The Butterfly Letters - Book One

by Elijah Kihlstadius (Compiler), Lauren Kibler (Editor)

Overview

This is book one of a series of books containing compilations of letters. This first book is a compilation of 25 of my favorite letters that people have sent me. Each chapter will be a persons letter, and in the chapter there will be a scan of the original letter. Also included in the book are transcriptions of each letter in case there are parts that are hard to read.

The goal is to help people see that there is more to people than just what we see them do and go through on the outside, and how important (and beautiful!) each and every persons story really is.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940148187394
Publisher:	Elijah Kihlstadius
Publication date:	01/24/2014
Series:	The Butterfly Letters , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	230
File size:	675 KB

About the Author

Hello, my name’s Elijah. Elijah John Kihlstadius if you prefer to be specific. I’m 21 years old and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. I have a mom & dad, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, a beautiful girlfriend, and an adorable cat named Milo.

I also have aspergers syndrome. But of course, just like the things I previously mentioned, you probably wouldn’t have known that. Because it’s not something that I let define me.

Apart from having an autism spectrum disorder, I’m a pretty straight forward guy. I love spending time with my family and my girlfriend, I greatly enjoy helping other people, and once in a while I even play video games.

If you get to know me, you’ll find out very quickly that my biggest passion in life is showing people how important they are, and helping everyone I meet have at least a slightly better day. Making people smile is what makes me smile the most, and even though it can be very hard at times, I’ve never regretted doing anything that cheered up someone else. I guess I just love people too much :)

My dream is to travel the country (or even the world) to speak at schools and churches, and help kids and teens to know how valuable they really are. If I can help just one person learn to love themselves a little bit more, then I will consider that a success.

Anyway, I’m sure you’ve got other things to do or read or watch or listen to, so I’ll leave you with this:

Always remember that you have the power to change the world. All you have to do is reach out and listen.

Editorial Reviews

Be prepared for this book. Take a deep breath before turning each page. Get ready to enter the lives of 25 hurting people through their own voices. Scans of their lives, their handwriting and stationary are pressed into so few pages. In “The Butterfly Letters”, Elijah compiles mail he’s received from friends of the internet telling stories of what has driven them to their lowest, bleakest points, as well as what it’s like at the bottom.

http://butterflyletters.org/post/74246571903/review-of-the-butterfly-letters-book-one - Kayla Hartman

After reading Butterfly Letters, I was enlightened by realizing the magnitude of positive impact that just one person can have on another person’s life. Many people fail to realize this because they aren't confident enough to believe that they will ever make a difference. This book also really showed me how there is a hope, even in the midst of eating disorders, abuse, self-harm, and depression.

http://butterflyletters.org/post/74246436369/review-of-the-butterfly-letters-book-one - Allicia Gunderman

“The Butterfly Letters” is a poignant tribute to those who are suffering/have suffered from crippling depression, anxiety, mental illness, and self-harm. The letters included give a sharp, clear image to the reader of what these things actually feel like instead of how we see them portrayed in the media. The anguish of the writers can be felt through the letters in a way that transfixes and wrenches out your heart.

http://butterflyletters.org/post/74246250425/review-of-the-butterfly-letters-book-one - Amanda Krinke

The letters tell stories not just of suffering, but of hope. They tell of failures and mistakes, but they also tell of perseverance and second (or third, or fourth, or fifth) tries. In them, you can see the resilience of which humans are capable. They show how much a person can take and keep on going. Though the writers of the letters may still be struggling, they are also still fighting. They still intend to win one day, and they make you believe that you will, too.

http://butterflyletters.org/post/74302064688/review-of-the-butterfly-letters-book-one - Emily Harsh