Pat very much enjoyed hearing from his readers and was often moved and inspired by your comments.
As you know, Pat Conroy died on March 4, 2016. This site continues to be managed by his longtime friends and literary agents. You may join in a community of his readers by sharing your comments about Pat’s books or anything else that comes to mind in this guest book. We, the family, the agents and the friends are deeply moved by the outpouring of love you, his beloved readers, wrote here… Much gratitude to you all; Thank you.
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wrote on September 7, 2019
How did I miss this book, My Reading Life? Just finished the audio version and, oh my, I think I will buy the book as well..... but in this case, hearing it come from his voice was so powerful for me. Like a great book of fiction, I am mourning that it is over. That surprises me. When Pat Conroy was truly passionate about something, he certainly could make you passionate about it as well. Such an amazing gift!
As I listened to this, so much of it resonated with me. When he talked about James Dickey and how he promised himself that if he met him he would not become a blubbering idiot (not his words, mine), I thought, I felt that way about you Pat! And I did. The difference between those 2 situations I think is that he said once he met James Dickey he thought Mr. Dickey would have thought it an appropriate reaction. Lol. I don't think Mr. Conroy would have felt that way.
So much I could say! So much! But I think a big part of what I admire is that he took his pain and turned it into a thing of beauty. Without covering it up. As he said at the end of this book when he described the Japanese art of repairing pottery without covering up the crack. His skill with words made him a master at metaphor.
I will always miss his potent voice. So thankful I found it long ago.
As I listened to this, so much of it resonated with me. When he talked about James Dickey and how he promised himself that if he met him he would not become a blubbering idiot (not his words, mine), I thought, I felt that way about you Pat! And I did. The difference between those 2 situations I think is that he said once he met James Dickey he thought Mr. Dickey would have thought it an appropriate reaction. Lol. I don't think Mr. Conroy would have felt that way.
So much I could say! So much! But I think a big part of what I admire is that he took his pain and turned it into a thing of beauty. Without covering it up. As he said at the end of this book when he described the Japanese art of repairing pottery without covering up the crack. His skill with words made him a master at metaphor.
I will always miss his potent voice. So thankful I found it long ago.
Agency Reply:
Indeed Pat had the gift of easily sharing his passion and even make us share his "displeasure" for other things (Letter to the editor of Charleston Gazette comes to mind) Thank you for sharing your thoughts.