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Review: The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send by Steve Patterson
Steve Patterson’s The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send is a clever, sharp, and refreshingly unconventional collection of humorous open letters. As the title suggests, the book compiles a range of fictional correspondences addressed to everything from public figures to abstract concepts—even to individual letters of the alphabet.
With a distinctly satirical tone and a healthy dose of wit, Patterson uses humour to reflect on modern life, social issues, and personal frustrations.
Patterson, a Canadian comedian known for his work on CBC’s The Debaters, demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance biting commentary with light-hearted absurdity. His letters range from heartfelt to hilariously petty, tackling topics as diverse as politics, pop culture, grammar, and grocery store etiquette. His targets include high-profile names like Barack Obama as well as anonymous offenders he labels simply as “arseholes”—a term he deploys with as much humour as exasperation.
One of the book’s strengths lies in Patterson’s unapologetically candid voice. He doesn’t tiptoe around topics or sugar-coat opinions. Instead, he embraces honesty and sarcasm in equal measure, writing with a tone that’s equal parts rant and stand-up routine. His advice to difficult people, for example, is often as blunt as “stop being you,” which somehow manages to feel both ridiculous and strangely therapeutic. Readers who enjoy comedians like John Oliver or Trevor Noah will likely find Patterson’s approach appealing—thought-provoking, yet never self-serious.
While much of the book is highly entertaining, it’s not without its drawbacks. The earlier chapters in particular veer heavily into political commentary, focused on Canadian and American figures from around 2015. For readers seeking pure comedy without a civics lesson, this section may feel slightly dated or overly focused on the specifics of past political climates. Although Patterson’s points are valid and well-written, they occasionally slow the momentum for those hoping for more timeless or universal humour. In fairness, this is more a matter of reader expectation than authorial failure—the book’s content aligns with the era of its publication, and some letters likely would shine more in performance than on the page.
That said, the book’s structure—short, punchy letters—is well-suited to being read aloud, and doing so can enhance the comedic rhythm. Patterson’s background in stand-up shines through his writing; many of the letters feel like rehearsed monologues, just waiting to be spoken onstage. This quality adds a performative layer that rewards engaged reading and, perhaps more effectively, enthusiastic recitation.
In terms of literary merit, the book is a unique blend of satire and social critique, with moments of genuine insight woven into the jokes. Patterson has a knack for pointing out the absurdities of everyday life and transforming them into laugh-out-loud observations that still carry a kernel of truth.
Final Verdict: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send delivers well-crafted humour and smart observations with a distinct voice. While its more dated political references may not land for every reader, Patterson’s wit, honesty, and originality make this collection an enjoyable and memorable read.
It’s the kind of book you’ll want to quote aloud to friends—and perhaps secretly write a response letter or two of your own!
