Dear My Blank

September 15, 2016
A selected collection of purposely unsent letters from the popular, eponymous Tumblr.Trunko, a teenager living in Ohio, started a Tumblr that invited users to share letters written but never meant to be sent after collecting a notebook of her own. In this anthology these letters are grouped by subject: "dear me" (letters written to a younger self), "dear world," love, friends, family, heartbreak, unrequited love, betrayal, loss, and "thank you." Each section is set against an illustration or design, giving this both a personal feel and visual interest. Many of the sections have a good amount of overlap, especially those that concentrate on matters of love and love lost. In these instances, they can be a bit repetitive, but the all-too-true anguish makes for a powerful reminder of a real person's torment and helps dilute the redundancy. Readers young and old should be able to find accounts that speak to them, as topics discussed include sexuality, abuse, suicide, divorce, breakups, and gender identity. Told in often unflinching, frank language that doesn't shy away from expletives, this raw glimpse into the lives of others is both accessible and important. A visceral and voyeuristic offering that covers the spectrum from fleeting angst to gut-wrenching grief. (Nonfiction. 13 & up)

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November 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-It can be quite cathartic to write down thoughts in the form of a letter or, in the case of this volume, anonymously post them online. This assortment of letters submitted to the popular Tumblr "Dear My Blank," created and run by 16-year-old Trunko, contains entries on myriad teen-related subjects and emotions. The book is neatly divided into thematic sections (unrequited love, loss, and so on). The letters are punctuated by lovely illustrations that help transform the text. Readers can peruse at their discretion, read straight through, or even share with friends this accessible and browsable selection. However, the writing tends to be a bit uneven, and the mature content (cursing, sex) makes this better suited for high school readers. VERDICT The popularity of the Tumblr is a testament to the cache of readers awaiting this title. Consider for teen nonfiction collections with an interest in social media and inspirational stories.-Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Brooklyn

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2016
Grades 9-12 Dear My Blank is a popular Tumblr started last year by the 16-year-old editor of these selected posts from the blog, each one an anonymous submission of an unsent letter. To date there have been an astonishing 30,000 submissions and this book offers a sampling of some of the best, as well as some previously unshared. The posts are arranged topically: Dear Me, Dear World, Love, Friends, Family, Heartbreak, Unrequited Love, Betrayal, Loss, and Thank You. As might be expected, the submissions are a mixed bag: some are eloquent, some are pedestrian. But all are heartfelt. Sadness and anger are well represented (the f-word, censored throughout, gets a workout), but exuberance is also prevalent. Entries range in length from a few lines ( S, I want my first kiss back ) to two pages of small type. All are nicely set off by the visual complements created by illustrator Congdon. Stirring and soulful.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)