Social Change & Activism discussion

200 Letters is a spirited novel about two people trying to escape abusive relationships and finding love, strength, and endurance through their struggle. They are faced with the harshest of obstacles (hatred, jealousy, manipulation, physical danger, imprisonment, abuse of power, unfair persecution/judgement, and social injustice) on their journey. This page turner is filled with passion, drama, suspense and spiritual enlightenment. Check out 200 Letters by Amy Watkins, available on Amazon and free with Kindle Unlimited.

Amy,
I just posted a review of 200 Letters on Amazon. I also took the liberty of adding three quotes from the book to goodreads' quotes database. Overall, I gave the book a positive review. Below is more extensive feedback for your consideration.

200 Letters is a thought-provoking collection of stories interwoven with biblical insights. The stories are told from various perspectives, adding tremendous depth. Generally, the stories illustrate the many dangers inherent in close, toxic, and abusive relationships. Mental health is a common theme throughout.

I read with great interest the chapters involving imprisonment. The book would benefit from additional exploration of this topic in particular. Longstanding injustices in America's prison conditions are readily apparent to the reader.

The section on equating black imprisonment for petty offenses to slavery is excellent. My applause to the author for including it. Might I suggest exploring this topic in more detail in a future book? I would be honored to add that to my bookshelf.

The book could be shorter. Character development is often prolonged rather than concise. I get that the author is trying to show, not tell, but the work would benefit from focusing on the heart of each story. That said, the stories are well-introduced. Maybe the author could consider a second edition that is much shorter. Additionally, the cover would benefit from improvement to reach a wider audience.

The book contains keen insights on sex and human desire.

I plan to cite 200 Letters in a planned book on prisons and recidivism. My sincere thanks to you, Amy, for your thoughtful insights on the matter. --Miles Garrett

Quotes from the book:

"Since 1865, when the [Thirteenth] Amendment was passed, Black men were getting charged, set up, arrested, and convicted for the pettiest of offenses--like child support. They were getting harsher sentences than their white counterparts. That way, the cotton could still get picked and the tobacco could still get plucked. The Confederate way of making money could still survive despite the abolishment of slavery."

"Jesus did a lot, said a lot, and taught a lot, but his ultimate message was love."

"Open your heart to love again. By this, I mean biblical love (patience, kindness, honesty, peace). God is love."--Amy Watkins