Sandra Bullock Overawed by Book of Special Messages  6/8/06

Sandra Bullock can't bring herself to read through a book of thoughts friends put together as a recent birthday gift - because it's full of amazing comments that just leave her in tears.

The actress was stunned by the present, which included notes, etchings and scribbles from friends, loved ones and people she has admired.

But it's a tough read for Bullock - because every time she starts flipping the pages, she's overawed by what has been written.

She explains, "It's one of the greatest gifts that girlfriends of mine gave me for a birthday, like, five years ago.

"They knew how much I loved the written word. I love when someone takes the time and leaves you a note or sends you a letter.

"They went to every single person that I ever said I admired or loved or respected as an actor or musician or philosopher or scientist and sent them a card and said, 'It's her birthday, write something that springs to mind.'

"There's a stack from people in this book. I still can't get through it because it's so overwhelming. They put this leather bound book together and it was with their handwriting or they drew little faces or an exclamation point or just a little scribble and started writing around the sides or writing around the back. They took the time."