I Will Always Write Back

I can't remember where I heard about I Will Always Write Back (#893), a double memoir by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch, but after reading it, I'm really glad our library had a copy of this inspiring and eye-opening book.  Its subtitle is How One Letter Changed Two Lives and boy, does it ever live up to that promise!

Caitlin is a twelve year old middle school student when she chooses to write to an unknown pen pal in the most exotic-sounding country her teacher had listed on the board for the assignment: Zimbabwe.   Her letter eventually arrived in a classroom in Zimbabwe where  14 year-old Martin, as the highest-ranked student in his class, was fortunate enough to receive it.  His reply to Caitlin launched a correspondence that lasted well beyond the expectations of any of the adults involved in the project.  As the chapters alternate between Caitlin and Martin telling their stories about the letters - the questions they raised, the sharing of their families and ways of life, even of their misconceptions - paint a picture of two young people eager to reach out and explore a world beyond their reach.  As they grow and learn from each other it is amazing to see how he and she mature and develop as they deepen their understanding of the opportunities offered to them.  When Caitlin finally grasps just how different Martin's life and prospects are from her own comfortable American middle-class life, she becomes determined to make Martin's life and his family's better.

It won't be giving anything away to tell you that Caitlin's efforts and those of her whole family make it possible for Martin to come to America for college and lifts his whole family thereby out of direst poverty in Zimbabwe.  There are plenty of obstacles to overcome along the way, but the simple style of the book makes for gripping reading.  This is the perfect time to read a book which will help restore your faith in humanity!   Hope you are able to get your hands on a copy of this book.