I hope this reaches you. I don't know if you want to know the emotional impact you have on others, so I'm sorry to selfishly write here if it is the wrong place to. I found 'The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake' in a used book shop. I like books about magic in everyday use. This book healed something in me I didn't know I needed. I don't think I could ever fully put how I feel about my brother's unsuccessful suicide attempts without writing a book myself. It is new to me to read something that so achingly explains how I feel. That I love him, that I understand, that I want him to stay around, that I get the urge to leave. That I have, a long time ago, known that I am not much different from him. I just focused my life in a slightly other direction; just to the right or left of what has led him to feel so resigned those times. And while I would be wrecked, I would never blame him or be angry at him. I don't just want him here, existing or suffering. I wish for him a here that is fulfilling and enjoyable. But I would never blame him for a decision made based on the point of view of the world being stacked against him. Never. I just love him and what him to be able to be, but with joy.... Collapse

Hi. It has been quite some time! Two weeks ago, your latest arrived and I am working my way through, word by word. Loving it as I always do. But as always turning each page in fear of the 'oh my gosh' that may be waiting! Wouldn't you know that at noon today, on the way to buy something for lunch, I walked past the neighborhood junior high school and could hear the kids in the pool (for gym class) shouting, "Butterfly, butterfly."... Collapse

Hi Aimee. We went to high school together. I came across your name a few months ago while looking for anthologies of short stories. Since then, I've very much enjoyed reading and listening to and, most of all, thinking about your work. Congratulations on your spectacular achievements!... Collapse

I just wanted to say thanks for all of your writing! I wish more books were as wonderfully strange as yours. You’re truly one of my all-time favorite writers. Also, for the last year, I had the pleasure of being taught by one of my other favorite writers: your sister Karen! I wish you both the best.... Collapse

I have just read your book “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake”, after an hour spent picking precisely one book from my local library. I’m glad I selected this one; I devoured it ravenously in a few hours. It is the only thing to capture my attention and make me feel rooted, acknowledged in many, many months. It is a solid reminder that I am alive, and also exceptional in that it is very well, and interestingly, written.... Collapse

We read "End of the Line" for class in my BFA program and I appreciate that you have a guestbook where readers can stop by to say thank you for your work. I can't wait to read more. End of the Line is heavy and light and enchanting and inspiring and needed. So, thank you!... Collapse

Hi, I am currently reading The Butterfly Lampshade and I just want you to know it’s really insane how similar Francie’s life is to mine. Like It’s pretty unsettling the similarities. Lol. but there’s definitely some differences which have changed my perspective. Its also eerie because I grew up in the same area when I was adopted! It’s really been helping me, it’s really complicated. I know it’s fiction, but it’s making me realize some things within myself and has made me feel not alone. I bought it at Skylight books and I’m so glad I did. Thank you. Thank you...... Collapse

Dear Aimee Bender, I am interested in a brief interview with you for a Southern California literary journal. It could be non-invasive, 6 - 8 questions via e-mail. My other option was to write to Penguin Random House and they might forward you the request years from now. Thank you for considering this, and for keeping things weird. Best regards - Max... Collapse

I just finished The Butterfly Lampshade and am in awe of your masterful deep-dive into Francie's fragile psyche while she courageously explores memories held in her body, heart, spirit, and environment await her on the edges of psychosis. I am a psychotherapist in private practice, and survivor of childhood medical trauma and adult violent sexual violence. My related memoir spans years of starts and stops as I explore the impact of those and other traumas on me: woman, victim, survivor, healer. Your novel helps me remember and be grateful for my constant yet often ignored yearning to sort through what was and remains real, who I was and have become, what I did and didn't do, who journeyed with me, how I survived, and lessons learned worthy to pass along to others. Your writing (I will read all your works) touches and inspires me to deep-dive again for understanding and words to tell my story, one tragically shared by too many and embedded within the collective unconscious of women. Thank you.... Collapse