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.
Read what others are saying or click the button to add your own thoughts
180 entries.
wrote on October 6, 2024
Next year will be a decade since Pat Conroy left us here on planet Earth. I miss knowing he is not among us in the physical sense. I would love to be reading many more of his words. He knew, more exquisitely and exactly than any writer I have ever read,, how to put them together in a way that moved readers so that we will never forget the stories he told. Thankful for this man, his writing, his legacy and that I can pull from my bookshelves at will and read his creations again and again.
Currenty writing a column about the upcoming 9th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival that will be featured in The Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun...lest we forget the powerful force he was in the literary world and his generosity and sharing with other writers.
Thank you for this space to express my thoughts, however belated they are. I discovered this site today, 10/6/2024.
Currenty writing a column about the upcoming 9th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival that will be featured in The Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun...lest we forget the powerful force he was in the literary world and his generosity and sharing with other writers.
Thank you for this space to express my thoughts, however belated they are. I discovered this site today, 10/6/2024.
wrote on September 15, 2024
Hello there! Pat Conroy is the BEST. I first read most of his books years ago and I am re reading them all over again…..currently Beach Music….pure poetry. LOTS OF LOVE :))
wrote on August 20, 2024
Along time ago I got to know Pat Conroy very well under unusual circumstances to say the least. I was a domestic relations lawyer in Tucson, Arizona. Pat was then married to my client's ex-wife. The parties to this set-to had two children, and without getting technical we had a two-week battle in Superior Court over jurisdiction of the custody question. Would it be in Arizona or Georgia? Pat had taken to writing my client (a brain surgeon) the nastiest, funniest well written letters describing in great detail the moral, physical, paternal and other faults of my client, some of which I did not know a person could have. All those letters came into evidence, and I got to cross-examine Pat for two days about each of them. the letters were only partially relevant to the legal questions, but the judge gave me wide latitude to go into them. I am now convinced the judge was as curious about the workings of Pat's mind as everyone else in that courtroom. With only a minor toot of my own horn I did not let Pat get the best of me. I was well taught in the art of cross by my father and other trial lawyers before I examined Pat. It did not matter. Pat came across as the brilliant man he was, with emphasis on his wicked and wonderful sense of humor. I felt sorry for my client. Deep down he knew that much of what Pat said about him in the letters was true. Later on, I ran into Pat at an airport and we talked about the case over cocktails. I told him how much I enjoyed the encounter and he said that he did, too. His parting remark to me, with a twinkle in his eye was that I should be thankful he never had the opportunity or inclination to examine my faults...
Amen to that. I miss him.
Amen to that. I miss him.
wrote on July 22, 2024
Hi, Î’m a french reader.
I’ve just read the prince of tides. It’s m’y first Pat
Conroy’s book . And it was amazing : one of my
favorite book.
I’ve just read the prince of tides. It’s m’y first Pat
Conroy’s book . And it was amazing : one of my
favorite book.
wrote on May 9, 2024
I have loved Pat Conroy’s books since the early 70’s. My first book was “Lords of Discipline “. At that time I was a young wife and mother to 4 boys under 5 years of age. The book grabbed my every thought. I couldn’t believe they were doing these things to each other. Reading about the”7” was mind blowing. What really had me going was our dear friend had graduated from The Citadel and confirmed that there was always a rumor of its existence.
But, when I started the “Prince of Tides” my world was truly transformed into the reading of words that sounded like poetry. The complete book is like that for me.
Pat Conroy is truly my favorite author.
But, when I started the “Prince of Tides” my world was truly transformed into the reading of words that sounded like poetry. The complete book is like that for me.
Pat Conroy is truly my favorite author.
wrote on May 8, 2024
Found BEACH MUSIC at a library book sale and discovered Pat Conroy.
Now reading SOUTH OF BROAD and in the first chapter while reading his descriptions of Charleston I thought of the phrase “a picture paints a thousand words.”
Conroy’s writing can paint a picture in a single sentence!
What a blessed gift he shared with the world.
Now reading SOUTH OF BROAD and in the first chapter while reading his descriptions of Charleston I thought of the phrase “a picture paints a thousand words.”
Conroy’s writing can paint a picture in a single sentence!
What a blessed gift he shared with the world.
wrote on May 5, 2024
I’ve loved the words of Pat Conroy since I can first remember reading. As a native South Carolinian, daughter of a Marine, and a career HS English teacher who also has suicide & mental illness in my family, I was drawn to him, his beauty of language, love of the South and sports. I remember he came to The Happy Bookseller to sign autographs, and I taught next door but couldn’t get away to wait in line, so a good friend and coworker did it for me, and I have his wonderful autograph “To Candi Pat Conroy.” It’s one of my most prized possessions. His novels speak to me like no other, and I’m humbled when I read his words.
wrote on April 22, 2024
Pat Conroy remains part of my everyday life via a collection of his quotes, writing stored in an app on my smart phone. His words inspire and serve as a comforting balm for sulking. I go every single day to take a dive into the language that feels like home. The cadence of his writing beats inside me. I am a daughter of the Southeast and spent a decade in South Carolina for and after graduate school. No one says it better than Pat His words, "still glow and quiver with life", within.
wrote on March 27, 2024
I stumbled across The Prince of Tides not too long ago. I found the writing fascinating.
Recently I found South of Broad. Oh my goodness! Fabulous! At the top of my list now for sure.
"A smile starts in the toes. Plant your feet firmly. Let it rise through your legs. Put your groin into it. Let it ride up your spine like a train. Let it shine like fox-fire in your mouth and teeth. Flash it! Now there's a smile. Feel it. Show it. Mean it."
I love this so much. Words to live by.
I would love to have met Mr. Pat Conroy. Rest in Peace Sir.
Recently I found South of Broad. Oh my goodness! Fabulous! At the top of my list now for sure.
"A smile starts in the toes. Plant your feet firmly. Let it rise through your legs. Put your groin into it. Let it ride up your spine like a train. Let it shine like fox-fire in your mouth and teeth. Flash it! Now there's a smile. Feel it. Show it. Mean it."
I love this so much. Words to live by.
I would love to have met Mr. Pat Conroy. Rest in Peace Sir.
wrote on March 5, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Pat Conroy after being a voracious reader of his many books, even his cookbook, which is still one of my favorites. In my memories on Facebook, eight years ago I posted a link to a blog post he wrote titled "The Teachers Of My Life", and I couldn't access the post. Is there any way you can repost his blog entry or email me the blog post? I would appreciate it so much. I will always be a fan of Pat--he could touch you with words in a way no other author can.
Agency Reply by: Christine
Here is a copy on Archive.org: https://web.archive.org/web/20150320013935/http://patconroy.com/wp/?p=223
wrote on February 24, 2024
Wonderful man; wonderful writer; wonderful writing. I fell in love with the voice and character of the person who wrote The Water is Wide, and I loved the two other books I read, ignoring SOME literary criticism that did not appreciate the soaring skill it took to put these stories on paper where readers from all walks could find them and become immersed in and make them a part of our lives.
So sorry such a good man left us so soon. I would love to have managed to attend a reading with The Actual Pat Conroy.
Well, such is not to be. To all who knew him and loved him and were loved by him, good on you guys …
So sorry such a good man left us so soon. I would love to have managed to attend a reading with The Actual Pat Conroy.
Well, such is not to be. To all who knew him and loved him and were loved by him, good on you guys …
wrote on February 4, 2024
Thank you for maintaining this website. Now that I have found it - I plan to read it deeply. I actually went to a wedding at Beaufort, SC, and lived in Charleston at the Air Force Base for two years. My father was a pilot as well, and even he talked about how touch the Marines were.
Pat's book was made into a movie - The Great Santini - which I greatly enjoyed., though I did not see it till 2010. Mary Edwards Wertsch wrote the book "Military Brats, Life Inside the Fortress". Pat wrote the introduction to that one. That book changed my life, and changed my relationships with my mother and my father for the better. You have no idea how much that book was needed, nor the impact that it had on me, and Mary's book would have never happened without Pat writing "The Great Santini".
By the time I was 14, I had lived in 10 different Air Force Bases. Then we moved to Oak Ridge, which is if you don't know it, part of the Manhattan project.
The childhood sticks with me as well. The only person who truly understands a Military Brat, is another Military Brat.
Thank you for doing this. I am looking forward to reading the blog.
In my own case, I finally had to stand up to Dad when I was around 38 years old. We ended up having a really good relationship the last 20 years of his life.
Wishing you well,
Kathryn
Pat's book was made into a movie - The Great Santini - which I greatly enjoyed., though I did not see it till 2010. Mary Edwards Wertsch wrote the book "Military Brats, Life Inside the Fortress". Pat wrote the introduction to that one. That book changed my life, and changed my relationships with my mother and my father for the better. You have no idea how much that book was needed, nor the impact that it had on me, and Mary's book would have never happened without Pat writing "The Great Santini".
By the time I was 14, I had lived in 10 different Air Force Bases. Then we moved to Oak Ridge, which is if you don't know it, part of the Manhattan project.
The childhood sticks with me as well. The only person who truly understands a Military Brat, is another Military Brat.
Thank you for doing this. I am looking forward to reading the blog.
In my own case, I finally had to stand up to Dad when I was around 38 years old. We ended up having a really good relationship the last 20 years of his life.
Wishing you well,
Kathryn
Agency Reply by: Marly Rusoff
Kathryn,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have no idea how much it means to the Conroy family to learn from readers like you how Pat's books impacted family relationships for the better. He was able to cast light on issues that needed to be addressed and known.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have no idea how much it means to the Conroy family to learn from readers like you how Pat's books impacted family relationships for the better. He was able to cast light on issues that needed to be addressed and known.
wrote on January 25, 2024
Pat Conroy is my favorite writer! The Prince of Tides is my favorite book of all time, I reread it every few years. This was the book that made me a true reader. I do love all of his books. I really enjoyed the time when he came to our area for a discussion about his books and the movies that were made from his books. He introduced the book and movie, then we would watch the movie. It was a great full weekend enjoying the movies and hearing all the details he gave about writing the books. He was so personable and interesting. I often think of how enjoyable that was, and how much I learned about him personally! Thanks for this space! He left us too soon!
wrote on January 13, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed Pat Conroy’s many novels. What an author! Sad he left the world. Too too soon. I’m amazed of his resilience surviving a toxic family environment.. I’m reading The Lost Season now. And enjoying every chapter.
wrote on January 5, 2024
wrote on November 6, 2023
I was watching a To Tell The Truth dated April 17, 1974 on YouTube an lo and behold, there was a segment with Pat when he taught the impoverished youth leading to The Water is Wide. I’m willing to bet that not many folks knew he was in that show. It sure was a pleasant surprise!
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Thank you. Very interesting... will you send us a link to that YouTube please?
wrote on November 6, 2023
Hi
My favorite author of all time: Pat Conroy. Even though it has been a few years since he passed, I still look for anything and everything to read or listen to anything about him.
My questions are: Will the Death of Santini be made into a movie? and Are there any writings (books?) that will come out posthumously? Thanks PD
ps: two facts: my ex husband was in Pat's Class at the Citadel and he was born on my birthday only two years earlier.
My favorite author of all time: Pat Conroy. Even though it has been a few years since he passed, I still look for anything and everything to read or listen to anything about him.
My questions are: Will the Death of Santini be made into a movie? and Are there any writings (books?) that will come out posthumously? Thanks PD
ps: two facts: my ex husband was in Pat's Class at the Citadel and he was born on my birthday only two years earlier.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
We do not know if The Death of Santini would be picked by some producers for a movie... and there are a couple of unfinished works by Pat but this is a high call to try to finish something...
Thank you for writing in Pat guest book; people like you, his devoted readers keep his legacy alive...
Thank you for writing in Pat guest book; people like you, his devoted readers keep his legacy alive...
wrote on October 15, 2023
I read "The Water is Wide" at the age of 14 and decided to be a teacher. I have spent my career teaching those of poverty in big cities and small towns, I don't believe I would have became a teacher if I hadn't read "The Water is Wide". I will retire in May knowing that I have touched the lives of many because Mr. Conroy touched my heart and soul with his story.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Dear Bernadette (if I may) - You warmed the hearts of so many of us... I receive these messages and vet them to be posted. I read them and some like yours shake me to the core... Marly Rusoff my partner had known Pat for decades and she helped him publish everything including The Prince of Tides and all books thereafter. Pat's three daughters are teachers and I will be sure they read your wonderful tribute to their father. The Pat Conroy Literary Center nonprofit continues his work with at risk students. Messages such as yours and dedicated teachers such as you move us, make us happy, and perhaps most of all, they fuel our efforts to keep his legacy alive. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
wrote on September 30, 2023
Pat Conroy so touched my life. I'm now trying to write about my life and what I went through. Every now and again I go back to Prince of Tides as I have often identified myself with Tom Wingo.
One of the great joys of my life is when I can introduce people I know or have just met to Pat Conroy. The Conroy magic never fails!
One of the great joys of my life is when I can introduce people I know or have just met to Pat Conroy. The Conroy magic never fails!
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Thank you for helping to keep Pat Conroy legacy alive...!!
wrote on September 7, 2023
Simply put, I don't know where I would be without Pat Conroy. I first read The Great Santini during my sophomore year at the College of Charleston and I was hooked. Then, as I found myself totally isolated and away from Charleston during the early stags of the pandemic, Pat's description and stories of the lowcountry in South of Broad, Lords of Discipline and Beach Music provided an outlet for being far away from the city.
Pat's stories have given me such a rich perspective on the world and the relationships within it. He has shown me that turbulence and stubbornness often comes from a place of love. I will continue to carry these lessons with me throughout the rest of my life.
Pat's stories have given me such a rich perspective on the world and the relationships within it. He has shown me that turbulence and stubbornness often comes from a place of love. I will continue to carry these lessons with me throughout the rest of my life.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Dear Evan Scheinberg, indeed "turbulence comes from a place of love" This is throughout all Pat Conroy writing. Most of his life was "turbulent" and yet he mesmerized us with his masterpieces. Thank you for supporting his legacy; you are right here with all of us who will carry him as long as we ARE.