The Envelope: War Correspondence of Steve Rogers

by David Rogers

What were the emotional and moral imperatives that drove the world from nationalism and isolationism to a world of global alliances? Follow the Adjutant of the Third Division as he travels from California to Africa to Austria, meeting those who help him understand this new world including a gay teacher, a princess and a fourteen year old boy. And learn the role a single envelope plays in a horrible crime.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2021

About the author

During the Covid lockdowns, David finally read his father's WWII letters. What he found was a story about a broken world transformed into a world of common interests and shared responsibilities and a story of personal transformation from a homesick observer to a compassionate participant who grew to understand the world he wanted to help make.

Reviews

[Luther Nussbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters stored for so many years have come back alive. In this small package, the larger story of WW II is remembered. Starting with letters from a family friend sharing travels in Italy and Germany, the story of the War unfolds. War starts about ideologies but continues with individuals. The motivations of those in war transition and their understanding of the world evolves. The exchanges among family members are brilliantly edited by David Rogers. With a thoughtful plan, Dave presents the letters in the context of the military operations where the family member served at the time of the writing. The book is meant to be enjoyed in a comfortable chair with lots of time to reflect on the parallels between then and now. I have read the letters multiple times and with each reading they demand more reflection. A must read.

[Debby Taylor-Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book of family letters from the Second World War. It allows a small peek into the thoughts and fears of those who lived during that time.

Like others, I wish there had been more details, but I do understand the limitations of working with such a medium. I congratulate David Rogers for putting it all together and allowing us to venture back in time.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading letters from WWII, to see what people were thinking and feeling at that time. I just wish that there had been more letters, to offer up a more complete view of the war years. This book offers a interesting little glimpse, but it's like trying to look through a keyhole. I wanted more details.

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!

[Cole Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Envelope by Steve Rogers and David Rogers. This book is a valuable read because it shows a new perspective on one of the biggest conflicts in world history. The author has no notable things about himself, but I wouldn't let that discredit him from writing this book. This book was written by the descendants of the letter writers as a stand-alone novel. David Rogers, the son of Steve Rogers who wrote the letters, decided to read them during the 2019 Quarantine and eventually compiled them into a story which he promptly published. I really enjoyed this book; it was very short and gave insight about the war while not taking away from the real events that took place.
The book is a collection of letters written between members of the Rogers family who were sent to fight in WW2. The perspective varies, and it includes who sent the letter and the change in theater. Each page focuses on 1 or 2 letters that are accompanied by who is writing to who. The main character, Steve Rogers, is the Adjutant for the US Army’s 3rd Division and writes letters back to his father during their battles in Italy, Germany, and Africa. There are also letters from his father and brother who respond to him.
First, I like how concise and short the book is. What I mean by this, is that it's straight to the point. It is very clear in what is happening, whether it be from the actual letters, to the little bits explaining the protagonist’s situation overseas. An example of these little bits is: "And finally, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor—Four battleships were destroyed, 188 aircraft were lost, and 2,335 soldiers perished.” It then goes into a letter written from Don Woodrum to Steve Rogers, no filler needed.
Second, I really enjoyed how detailed the book was. The letters really helped the reader feel immersed inside of the story, and almost put the reader in the situation the family was experiencing. The language, the theme, and the added photos really give value to how meaningful these letters were for the family member receiving them and make the book richer. For example: on page 37, Steve details that he had been seeing a local girl and then adds how nice she is before attaching a photo of him sitting next to her on a stone railing overlooking the ocean.
Last but not least, the book shed light on a new perspective of the war. Many books about WW2 only pertain to 1 character or take a “birds eye view” perspective and mostly tunnel visions on the physical battles. What makes this book special is the tight-knit perspective of this family, that is being split apart by the war. The letters help them stay in touch and it really shows the long-distance relationship they are attempting to maintain.
In Conclusion, The Envelope is a valuable read because it is short, direct, and compelling. This is one of the few books I have truly enjoyed this year, definitely think you should check it out. The book reveals the morality for war. And the perspective that everybody has their own dreams, ambitions, hopes, family waiting for them when they aren't in a battle. This is overlooked, as it is of course a big part of anything even when every time somebody dies, they all leave these things behind.

[Will Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

#goodreadsgiveaway

This collection of letters provides an insight into the lives of those living during wartime. Whether it is from the words of the soldier themselves or even from those writing to them, each part of the collection shows a progression and idea as to what they are experiencing. Section by section, these stories provide the reader with a new appreciation to what was involved, and continues to be involved in wartime.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember

Heartfelt letters between family and friends during World War II from Europe, The Pacific, and the US. As a daughter of a veteran of the Pacific Theater, it made me remember my father and the few stories he told us. I wish I had access to such a treasure of my own.

I won this work in a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating glimpse into what it was like during WWII and for soldiers and families involved in the war. This only inspires me to want to read more to gain a better understanding and to hear more experiences. Thankful to the author for the willingness to share a piece of his family's history, but also the world's history.

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quick read but pretty impactful. It’s always interesting to read correspondence from an earlier time, particularly when it’s from such an important time in history. I think what struck me the most was the emotional depth and vulnerability in the letters between these men. It’s clear their family was extremely close and loved each other deeply. Pretty inspiring overall!

[Matthew Ewoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely and well written book. The author did a great job of combining a memoir with historical events. This book is timely because it reminds of what made America great in the past and continues to our country a shining beacon to the rest of the world.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart rendering story that reaches even into 2021 politics, a reminder of who we were and how far we seem to have slipped away.

[RAVEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Thank you too the family for their service and thank you Goodreads for picking me as a winner.

[Tami czenkus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very eye opening reading the letters and seeing how things were back then and how things have changed and stayed the same.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short but a great story told through real letters during WWII

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

so real

I liked this format, real letters from relatable people, surrounded by the history we should never forget. Roger’s did a great job of presenting his family letters.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is a collection of letters written between family members during wartime. It gives an example of each person's perspective on life during WWII. It is, however, a collection of letters, so in-depth context is not available.

It felt disjointed to me and I found myself having to really pay attention to and re-check the "title" - who was writing to whom. At the same time, I appreciated the insight into the people behind the war. This was not a war-story. This was a humans during war story.

#goodreadsgiveaway