Scan barcode
Reviews
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka, Martin Ganda
bookwormwendy's review against another edition
5.0
This truly is a must-read. It's a life changing story, if you allow yourself to be moved.
zenquilter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
An American and Zimbabwean pen pals make each other's lives better. YA
africreole's review against another edition
5.0
It started with a letter
That letter changed the lives of both Martin and Caitlin. Martin had high hopes and dreams for himself that seemed insurmountable but between she and Catilin's family, they managed to make Martin's dreams come true. Caitlin got an education in another way. She learned how fortunate she was with her own family and life. The things that her peers were obsessed with were not important to Caitlin. She grew up fast in learning how people live in another part of the world and worked hard and sacrificed all she could to help.
This was such a heart-wrenching story to hear how hard Martin had to fight for just the meager existence in his community. But the story ends with hope in the end as Martin will make sure his family will be okay.
NOTE: The book was listened to and synced through Audible.com for a book club.
That letter changed the lives of both Martin and Caitlin. Martin had high hopes and dreams for himself that seemed insurmountable but between she and Catilin's family, they managed to make Martin's dreams come true. Caitlin got an education in another way. She learned how fortunate she was with her own family and life. The things that her peers were obsessed with were not important to Caitlin. She grew up fast in learning how people live in another part of the world and worked hard and sacrificed all she could to help.
This was such a heart-wrenching story to hear how hard Martin had to fight for just the meager existence in his community. But the story ends with hope in the end as Martin will make sure his family will be okay.
NOTE: The book was listened to and synced through Audible.com for a book club.
muddyfiftysix's review against another edition
4.0
This was gifted to me by my grandma who buys a copy for everyone she thinks would enjoy it. I did, and read it quite quickly.
I was mostly interested in Martin's side of the story and wish more details were given but of course it's probably difficult to remember everything that happened so long ago.
I was mostly interested in Martin's side of the story and wish more details were given but of course it's probably difficult to remember everything that happened so long ago.
paris_nicole's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
4.25
This was an inspiring story about two people, from opposite sides of the world, becoming pen pals in middle school. Caitlin lives in the US and Martin lives in Zimbabwe. There are extreme economic and lifestyle differences between the two. (Caitlin was shopping at the mall every weekend and Martin didn't even own shoes.) Despite their differences, the two maintained their long-distance relationship for years and Caitlin and her family were able to help Martin and his family financially.
The book is organized around the letters set between Caitlin and Martin, along with some backstories. I listed to the audiobook. At first, I was annoyed with Caitlin (her narrative, as well as the voice acting), but I had to remind myself that she was a pre-teen in the mid-90s. I eventually grew to appreciate her and have great respect for her.
Overall, this was a great story about using your privilege for good.
The book is organized around the letters set between Caitlin and Martin, along with some backstories. I listed to the audiobook. At first, I was annoyed with Caitlin (her narrative, as well as the voice acting), but I had to remind myself that she was a pre-teen in the mid-90s. I eventually grew to appreciate her and have great respect for her.
Overall, this was a great story about using your privilege for good.