The Legacy Letters

His Wife, His Children, His Final Gift

Fiction - Inspirational
248 Pages
Reviewed on 04/27/2014
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Carew Papritz—A Very Brief but Tasty Biography

Carew lives life as a series of great tests of the spirit. Born with an adventurer’s heart—a fierce and undying curiosity to see and explore the world—he takes to his challenges as if they were fatefully created just for him.

He is determined to be a Renaissance Man in an age that lauds the specialist. As seen by his writings and songs in The Legacy Letters, he is fascinated with the human condition and chronicles it by immersing himself in all its endless variations.


Born in Yosemite National Park.
Son of a ranger. Lives first year in cabin tent.
First TV appearance as “guest star” on Romper Room.
Small-town newspaper boy in Western Washington.
Attends school in England.
Wins U.S. national writing award in 6th grade on the “Earl of Sandwich.”

Writes first fiction book at 16. Agent loves manuscript. Doesn’t get published.
Attends ski school in Norway for junior Olympic cross-country skiers.
“Skied from Norway to war in Lebanon”
Back to Norway to live in cabin in mountains.
Writes on war as freelance journalist.
Works as backcountry ski patrol and mountain guide in Washington.
Attends community college.

Publishes first book at 21. Editorial Cartoon Anthology by the Nation’s Editorial Cartoonists. 100 Watts: The James Watt Memorial Cartoon Collection. Creates nationwide bestseller. Reviews in all major newspapers.
River raft guide in Grand Teton National Park.
Hitch-hikes to Nova Scotia.
Lives in NYC. Leaves NYC.
Publishes second book at 23. Second editorial cartoon anthology, “Reagancomics.”
Another nationwide bestseller. Reviews in all major newspapers. TV/Radio Interviews.
Magically makes his way into Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. Sells over 2500 copies in three days.

Drives tour buses in Alaska.
Accepted to UCLA Film School.
Graduates UCLA Film School.
Works in Hollywood on very “B” movies and music videos. Meets Madonna.
Photographs “LA Riots” as freelance journalist. Gets whacked on head.
Hollywood bartender. Mixes drinks for Bob Dylan and for Roseanne Barr’s wedding.
Gets union card and works on very good “A” movies.
Escapes Hollywood (long story).

Works as cowboy on small, remote cattle ranch in Southern Arizona.
Begins writing The Legacy Letters on back of pickup.
Begins writing The Legacy Songs—the music to the book.
Five years later, wrangles woman of his dreams, marries her at the ranch on a hilltop with bagpiper, and rides off into sunset on horseback (literally).
Edits The Legacy Letters.
Son born.
Finishes The Legacy Letters.
The Legacy Letters becomes bestseller.
Carew smiles and dreams of next adventure . . .

    Book Review

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Every so often, there are books that grab you at the beginning and hold you spellbound to the finish. The Legacy Letters by Carew Papritz is such a novel. A man and a woman have a misunderstanding and the man goes his separate way, uninformed about the pregnancy of the woman, his wife. He finds out he has a fatal illness and elects to isolate himself in order to find some meaning to his life. He finds out about his wife's pregnancy and chooses to remain in isolation, trying to delineate what he wishes to pass down to his children. The wife and twin children have no idea what has happened to the man and they go about their lives until the twins' tenth birthday, when a letter arrives informing the wife that her husband is dead and there are letters left for the children to read.

The Legacy Letters is a story of frustration, keenness of mind, and regrets common to everyday people. The soul-searching by the dying man is endearing and the reader learns gradually about a complex and learned man who chooses to face death alone rather than in the comfort of his family. Author Papritz skillfully crafts the letters so that they become the life of the man as a legacy to his twin children. He confesses he would rather live than die. He talks to his children about character and commitment, and how a marriage works and how a marriage dies. The language is folksy and believable and readers will relate to the feelings of the dying man. Love and appreciation of nature, as well as respect for humankind, leap from the pages so that each reader will ponder his or her own belief systems while wondering how anyone would choose to be alone at the moment of death. A powerful and poignant read for all.

The Deseret News--Salt La

"...A powerful novel about forgiveness and love...The most prominent is the theme that love is precious and is to be handled with care... an emotional read that is reminiscent of books such as "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Five People You Meet in Heaven."--The Deseret News

Readerviews.com

"A work of heart...I strongly suggest a box of tissues close by when reading it, as I assure you each word will resonate in your heart with such sweetness that your eyes will not resist. I must also warn all readers that they will be changed deeply at the end of this book."--Readerviews.com

The Kindle Book Review

“Beyond amazing . . . we live in such a fast paced, high tech world which makes it so easy to get caught up in the superficial aspects of the daily grind . . . This profound book reminds all of us what life is really all about. I found myself extremely emotional throughout this entire story. Days later I found myself still humbled by the contents of "The Legacy Letters" . . . I implore you to take a deep breath, calm your mind and give yourself time to read this incredible story . . . should be a required read for all high school students.”--The Kindle Book Review

Kirkus Reviews

"Deeply immersive and it has a strong sense of atmosphere...authentic...emotionally potent." --Kirkus Reviews

The Huffington Post

"The Legacy Letters--A Must-Read Book of Wisdom for Life... exquisite, intimate, passionate, humorous, and genuine...Carew Papritz has used his considerable writing talent to pen a story that entertains and enlightens, intrigues and inspires, charms and catalyzes change for every reader...ultimately it provides inspiration and guidance for living a deeply meaningful life -- every day -- for all the days of one's existence." --The Huffington Post