The New York Times Book Review is a guilty pleasure of mine. Two weeks ago, it sang to me. Perhaps it was the stamps–I am a sucker for all things mail.

The book in question: The Selected Letters of Willa Cather. You remember Ms. Cather. I’m certain My Antonia was on your summer reading list. I was hooked two sentences into the review: “Willa Cather really didn’t want me to read her letters. And she was hoping you would mind your own business as well. ” I mean, tell me you aren’t racing to Barnes and Noble this second.

I especially love the sentiment Willa Cather shares with regard to her letters. She considered them “entirely personal and confidential” and often requested that the recipients “just put them in the furnace, I shall be greatly obliged to you.”

One of my favorite things about letters is their lasting power. I’m looking forward to tucking into Ms. Cather’s correspondence this weekend. What will you be reading?

Don’t forget to wish your Mom a Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday!