Hope This Finds You: Letters From a Friend

by David Scott Smith

Every Monday for over twenty years, David Smith has written open letters to the world in his Monday Moanin’ column. At the end of each essay, he sends his readers out into the week ahead with a single “Hope this finds you …” It may be “leaning into possible,” “telling stories,” or “imagining,” but embodied in the wish is the essence of Mary Oliver’s instructions for “Pay attention. Be Astonished. Tell about it.”

Hope This Finds You is a collection of letters from a friend, journeying your wild and precious life beside you. Here are the memories, the celebrations, and the joy and ache of living, threaded through glimpses of extraordinary-ordinary daily life. It’s a small gift of gratitude to a life filled with light and mystery, possible and promise.

Each section of the book allows the reader to find a place to escape, to enjoy a laugh, or think for a while, or simply sit with and wonder. Those that love the lyrical Brian Doyle or the laughs from Dave Berry will find a home in Hope This Finds You.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2022

Reviews

[Katherine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of essays left me feeling reflective and inspired. The author is in love with life, and it shines through in the stories he tells. Each essay is personal and also speaks to our collective human experience. There’s truly something for everyone here.

I love the format of the book. As a new mom, I was able to pick it up and read a story when I had five minutes to spare in between diaper changes and nursing sessions. The prose is beautiful and easy to read. Fans of Brian Doyle will love this book.

Disclaimer: I am the (very proud) daughter of the author.

[Sally Kelly1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Uplifting

This is a “feel good” book that humbled me and made me so much more appreciative of every moment of every day - of every person I have ever met - of every road I’ve ever traveled.

The author guides us as he shares with us his insights and keen awareness of everything that is going on around him wherever he is in that moment.

Parts were written during COVID quarantine; parts from various times throughout his lives, parts from holiday insights.

If you need some inspiration (and who among us. doesn’t..) pick up this collection of short well written musings of every one of our days.

[Lori O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and love David Smith!