Friends fall out of touch, we run out of time, or sometimes our courage simply fails us—and thank-yous, regrets, feelings, and secrets are left unshared. In 2009, Jackie Hooper came up with a way to help people recapture a moment that had once passed them by. She began asking them to write letters that answered one question: If you had another chance, what would you do differently?
Based on the popular blog The Things You Would Have Said, this captivating collection of letters presents the moving, surprising, and inspiring stories of ordinary people. From the everyday to the profound, at times heartwarming, funny, sad, and wise, these voices range across lifetimes and even across history: an indignant young boy urges his bully to become “a better man”; an old man thanks the woman who protected his family from Nazis during the Holocaust; the mother of a boy with autism atones for the times she picked on an autistic classmate back in high school.
Compelling, cathartic, and achingly honest, The Things You Would Have Said is a journey through the lives of people who have learned that there is always a second chance.
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"I decided to get this book after seeing a story about it on a television show. Many of the letters were heartfelt and the entire concept of the book interesting. Plus the letters about the dogs made me miss my dog even more."
— Trisha (4 out of 5 stars)
" Excellent. Letters were beautifully written, but sometimes seemed repetitive. I really enjoyed the letters from older people who reminised about horrible treatment in Nazi Germany. "
— Leslie, 11/22/2013" It is a good book, reminding me about my love ones. It is not good idea to read before go to bed, otherwise you would not could sleep. "
— Leslie, 11/19/2013" Tears. So many tears. I looked like a jumbled mess after finishing this book. "
— Maranda, 9/19/2013" An easy, but important read. It puts life in perspective. "
— Maury, 9/8/2013" This book and the story about it on CBS Sunday Morning have challenged me to tell my loved ones how I really feel and to live my life without regrets. "
— Emily, 1/27/2013Jackie Hooper is the creator of The Things You Would Have Said project and blog. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit www.wouldhavesaid.com.
Joyce Bean is an accomplished audiobook narrator and director. In addition to having won several AudioFile Earphones Awards, she has been nominated multiple times for the prestigious Audie Award. Equally adept at narrating fiction and nonfiction, and she also narrates audiobooks under the name Jane Brown.
Fred Stella has worked as an actor and voice talent in radio, television, independent films, and audiobooks. He was awarded the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award for Best Male Narration in 2002. He is on the adjunct faculty staff of Muskegon Community College.