Letter to a Great Grandson: A Message of Love, Advice, and Hopes for the Future Hardback - 2004

-- from "Letter to a Great Grandson"

In this heartwarming book -- written for his great-grandson but perfect for readers of all ages -- a beloved commentator and trusted public figure shares his thoughts on topics ranging from relationships to science to life in general.

When his great-grandson Alexander was born in 2002, Hugh Downs suddenly gained a rare perspective on the world from seeing American culture evolve through five generations (his parents', his own, his children's, his grandchildren's, and now his great-grandson's). Once Downs realized the extraordinary amount of love he felt for his brand-new descendant and the profound connection he sensed between them, he decided to write a letter to be read at the different stages of Alexander's life.

"Letter to a Great Grandson" is thoughtful and touching, funny and wise. With his trademark insight, Downs discusses the joys, possibilities, and challenges of infancy, young adulthood, middle age, old age, and everything in between. Divided into eleven chronological decades of life, it describes the common problems, achievements, and expectations of each stage. Throughout, Downs offers his characteristically erudite thoughts on myriad subjects, as well as delightful anecdotes from his own life.

A celebration of the remarkable bond between grandparents and their grandchildren (and great-grandparents and their great-grandchildren), this special book emphasizes the importance of maintaining that most precious possession --family connections. It will resonate personally with each reading and in each new phase of life, and is a wonderful gift to be treasured for generations.