Editorial Review
When his grandson was born, Daniel Gottlieb began to write a series of heartfelt letters that he hoped Sam would read later in life. He planned to cover all the important topics—dealing with your parents, handling bullies, falling in love, coping with death—and what motivated him was the fear that he might not live long enough to see Sam reach adulthood. You see, Daniel Gottlieb is a quadriplegic—the result of a near-fatal automobile accident that occurred two decades ago—and he knows enough not to take anything for granted.
Then, when Sam was only 14 months old, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Develop-mental Disability, a form of autism, and suddenly everything changed. Now the grandfather and grandson were bound by something more: a disability—and Daniel Gottlieb’s special understanding of what that means became invaluable.
This lovingly written, emotionally gripping book offers unique—and universal—insights into what it means to be human.
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Customer Reviews
A grandfather's loving legacy to his grandson, and to all of us 
2007-01-10
I can honestly say, even as a voracious reader, that this is one of the best books I have ever read. Dan Gottlieb's wisdom, love, and compassion for his grandson, diagnosed with autism, are very evident in this loving collection of letters on all subjects of life. Paralyzed in a horrific accident as a young man, he is the most obvious role model for the boy in advising him on many important matters of living--love, loss, happiness, and most of all, being an individual and learning from life's experiences, no matter what they may be. Sam's diagnosis of autism makes the book all the more poignant, as Gottlieb realizes that the boy may not understand all that is said in the book, but the gesture of writing it shows that he believes in Sam's possible eventual ability to appreciate it.
Without giving too much away, one particular letter that especially touched me was one in which Gottlieb (who is a therapist by profession) relates a story of counseling a young woman who is having serious life difficulties when he suddenly has an embarrassing accident with his urinary bag. In this recount, he admits to severe embarrassment and ultimate emotional connection with the girl, who shows him empathy and understanding even as she is in desperate need of it herself when she goes to him.
This book is not about autism or living with disability. It's about living, loving, and learning how to continue on after disappointment, loss, and tragedy. Gottlieb's amazing courage and wisdom will benefit anyone who reads this great work. I think I know what I'm buying everyone for Christmas next year. :)
Exceptional book 2007-01-09
This book is deeply thoughtful and moving. Once I started it I could not put it down, and I learned so much from the author, Dan Gottlieb. His deep and unconditional love for Sam, his grandson, is a lesson for all of us. I have recommended it to many friends and have purchased additional copies to give to the people I love the most.
Very good book!!! 2006-11-10
This book is excellent! The letters do not only talk to Sam, in an indirect way they talk to all who may be reading them. I taught Sam at his Pre-school, and I have to agree with Daniel Gottlieb, Sam is off the charts cute!
Letters From Sam 2006-11-06
A wonderful and meaningful book with much insight that can be applied to anyone's life.
Helps you while not being a "self-help" book 2006-08-18
I should point out that I am a fan of Dr. Dan's radio show so this may be a bit of a biased review.
It is an excelent book. While not directly preaching to you Dr. Dan helps you to think about what is going on in your life and how you handle it. I recomend this book for all ages.
Sweet and simple messages of love 
2008-07-22
Upon the birth of his first grandson, Sam, Daniel Gottlieb, a psychologist, decides to write Sam letters sharing words of wisdom. Given that Gottlieb has had quadriplegia for many years, he is uncertain as to whether he will live to see Sam grow up, and so his letters are a way of forging a special bond with his grandson. When Sam is less that two years of age, however, Gottlieb's letters take on a new meaning: Sam is diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (an Autism spectrum disorder), and suddenly, Gottlieb is left wondering whether Sam will ever be able to read his letters at all. He continues writing the letters, however, as he and Sam now share a unique bond, that of being different.
Gottlieb organizes his book around different categories, as he speaks to Sam about himself, his parents, his world, and his future. The letters are relatively short (2-3 pages each) and not necessarily profound; rather, they are simple and touching, with words spoken from the heart of "Pop" to his grandson. This is a book that is both personal and genuine, and I would definitely recommend it.
A Gift To Savour and Share 2008-03-19
These inspiring letters about love, loss and the gifts of life are as jewels in the mud. They shine brightly with a humble, honest and profound wisdom that nurtures light within and beyond darkness. A compelling read you will want to share with friends and family.
Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lesson on ... 2007-05-13
The product is what I expected. It arrived on time and in the condition advertised.
A Book for all to read. 
2007-03-09
Perhaps this is more a sharing than a review. My husband had Polio when he was 25 and for the next 51 years he was a quadraplegic who finished college and worked for 35 yrs. He read this book and commented, the book gave many insights as to what life is really like from a wheelchair and that we are all different. When he died suddenly two days after Christmas I purchased this book for every member of our family to read.
Arlyce, his wife.
Irreducibly simple yet profound 2007-01-25
"When it gets dark enough, men see stars," according to Emerson. In irreducibly simple yet profound words, Dan Gottlieb shares the wisdom he has derived from living in a wheelchair, battling his own inner demons, and practicing psychology for the past 25 years. His loves, losses, and lessons are informed and inspired by the unique bond he shares with his grandson, Sam, who is also different--growing up with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. I wish I had this book when my son was diagnosed with autism over 20 years ago. I am overjoyed that we have it now for "Letters to Sam" is a guide for the soul, much more than just another autism book, and a wonderful gift to families.
--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum.
Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom
