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Letters of Note: Mothers
A fascinating new volume of messages about motherhood, from the author of the bestselling Letters of Note collections
TK
TK
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2021
20 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Shaun Usher
47 books300 followersShaun Usher is a writer, editor, and compulsive collector of remarkable words. He is the author of Letters of Note, an international bestseller that began life as a blog and grew into a celebrated series of books and inspired the live stage show Letters Live, which he has co-produced since 2013. He has published 16 books so far, covering everything from love and grief to music, dogs, and outer space, and in October 2025 will release his 17th, Diaries of Note: 366 Lives, One Day at a Time, a curated journey through a year’s worth of diary entries from history. He lives in Manchester with his wife, Karina, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 4, 2025
#Mothering May #4
Live to the hilt! To the top. I love you, 40-year old Linda, and I love what you do, what you find, what you are! – Be your own woman. Belong to those you love. Talk to my poems and talk to your heart – I’m in both: if you need me.
- Anne Sexton à filha
No prefácio de “Letters of Note: Mothers” Shaun Usher aponta para o facto de, nestas 30 cartas que escolheu, haver um padrão: as mães escrevem aos filhos/às filhas quando eles/elas ainda estão por nascer ou ainda são muito pequenos/as, enquanto os filhos/as filhas escrevem às progenitoras quando elas estão à beira da morte ou quando esta já se consumou. Numa era em que as cartas se tornam cada vez mais um anacronismo, é bonito ver algumas extremamente recentes de bloguers, jornalistas e escritoras como a britânica Caitlin Moran, que escreveu o conjunto de conselhos mais sábios e pertinentes de sempre, que eu teria adorado receber em adolescente.
Always pick up worms off the pavement and put them on the grass. They’re having a bad day. (…) However awful, you can get through any experience if you imagine yourself, in the future, telling your friends about it as they scream, with increasing disbelief, ‘No! No!’ (…) Think of yourself as a silver rocket – use loud music as your fuel; books like maps and coordinates for how to get there.
Entre a correspondência de gente famosa como Richard Wagner, Margaret Mitchell, GK Chesterton, Sylvia Plath, Luisa May Alcott e Martin Luther King, destaco a que inclui a reprimenda que o jovem Winston Churchill, a estudar num colégio interno, recebeu da mãe devido às más notas, missiva essa enviada pela ama, já que Lady Randolph Churchill estava demasiado ocupada a organizar uma festa em Ascot.
Ainda que os sentimentos que imperem nestas missivas sejam o afecto e o pesar, há duas que destoam por completo, trocadas por Bette Davies e a filha B.D. Hyman quando esta publicou uma biografia polémica e reveladora em que não poupava a estrela de cinema. Independentemente das queixas terem ou não razão de ser, a resposta de Davies foi uma bofetada de luva branca, como seria de esperar.
The sum total of your having written this book is a glaring lack of loyalty and thanks for the very privileged life I feel you have been given. (…) I have much to quarrel about in your book. I choose to ignore most of it. But not the pathetic creature you claim I have been because of the fact that I did not play Scarlett in “Gone with the Wind”. I could have but I turned it down.
Para mim, as cartas mais avassaladoras são definitivamente as que as mães escrevem a despedir-se dos filhos porque sabem que vão morrer, como punição por supostos crimes políticos ou devido a doença, razão pela qual guardei para ler por último a de Julie Yip-Williams (nascida praticamente cega no Vietname, correndo o risco de ser eutanasiada) às filhas, um ano antes do cancro a levar. Há recomendações de ordem prática, como a marca de comida do cão e o nome do afinador do piano, que creio que só uma mulher teria a precaução de incluir, mas logo as abandona e redige um texto inspirador, com uma abnegação admirável.
You will be deprived of a mother. As your mother, I wish I could protect you from the pain. But also as your mother, I want you to feel the pain, to live it, embrace it, and then learn from it. Be stronger people because of it, for you will know that you carry my strength within you. Be more compassionate people because of it; empathize with those who suffer in their own ways. Rejoice in life and all its beauty because of it; live with special zest and zeal for me. Be grateful in a way that only someone who lost her mother so early can, in your understanding of the precariousness and preciousness of life. This is my challenge to you, my sweet girls, to take an ugly tragedy and transform it into a source of beauty, love, strength, courage, and wisdom.
Live to the hilt! To the top. I love you, 40-year old Linda, and I love what you do, what you find, what you are! – Be your own woman. Belong to those you love. Talk to my poems and talk to your heart – I’m in both: if you need me.
- Anne Sexton à filha
No prefácio de “Letters of Note: Mothers” Shaun Usher aponta para o facto de, nestas 30 cartas que escolheu, haver um padrão: as mães escrevem aos filhos/às filhas quando eles/elas ainda estão por nascer ou ainda são muito pequenos/as, enquanto os filhos/as filhas escrevem às progenitoras quando elas estão à beira da morte ou quando esta já se consumou. Numa era em que as cartas se tornam cada vez mais um anacronismo, é bonito ver algumas extremamente recentes de bloguers, jornalistas e escritoras como a britânica Caitlin Moran, que escreveu o conjunto de conselhos mais sábios e pertinentes de sempre, que eu teria adorado receber em adolescente.
Always pick up worms off the pavement and put them on the grass. They’re having a bad day. (…) However awful, you can get through any experience if you imagine yourself, in the future, telling your friends about it as they scream, with increasing disbelief, ‘No! No!’ (…) Think of yourself as a silver rocket – use loud music as your fuel; books like maps and coordinates for how to get there.
Entre a correspondência de gente famosa como Richard Wagner, Margaret Mitchell, GK Chesterton, Sylvia Plath, Luisa May Alcott e Martin Luther King, destaco a que inclui a reprimenda que o jovem Winston Churchill, a estudar num colégio interno, recebeu da mãe devido às más notas, missiva essa enviada pela ama, já que Lady Randolph Churchill estava demasiado ocupada a organizar uma festa em Ascot.
Ainda que os sentimentos que imperem nestas missivas sejam o afecto e o pesar, há duas que destoam por completo, trocadas por Bette Davies e a filha B.D. Hyman quando esta publicou uma biografia polémica e reveladora em que não poupava a estrela de cinema. Independentemente das queixas terem ou não razão de ser, a resposta de Davies foi uma bofetada de luva branca, como seria de esperar.
The sum total of your having written this book is a glaring lack of loyalty and thanks for the very privileged life I feel you have been given. (…) I have much to quarrel about in your book. I choose to ignore most of it. But not the pathetic creature you claim I have been because of the fact that I did not play Scarlett in “Gone with the Wind”. I could have but I turned it down.
Para mim, as cartas mais avassaladoras são definitivamente as que as mães escrevem a despedir-se dos filhos porque sabem que vão morrer, como punição por supostos crimes políticos ou devido a doença, razão pela qual guardei para ler por último a de Julie Yip-Williams (nascida praticamente cega no Vietname, correndo o risco de ser eutanasiada) às filhas, um ano antes do cancro a levar. Há recomendações de ordem prática, como a marca de comida do cão e o nome do afinador do piano, que creio que só uma mulher teria a precaução de incluir, mas logo as abandona e redige um texto inspirador, com uma abnegação admirável.
You will be deprived of a mother. As your mother, I wish I could protect you from the pain. But also as your mother, I want you to feel the pain, to live it, embrace it, and then learn from it. Be stronger people because of it, for you will know that you carry my strength within you. Be more compassionate people because of it; empathize with those who suffer in their own ways. Rejoice in life and all its beauty because of it; live with special zest and zeal for me. Be grateful in a way that only someone who lost her mother so early can, in your understanding of the precariousness and preciousness of life. This is my challenge to you, my sweet girls, to take an ugly tragedy and transform it into a source of beauty, love, strength, courage, and wisdom.
March 11, 2021
Another great collection of letters from the author of the Letters of Note website. From ancient times to modern, from famous to ordinary, from birth to death, this collection mines the feelings expressed through letters to and about mothers. For those who have lost their parent or those with a strained/dysfunctional relationship, this one might be difficult to read because it surveys the wide range of possibilities that the mother-child relationship can have. But for a gift for a mother with whom one is on good terms, this would be excellent.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 14, 2025
خواندن نامه هایی که بواسطه نقش فرزندی قادر به درک شان بودم جزو بهترین تجربه ها در کتابخوانی بود.
December 8, 2022
I love all letters collection books compiled by Shaun Usher so much. There is just something strangely intimate and wonderfully honest about letter writing. All these writers took their time to write down their most private thoughts all the while having the person they addressed to close in their minds. Minutes maybe, some probably hours.
Once upon a time, the letters were delivered and read by that person and it's such a surreal feelings to think that now in 21st century, many many years later, most of the letters survived both the correspondents and receivers and now we are able to glimpse and share the emotions from both people from the future.
It's surreal. With this book in participating, you can just feel the love in most of these letters especially from a mother to their daughter. I am especially in love with the letter by Karin Cook and Halliday. Growing up, I never had a chance to know my mother better as she passed away so early. Both of these letters speak to me on personal level because of that.
Oh how I wished I could send a letter and receive one from my own mother too.
5/5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Once upon a time, the letters were delivered and read by that person and it's such a surreal feelings to think that now in 21st century, many many years later, most of the letters survived both the correspondents and receivers and now we are able to glimpse and share the emotions from both people from the future.
It's surreal. With this book in participating, you can just feel the love in most of these letters especially from a mother to their daughter. I am especially in love with the letter by Karin Cook and Halliday. Growing up, I never had a chance to know my mother better as she passed away so early. Both of these letters speak to me on personal level because of that.
Oh how I wished I could send a letter and receive one from my own mother too.
5/5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
March 14, 2022
I just love these collections. It feels like such a privilege to share these once private thoughts. As a new mum, I found this particular selection very poignant. Though you by no means need to be a mother to enjoy it. If you have or had a mother you loved or struggled with, if you miss your mother or never knew her, there's something here for you. Thanks to my dear friend for a lovely gift x
January 4, 2021
Heartbreaking, beautiful. I’m at loss for words.
April 30, 2024
A great idea and many interesting messages from and to mothers. The best is kept until last: the letter from Wallace Stegner to his mother is beautiful.
May 5, 2025
A few inspirational letters and a hilarious one (Rivers)
January 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“One has to learn how to distinguish real gold from tinsel. It is hard because tinsel sometimes glitters so dazzlingly”.
In Letters of Note: Mothers, Shaun Usher gathers together exceptional missives by and to mothers, celebrating the joy and grief, humour and frustration, wisdom and sacrifice the role brings to both parent and child.
This is a short collection of letters written to individuals mothers. The book discusses topics that are quite raw but is refreshing to hear. As someone who has no relationship with a mother, I found some of the letters full of wisdom and quite inspiring.
My favourite letters from the collection are:
Letter 18 - THE STORY COMES FROM WITHIN YOU Laura Dern to Jaya Dern
Letter 21 - LIVE A LIFE WORTH LIVING Julie Yip-Williams to Mia and Isabelle
Letter 27 - I LOVE HER MORE THAN ANYTHING Martha Gellhorn to Lucy Moorehead 1970
I’ve got a few more of these collections from Shaun Usher so I’m looking forward to embarking on these reads!
“One has to learn how to distinguish real gold from tinsel. It is hard because tinsel sometimes glitters so dazzlingly”.
In Letters of Note: Mothers, Shaun Usher gathers together exceptional missives by and to mothers, celebrating the joy and grief, humour and frustration, wisdom and sacrifice the role brings to both parent and child.
This is a short collection of letters written to individuals mothers. The book discusses topics that are quite raw but is refreshing to hear. As someone who has no relationship with a mother, I found some of the letters full of wisdom and quite inspiring.
My favourite letters from the collection are:
Letter 18 - THE STORY COMES FROM WITHIN YOU Laura Dern to Jaya Dern
Letter 21 - LIVE A LIFE WORTH LIVING Julie Yip-Williams to Mia and Isabelle
Letter 27 - I LOVE HER MORE THAN ANYTHING Martha Gellhorn to Lucy Moorehead 1970
I’ve got a few more of these collections from Shaun Usher so I’m looking forward to embarking on these reads!
May 17, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
Ahh, the beauty of a letter in a form of honesty from people which such deep links - the ability to convey a message without fear, debate, argument or tears. Not a safe form of course, but more often than not valued at some point. Maybe the perfect time to start this as a thing for myself too - letters for the generations above and below? Although ironically is this platform enough for future messages...?
Ahh, the beauty of a letter in a form of honesty from people which such deep links - the ability to convey a message without fear, debate, argument or tears. Not a safe form of course, but more often than not valued at some point. Maybe the perfect time to start this as a thing for myself too - letters for the generations above and below? Although ironically is this platform enough for future messages...?
April 9, 2021
I started this collection with a lot of doubts and even wanted to DNF it after the first few letters. In the end, I am so glad I kept on listening to the audiobook.
This is a beautiful collection of letters, full of love, life, hope and pain.
I surely will check out the other collections by Shaun Usher.
This is a beautiful collection of letters, full of love, life, hope and pain.
I surely will check out the other collections by Shaun Usher.
March 11, 2022
This is the second compilation of letters from Shaun Usher that I’ve read, and it was just as insightful, educational and moving as the first.
I connected to some of the letters a lot more than others, but I think that’s only natural given that this book is a sampling of the many different mother-daughter and mother-son relationships out there.
I connected to some of the letters a lot more than others, but I think that’s only natural given that this book is a sampling of the many different mother-daughter and mother-son relationships out there.
August 27, 2020
A lovely collection of letters to and from mothers, expressing their love before birth, during lifetime and after death. More letters should be sent during the lifetime to ensure what we want to say is always being said instead of later regrets. Appreciate your mums every day!
October 25, 2020
A lovely collection of letters written by or to mothers.
There are words of advice, biographies, regrets and thanks - some are written at the deathbed and some upon the birth of a child.
Fascinating to read with lots of nuggets of wisdom. Inspiring- I feel I should start writing letters myself.
There are words of advice, biographies, regrets and thanks - some are written at the deathbed and some upon the birth of a child.
Fascinating to read with lots of nuggets of wisdom. Inspiring- I feel I should start writing letters myself.
May 3, 2021
I enjoy Letters of Note online, and this brief anthology of letters to, from, and about mothers has a little something for everyone. History, heartbreak, humor, and lots of motherly advice are here. Write your mom a nice note today.
March 14, 2022
If you're wondering what the girl sobbing in Singapore airport with a green t-shirt and a glass of red wine.. It was this book. Some of these letters are emotionally spine-tingling, heart-wrenching founts of wisdom.
January 17, 2024
“Dear mother—into your Christmas stocking I have put my firstborn, knowing that you will accept it with all its faults—for grandmothers are always kind—and look upon it as an earnest of what I might do.”
Louisa May Alcott to Abby May Alcott
December 25th 1854
Louisa May Alcott to Abby May Alcott
December 25th 1854
February 14, 2024
Letter writing is lovely and fast becoming a lot art, with text and email. Massive shame. I loved receiving letters from my late Mum.
Some funny, gorgeous and touching letters to mothers and from them ❤️
Some funny, gorgeous and touching letters to mothers and from them ❤️
April 14, 2020
⭐3 Stars⭐
An emotionally compromising collection of letters able to deepen the chill of loneliness felt after the loss of a parent.
An emotionally compromising collection of letters able to deepen the chill of loneliness felt after the loss of a parent.
April 26, 2020
Very thought provoking and endearing collection of letters.
July 2, 2020
Worth reading for the differing views on mothers and by mothers. Not sloppy sentimentalism. Genuine correspondence. Reading the rest of the series by Shaun Usher: art, cats, love, music.
January 2, 2021
Really enjoyed some of the letters in this collection. They speak with a frankness about some of the most saddening things in life.
January 13, 2021
Heartwarming. And sad. And inspirational.
March 18, 2021
A collection of letters from mothers to their children, and from children to their mothers. Funny, sad and heartbreaking in equal measure. Which is what motherhood is like.
January 24, 2022
There were about 5 letters that I really enjoyed. The others I didn’t really care about. Wouldn’t recommend to friends.
May 16, 2022
Nice audio to listen to. Letters read by different actors. Very much enjoyed
January 24, 2023
Sommige brieven zijn heel ontroerend, andere zijn maar mèh.
March 29, 2023
Okay, some moving but it got a bit boring to listen to
July 13, 2023
Another interesting one in the series. Well worth checking out.
December 5, 2023
At times poignant, at times cringeworthy at times worth a tear - some beautiful and not so beautiful notes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews