The Daily The Sunday Read: 'Letters of Recommendation'
May 17, 2020
Explore the magic of letters that transport us through time. Discover a grandmother's diaries from 1910, revealing nostalgia and connections across generations. Dive into quirky superstitions that blend humor with life’s unpredictability. Witness a moment of resilience as a man struggles with his car, prompting reflections on humility and judgment. Uncover how superstitions serve as rituals of hope, offering a sense of control amid chaos. Each story weaves together themes of connection and the joys of unconventional experiences.
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Column Origin
- Sam Anderson's wife suggested a column idea where he could express his enthusiasm.
- This led to the "Letter of Recommendation" column in The New York Times Magazine.
Column Value
- The best "Letter of Recommendation" columns transcend their initial topic.
- They become personal and revealing about the writer.
Grandma's Diaries
- David Rees found his grandmother's teenage diaries from 1910.
- The diaries revealed her vibrant life, full of ice cream, church, singing, and flirting.