What do you think?
Rate this book
Care Packages: Letters to Christopher Reeve from Strangers and Other Friends
"This book is a thank-you letter. A long overdue reply to all of the people who, during one of the most difficult and painful periods my family has had to endure, took time and wrote to us; faxed us; phoned or visited us; prayed for us; joined hands for us; sent us flowers, gifts, white light, religious tokens and talismans, books, tapes, drawings, funny stories and jokes that made us laugh, tales of overcoming hardship that inspired us and gave us hope. . . ."
When Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a riding accident on May 27, 1995, letters poured in from around the world, some addressed only to "Superman, USA." It was an astonishing demonstration of sympathy and support for a man who had become an American icon. In Care Packages , Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, has collected some of the most unforgettable letters and gifts that her family received. There are thoughts and prayers from Hollywood's greatest stars, like Katharine Hepburn ("Golly. What a mess. Call me.") and Robert De Niro, politicians and presidents, and, of course, the everyday heroes who have prevailed in the face of nearly overwhelming adversity to lead rich and fulfilling lives. These letters are inspiring, funny, surprising, and always deeply touching. Some writers offer advice (listen to jazz, try LSD psychotherapy, get a cat), while others simply tell their own stories in a beautiful gesture of hope and community. And sometimes the youngest fans say it best ("I'm sorry that you fell off your horse. Let's hope it won't happen again"; "i broke my neck....im ok now. i hope you will be too"). But Care Packages is not only about the "strangers and other friends" who have had such a profound effect on the Reeves. With an introduction to each chapter by Dana Reeve, it is also the story of a marriage and a family facing the ultimate test--from the fear of the emergency room to the long, hard days of rehab to the bittersweet moments of a wedding anniversary--and reaffirming their commitment in a thousand new ways.
When Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a riding accident on May 27, 1995, letters poured in from around the world, some addressed only to "Superman, USA." It was an astonishing demonstration of sympathy and support for a man who had become an American icon. In Care Packages , Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, has collected some of the most unforgettable letters and gifts that her family received. There are thoughts and prayers from Hollywood's greatest stars, like Katharine Hepburn ("Golly. What a mess. Call me.") and Robert De Niro, politicians and presidents, and, of course, the everyday heroes who have prevailed in the face of nearly overwhelming adversity to lead rich and fulfilling lives. These letters are inspiring, funny, surprising, and always deeply touching. Some writers offer advice (listen to jazz, try LSD psychotherapy, get a cat), while others simply tell their own stories in a beautiful gesture of hope and community. And sometimes the youngest fans say it best ("I'm sorry that you fell off your horse. Let's hope it won't happen again"; "i broke my neck....im ok now. i hope you will be too"). But Care Packages is not only about the "strangers and other friends" who have had such a profound effect on the Reeves. With an introduction to each chapter by Dana Reeve, it is also the story of a marriage and a family facing the ultimate test--from the fear of the emergency room to the long, hard days of rehab to the bittersweet moments of a wedding anniversary--and reaffirming their commitment in a thousand new ways.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 1999
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 14, 2008
In Still Me, Christopher Reeve wrote that he owed his life and recovery to his wife, but he also wrote that what got him through his first few months in the hospital and rehab were letters from his fans. His wife collected the best of them, organized them by theme, and put them together in this book. Between knowing how much they meant to him and getting a chance to read them proved to me just how much healing power there is in the mitzvah of visiting the sick. Even a card to a friend in the hospital can make a big difference. May Hashem help all of us to be more conscientious in doing chessed.
January 2, 2009
As a child I loved Christopher Reeve, this book let me say goodbye to him. I also realized that although I did not send him a letter that my sentiments were echoed in the thousands of letters that they did receive. This book was emotionally taxing to read and it was very sad, yet a story of redemption.
November 22, 2011
Reminds you to be thankful for what you have, for it can change in the blink of an eye. No matter how bad you feel you have it, there are others who are worse off than you are. Dana and Christopher were strong and handled their situation with amazing grace. The world was surely a better place with them in it, they are truly missed.
January 31, 2009
This one had me laughing at some letters,crying at others and some letters were just plain crazy.
November 6, 2019
I read this while my son was going through rehabilitation after his spinal cord injury.
The outpouring of love we received made this book resonate with me in so many ways. The world is filled with good people
The outpouring of love we received made this book resonate with me in so many ways. The world is filled with good people
April 23, 2023
Like anyone who loved Christopher Reeve, either as Superman or any of this other myriad roles, I was stunned by his accident and prognosis. This book was a lovely, emotional look into the letters written to Christopher and his family, from fellow celebs to children from across the world.
September 4, 2011
Very touching and heartfelt!
January 13, 2013
Read with the kleenex box close at hand.
June 10, 2013
Quick read, very touching.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews