Letters Now Sent: A Collection of Letters from the Globally Mobile

by Megan C. Norton-Newbanks

Letters Now Sent, Volume 1 is a moving collection of real, heartfelt letters written by and to individuals who have lived cross-culturally. Inspired by Ruth E. Van Reken’s seminal Letters Never Sent, this volume opens a window into the emotional landscapes of identity, belonging, and transition.

Compiled by lifelong letter-writer and Third Culture Kid (TCK) Consultant Megan C. Norton-Newbanks, Letters Now Sent is more than a book—it’s a cultural archive. With deep gratitude for the contributors who entrusted their words to this project, Megan offers a unique collection— a living record of shared identity and experience. These signed, purposeful letters capture the complexity of navigating multiple worlds. They carry apology, affirmation, grief, celebration, disappointment, gratitude—and above all, love.

These are not anonymous reflections or polished essays—they are primary source documents that preserve and speak directly to the challenges and beauty of crossing cultures and borders.

Whether you are globally mobile, love someone who is, or are simply drawn to stories shaped by diverse cultural influences, Letters Now Sent offers an intimate view into layered identities and the enduring power of handwritten connection as both art and historical record.

In a world that moves fast and digital, these letters invite you to slow down, listen deeply, and hold space for complexity. Read this book as you would a box of saved with reverence, curiosity, and an open heart.

339 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2025

Reviews

[Eva Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing; the stories are so relatable for me as a TCK. The first letter I read made me cry which makes it in my opinion a great book. I wrote a letter in this book and when I first heard about this, I didn't realize how many other people were also writing and it's super encouraging to know that there are a lot of other people out there who have been through experiences that may not be exactly the same as mine but are similar whether they be amazing or really hard. This is definitely a book you should read; it holds amazing, emotional, true stories from many people who have experienced things that most people haven't and haven't experienced things that most people have. You should definitely pick up this book and dive into these amazing letters written by amazing people.

[Catriona Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

With ‘Letters Now Sent’, Megan Norton brings together visceral moments of memoir from across borders, continents, and cultures. Each writer invites us in to a moment of connection they’re called to share with a loved one, with their past or future self, or simply with us.
Each new letter brings a voice which speaks distinct and unfiltered from the page. Some share personal stories that feel like an intimate conversation, others reflect on challenging themes they’ve had to grapple with across cultures. All bring something universal and relatable for any reader who has felt the urge to bridge distance in a globally mobile life.
With thanks to the editor for a review copy.

[Tim Wester · Rating 1 out of 5]

needed more back ground of writers- work of parents, bio of author, not very religious. some good letters but most out of context, hard to remmend