time.
There wasn't anything in this book that could make me say I did not like it. I was amazed by the book as a whole. The letters seemed real and at one point had me in tears. There was so much wisdom in this book I am sure anyone who has read it will take away something Positive. I wish I could see what Avionce is up to in a spin off or something. I loved RayRay and everything she had to say. It takes a strong woman to do what she did. This book is truly one of the best I have read in long time.
August 20, 2016
I enjoy the book, more of a story line. It was hard for me to connect at first. Though, the ending was a shocker that didn't see coming. Asiara is about herself more so then Avionce would ever imagine. Her life is the streets and she seems to prey on the weak to get what she wants. A damn good manipulator at that. Good book read, though the prison life was depicted somewhat truth. It's far worse and roommates can be a do or die situation.
July 12, 2012
THIS IS A MUST READ! The Pen Pal is a beautifully written story about two souls using the "Pen Pal Program" to get through one of the toughest times in their life. Skyy's creative mind pulled me in on every page! I even had moments that I allowed a tear or two to fall. The strong storyline, characterization, and the flow are worth five stars. Kudos.
July 20, 2012
Short and straight to the point. It was a different type of setup in the form of pen pal letters. You are placed inside of a world with two different perspectives. It allows you to be on the outside looking in. Nicely done.
March 9, 2014
Quick read and great concept for a short story.... but could use some revision as there are still some errors (minus the spelling errors that are meant to be).
April 4, 2014
This was a very good book.
The story line held my interest from the beginning to the end.
I recommend that you add to your list of books to read this year.
The author did a very good job with the story line.
Thank you to the author for a very good story
The story line held my interest from the beginning to the end.
I recommend that you add to your list of books to read this year.
The author did a very good job with the story line.
Thank you to the author for a very good story
June 17, 2014
A Pen Pal ( A Love Story )
A Pen Pal ( A Love Story )
I couldn't stop reading this book. I cried and I have learned a lot from this book. A book of love and forgiveness. A mother's love UNCONDITIONALLY.
Elaine Purvey
A Pen Pal ( A Love Story )
I couldn't stop reading this book. I cried and I have learned a lot from this book. A book of love and forgiveness. A mother's love UNCONDITIONALLY.
Elaine Purvey
July 6, 2014
Truly a great book
I really didn't know what I was getting into when i started reading the book yet it was a good read and made me very emotional art points! I'm going to download the rest cause I truly am intrigued by this one!!!
I really didn't know what I was getting into when i started reading the book yet it was a good read and made me very emotional art points! I'm going to download the rest cause I truly am intrigued by this one!!!
November 30, 2014
Wow what wonder
I chose five stars because without a doubt what an eye opener,
i really wont go into this book as it needs to be experienced page by page
my hat is off to this writer
I chose five stars because without a doubt what an eye opener,
i really wont go into this book as it needs to be experienced page by page
my hat is off to this writer
July 14, 2012
Very different and very good read
May 8, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much. I've never read a book like it before, as it only consists of their letter back and forth with one another. Loved the ending as well !
June 5, 2014
Short, but very good.
July 2, 2014
Short and Sweet.A DEFINITE MUST READ!!
I read it within Two Hours. Totally captivating. The Storey Flowed Well, And The Characters And transitions Were absolutely
flawless!
I read it within Two Hours. Totally captivating. The Storey Flowed Well, And The Characters And transitions Were absolutely
flawless!
December 1, 2014
Good book
This book was good. The idea was good and the content was interesting. I probably would read part two just because i like to read entire series
This book was good. The idea was good and the content was interesting. I probably would read part two just because i like to read entire series
January 17, 2015
Heart-warming story of an unexpected friendship.
January 26, 2015
sad story with a big twist! Some parts made my eyes roll but I enjoyed the through personal letter style it was written
January 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. it was very heartfelt, You just gotta read it!!! simply awesome.
March 16, 2015
Five stars I wish I could have it more
This story touch my heart . I can't wait to see what happens to the other people in these stories. Pen pal was just wonderful.
This story touch my heart . I can't wait to see what happens to the other people in these stories. Pen pal was just wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews