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
187 entries.
wrote on June 14, 2019
I would like to express my gratitude to Pat for writing The Great Santini. I am a former naval aviator, flying off aircraft carriers in a Douglas Skyraider.. Pat's childhood and mine are similar.
I was raised by an insecure, hot tempered and controlling father. Reading Pat's accounting of his childhood validated my own feelings and reactions. Dealing with them is a lifelong process and it is a constant struggle to stay ahead of them and not fall back into the same pattern with my own children.
I'm sure Pat's story has helped others as well as myself. I regret that I didn't read The Great Santini and The Death of Santini until I was 81 years old.
I was raised by an insecure, hot tempered and controlling father. Reading Pat's accounting of his childhood validated my own feelings and reactions. Dealing with them is a lifelong process and it is a constant struggle to stay ahead of them and not fall back into the same pattern with my own children.
I'm sure Pat's story has helped others as well as myself. I regret that I didn't read The Great Santini and The Death of Santini until I was 81 years old.
Agency Reply:
I am so happy to see your message. It means so much to so many people who identify with Pat's characters in "The Great Santini" - by now we all know what that means...
wrote on May 27, 2019
I just finished The Water is Wide in less than two days. Just couldn’t put this gem of a book down. As a former public school teacher, and really as just a human being, I’m incredibly moved by Pat’s fortitude in the face of virtually insurmountable odds. It’s my first Pat Conway book and can’t wait to read the rest. So happy I found him, many years late, but not too late! So touched!
Agency Reply:
You know we lost Pat Conroy on March 4, 2016 but we will never forget him; we try to preserve his legacy... You should read his books in the order that they were written. You will see him grow and reach the heights of literary achievements. (This is Mihai Radulescu Pat's literary agent and friend)
wrote on April 24, 2019
My introduction to Pat Conroy was an article in the Atlanta Journal newspaper probably 30 years ago entitled "Confessions of an Ex-Catholic", which brilliantly and with great humor detailed my own feelings. From there, reading his Water is Wide and hearing him speak at Emory University solidified my love of all things Pat Conroy. His humbleness, compassion, kindness, humor, self deprecation, generosity of spirit, openness, and brilliance make him such an unusual and beloved person. Sharing with the world his own personal struggles with his mental health and depression so candidly gives the rest of us hope. The world suffered a deep loss when we lost him. Thank you for continuing this site in his honor.
wrote on April 23, 2019
A friend asked for reading recommendations and, of course, I encouraged her to check out Mr. Conroy's books. I am certain I have hooked another Conroy enthusiast!
Agency Reply:
You may want to see My Reading Life in which Pat mentions some of the greatest works of literature he "fed" on...
wrote on April 18, 2019
I so enjoy this man's work and admire the heart that he wrote from. I look forward to Mrs Conroy's memoir.
wrote on April 16, 2019
I just finished "Prince of Tides" and looked up Pat's website to write and thank him for a beautiful work full of such feeling.... Sorry to find he's no longer living... its a wonderful life to lead... being an artist...., your works, your vibration, your consciousness is left echoing in the world after you are long gone.
Other generations can enjoy and learn and glean wisdom from your thoughts ...Thanks Pat for a life well lived, in that you left us something of lasting value.
Other generations can enjoy and learn and glean wisdom from your thoughts ...Thanks Pat for a life well lived, in that you left us something of lasting value.
Agency Reply:
I am sorry that at the time of these messages I was not ready to answer, even a short thank you since these messages are such heartfelt and memorable... Thank you for writing.
wrote on April 12, 2019
God bless you, Pat. Thank you for your beautiful writing and for your love and dedication to your family.