The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to their Younger Selves by Sarah Moon, James Lecesne, others

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The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to their Younger Selves
by Sarah Moon, James Lecesne, others

What a clever idea. The concept was inspired by one of the authors who carried letters from friends around to read and help cope with high school and the terrible cast of characters therein. This is a collection of letters written by queer writers to their younger selves. It's sort of an "it gets better" in an introspective, indirect sort of way. It's fascinating to see all of the similarities and differences in these touching, inspiring letters. Seveal authors recommend that their younger selves buy stock in Apple or Google. Many authors tell their younger selves that they are queer, but they already knew that deep down. There are ups and downs. There are warnings. There are encouragements. There is sympathy. There is love. There is wisdom and perspective and reassurance. It's interesting to see what these authors spoil for their younger selves. It's interesting to see what they focus on. Some of them had it good. Some not so good. Some talk as much about art and writing as being gay. Some talk about falling in love or living a good life. It's really just an amazing collection where you get into each of these writers' heads. There are big names and some writers I'd never heard of. There are some letters in the forms of comics. There are some letters that broke my heart and some that made me laugh.

I recently wrote a letter to my future self. After reading this book, I couldn't help but wonder what I would write in a letter to my younger self. Would there be a way to avoid the depression, the mistakes, the heartache? Those things all add up to make me me now, though, so I'm not sure I'd want to avoid them even if I could. Still, there are some things I'm sure I'd be glad to know. It seems like an interesting exercise for anyone to take. But it's made all the more beautiful in this collection because these are talented writers with a way with words. And the theme of the collection ties the letters all together so beautifully.

I'm really glad I gave this a read. And I hope that kids read it and find it encouraging, comforting, and inspiring as well.