Postcards from Cookie: A Memoir of Motherhood, Miracles, and a Whole Lot of Mail

Caroline Clarke

Apr 2014 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

Award-winning journalist and host of Black Enterprise Business Report Caroline Clarke's moving memoir of her surprise discovery of her birthmother—Cookie Cole, the daughter of Nat King Cole—and the relationship that blossomed between them through the heartfelt messages they exchanged on hundreds of postcards.

Caroline Clarke was born in an era when adoptions were shameful, secret, and sealed. While she wondered about her biological parents, she kept her curiosity in check, until a series of small health problems raised concerns about her genetic heritage and its consequences for her two children's lives and her own.

Though Spence-Chapin Family Service, the agency that handled her adoption, could not reveal the name of her birth mother, it was able to provide details that lead to a shocking truth. Caroline's birth mother and her family were related to a friend. The woman who gave her life was none other than Carole "Cookie" Cole, the daughter of iconic crooner and pianist Nat King Cole.

Drawing on details provided by the agency and her own investigative skills, Caroline embarked on a life-changing journey of discovery that stretched from coast to coast, forged through e-mail, phone calls, and post cards. The constancy, volume, and intimacy of her steady correspondence with Cookie filled the days and distance between them. Through brief yet poignant messages squeezed onto three-inch open-faced squares, mother and daughter revealed themselves, sharing secrets, taking risks, and ultimately building a bond like no other.

A heartfelt, inspiring tribute to both Caroline's adoptive parents and her biological mother, Postcards from Cookie illuminates the enduring power of love to shape and guide our lives.

Ratings and reviews

STANDING OVATION! 😂 This awesome book has taught me more then word could deliver. I applaud Little "C". You have shared your heart, your love, your life and your Big Sea. Thank you so much!

Ms. Clarke weaves a stunning and heartfelt story. Boomers will love the references to NKC and his seminal journey. I remember the day he died! Good, great read.

As I read and am able to relate to Caroline in many ways. It took love, courage, forgiveness, and encouragement to write this and I'm glad she shared her story with the world.

About the author

Caroline Clarke has spent most of her career at the media company Black Enterprise, where throughout the years she has held several key positions. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Smith College and a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. A passionate advocate for adoption, she lives in New York with her family.