Letters for Our Children:: Fifty Americans Share Lessons in Living

The letters collected here--written by adults to grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews or young friends--discuss life lessons the authors would like to pass on. Goode, a senior writer at U.S. News & World Report, has selected here writers from varying backgrounds, including a Holocaust survivor, a Roman Catholic priest, a bus driver, a waitress, a rancher and an architect. Although the emphasis is on ordinary Americans, there are also contributions from journalist Cokie Roberts, Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed and one to her grandson from Myrlie Evers, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Edited with an eye to common ground, the letters share a vision of the importance of marriage, religion, hard work and ethical behavior. While many are truly inspirational, describe interesting experiences or offer concrete if controversial advice (basketball star A.C. Green cautions his nephew to save sex for marriage), others read like insipid testimonials for family values. Photos. Author tour. (May)