Review of Letters to Mom

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 24 May 2022, 13:49

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Letters to Mom" by Cassie Mullinax.]

1 out of 4 stars

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When someone knows they need to change their life, they will do anything to achieve that goal. Cassie Mullinax knew her marriage to Danny was not healthy and decided to move away to get the counseling she needed. Despite the separation, her husband was not willing to admit he contributed to many of the problems in the marriage. Cassie and her children exchanged numerous emails and letters about her counseling progress and Danny. Cassie compiled these communications in her book, Letters to Mom, to show how she learned to live a mentally healthier life.

The support Cassie’s children have for her is heartwarming. Even though their father was to blame for why their mom left, the children stood up for Cassie and tried their best to convince their dad to get help. Amy, one of her daughters, showed nothing but love and support for her mom during her journey. This daughterly love was the sweetest part of the book for me.

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I had a hard time following the events the letters and emails described. For example, readers know that Cassie went on a retreat and took pictures that she sent to her kids. However, none of these pictures were in the book. Imagining this event was impossible because of the absence of these photos. Adding some of the photographs would help readers picture the retreat for themselves.

Every part of the story uses letters and emails; there were no personal thoughts and comments from the author regarding these communications. The writing seemed robotic and unauthentic because the book lacked any personality or uniqueness; it felt like I was reading my emails. Readers know that Cassie is changing because the letters state this, but they cannot sympathize with her because of the emotional disconnection. One part of the book mentions a dairy Cassie wrote in while she was seeking counseling. Maybe including a few thoughts from this dairy would help readers understand how difficult things were for her while transforming her life.

Unfortunately, Letters to Mom did not undergo professional editing because there were numerous errors in the book. A few rounds of editing would help clear up these errors. Even though I liked one part of the book, it has too many negatives that prevent me from recommending it to others. Because of this, I have decided to give the book 1 out of 4 stars. However, I am willing to re-read it if the author makes changes to improve the writing. Cassie is very courageous for leaving her husband and wanting to improve her life, but the book needs improvements for readers to understand how hard this was for her.

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Letters to Mom
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Elenimo Chembe · Post by **Elenimo Chembe** » 02 Jun 2022, 12:10

I like the way this book is relatable and offers insights into real-life situations. This is a must-read.

Joyce Nwaogazie · Post by **Joyce Nwaogazie** » 02 Jun 2022, 13:04

I'll love to read the book when the author works on the book, the narrative about Cassie's healing would be of help to some people. So many errors can affect one's reading, so, I'll pass on this for now.

Penny Ann Criswell Johnson · 02 Jun 2022, 22:42

I can see why you have this review a 1 out of 4 stars.
The writer should have asked herself, “What does others need to see in this book?” I’ve watched movies that are based on journal entries with no other response. This makes for a bored reader and watched.

Jen Nghishitende · Post by **Jen Nghishitende** » 03 Jun 2022, 06:20

The story sounds like it would make a good book but the errors and disconnect in the story is off putting for me so I will pass. The title is very good though.

Titus Fuller · Post by **Titus Fuller** » 06 Jun 2022, 12:25

This would of been a good book to read if the aurther put in a little more work.Its not easy for any person to accept when thier wrong because of pride.I would of loved to know the conclusion to this story.

Cocobutta · Post by **Cocobutta** » 08 Jun 2022, 05:47

While the cover and title of the book is promising, your review has discouraged me from reading this book. I hope it is worked on in the future.

Chimereucheya Okoroafo · Post by **Chimereucheya Okoroafo** » 09 Jun 2022, 10:34

Nicely done. I can understand what you must have gone through while reading the book. Sometimes, it can be hectic.

Barend V · Post by **Barend V** » 19 Jul 2022, 10:53

I have read books in letter format in the past. It takes considerable skill to write such books in a manner that is convincing. But we are all on a path of learning. It is disappointing to note that the book contains so many errors.

Sumto Nii · Post by **Sumto Nii** » 25 Jul 2022, 22:21

I would surely read this book. Cassie is a symbol of what a strong woman should be. I wish every woman can have the kind of strength she has. This is a good review.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 14 Aug 2022, 18:31

From your review, I would probably avoid reading this book. It seems somewhat unrealistic that she possibly left her children behind with Danny. How good of a father could he be if she felt the need to leave abruptly? Great review on a book that has a lot of negative issues.