Jason F. Wright

Recommended: YES!

This was a glorious used-bookstore-find, and a rare book that I will probably read multiple times. It gives me the warm fuzzies, but avoids the cliches and cringing that often also accompany the warm fuzzies.

The adult children of this family suddenly lose their parents and all come together in their hometown to handle it, when they find a basement full of THOUSANDS of letters that their father wrote to their mother, weekly, without fail, for their entire marriage. Including show more the last one, which he wrote immediately after his wife died in his arms and before he takes his own life / dies of heartbreak. Reading through the letters reveals some intensities of their parent's marriages they had never known, and deeply rattles all the kids as their images of their parents - and themselves - changes forever.

Also, the "Epilogue" and its presentation KILLS ME with how adorable it is!!!! All I'll say: read to THE VERY END OF THE BOOK. show less

This was a pleasurable read. The tone was melancholy, but the message sweet. I was touched by the relationship of the late parents; impressed by the husband's commitment to write his wife a letter every Wednesday of their marriage. When the couple die unexpectedly, romanticized by the fact that husband and wife pass away in eachother's arms, their children come together for the first time in years to see to the necessary final arrangements. Discovering their father's 'Wednesday letters' show more these adult children come to learn more about their parents....and themsleves.....than they ever bargained for. This book is a quick, easy read definitley worthy of your time. show less

Christmas Jars shares the story of Hope Jensen, an aspiring journalist who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a holiday phenomenon: money-filled glass jars anonymously given to people in need. Hope desperately wants to post the story, but doing so would be a breach of trust to the family who entrusted her with the secret. What she decides to do will change her life forever. A heartwarming story that will restore your faith in humanity and make you want to start your own Christmas Jar show more tradition. show less

The author, with whom I go to church, shows more reverence for pop culture than I usually care to see (though he does slap Stephen King's Tommyknockers in one place) but I share his reverence for Life, God and the human potential for reconciliation, redemption and repentance. The story, set in contemporary Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, creates from a familiar courtship triangle and three bereaved siblings an affecting and interesting resolution as everyone learns more about the deceased show more parents from discovered letters sent weekly over decades from Jack (the departed father) to his beloved wife. As sometimes happens in real life it is easier to like the dead characters than most of the living! show less