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Guest Book

Pat Conroy's community
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 Patโ€™s books or anything else that comes to mind in this guest book. We, the family,ย  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

Write a new entry for the Guestbook

 
 
 
 
๐Ÿ˜„ ๐Ÿ˜ƒ ๐Ÿ˜‰ ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐Ÿ˜š ๐Ÿ˜— ๐Ÿ˜œ ๐Ÿ˜› ๐Ÿ˜ณ ๐Ÿ˜ ๐Ÿ˜ฌ ๐Ÿ˜Œ ๐Ÿ˜ž ๐Ÿ˜˜ ๐Ÿ˜ ๐Ÿ˜ข ๐Ÿ˜‚ ๐Ÿ˜ญ ๐Ÿ˜… ๐Ÿ˜“ ๐Ÿ˜ฉ ๐Ÿ˜ฎ ๐Ÿ˜ฑ ๐Ÿ˜  ๐Ÿ˜ก ๐Ÿ˜ค ๐Ÿ˜‹ ๐Ÿ˜Ž ๐Ÿ˜ด ๐Ÿ˜ˆ ๐Ÿ˜‡ ๐Ÿ˜• ๐Ÿ˜ ๐Ÿ˜‘ ๐Ÿ‘ฒ ๐Ÿ‘ฎ ๐Ÿ’‚ ๐Ÿ‘ถ โค ๐Ÿ’” ๐Ÿ’• ๐Ÿ’˜ ๐Ÿ’Œ ๐Ÿ’‹ ๐ŸŽ ๐Ÿ’ฐ ๐Ÿ’ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘Ž ๐Ÿ‘Œ โœŒ๏ธ ๐Ÿค˜ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐ŸŽต โ˜•๏ธ ๐Ÿต ๐Ÿบ ๐Ÿท ๐Ÿผ โ˜€๏ธ ๐ŸŒค ๐ŸŒฆ ๐ŸŒง ๐ŸŒœ ๐ŸŒˆ ๐Ÿ ๐ŸŽ…
 
 
 
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184 entries.
Patricia DeGemmis Patricia DeGemmis from Stratford 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.
Agency Reply:
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...
Bernadette Stuart Bernadette Stuart from Neosho, MO 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:
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.
David Feinberg David Feinberg from Bellingham, WA 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!
Agency Reply:
Thank you for helping to keep Pat Conroy legacy alive...!!
Evan Scheinberg Evan Scheinberg from Washington, DC 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.
Agency Reply:
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.
Kimberly B. Stone Kimberly B. Stone from Denver, Colorado, USA wrote on August 14, 2023
I'm a lawyer who still fancies herself as, in a way, a writer. I suspect there are a few of us out in the world. I was reading something particularly odious from opposing counsel today and I very much wanted to tell him to flush it down his client's fragrant commode. Decades later, I have bits of Pat's writing firing neurons in my brain. For all of my life, Pat's writing will be part of my soul. Bless his spirit, and bless all who loved him.
Agency Reply:
Kimberly, yes, Pat was a ferocious debater. You already are a writer - you do it for a living and it transpires in everything else including the message you wrote. Thanks for writing to Pat and "screw" the opposing counsel.
RACHEL HARPER RACHEL HARPER wrote on August 13, 2023
I fell in love with Pat Conroy's words in 1991, and never stopped cherishing them since then. Losing his voice in 2016 was a blow; I actually laid my head down at work and cried.
Agency Reply:
Dear Rachel, that day you joined thousands and thousands of Pat Conroy readers who cried... some continue to cry now and then after all these years. Please continue to support his legacy...
Claire Gunderson Claire Gunderson from Albuquerque, NM wrote on August 11, 2023
To the Wonderful Pat Conroy Community,

Even though I have been an avid lifelong reader, I read my first Pat Conroy book just last month (July 2023) at the age of 63. That book, The Great Santini, rocked my world. I was stunned by the beauty, power, lyricism, and heartbreak of Mr. Conroy's prose. As I put the book down, I vowed to read every work in the author's canon. I dove straight into The Water Is Wide--loved it. In addition, I had the privilege of living in Beaufort SC from 2012-13, so it was a treat and a delight to realize that Pat was an adopted son of Beaufort and the Low Country, areas that remain dear to my heart.

Just now, I finished The Death of Santini. (literally, like 10 minutes ago!), and felt compelled to come to this site to pay my respects. The eulogy Pat wrote for The Death of Santini that are the closing words of the book is pure genius. The entire book is pure genius -- a powerhouse of joy and pain, mystery and struggle, and the eternal cycle of family, especially this enigmatic dysfunctional Conroy one that Pat illuminated so brilliantly through his literature. I believe Pat Conroy to be one of the very finest of American writers. I'm humbled and honored to be finally reading his books. I will read every last one of them until there are no more left!
With appreciation, love, and gratitude,

Claire Gunderson
Agency Reply:
Claire (if I may), I am a bit "speechless" or, to make up a word, "writeless" about how to respond... It is rewarding to me to receive all these messages. True, Pat Conroy is an unique writer of the English language. I read all his books in the order they were written after having read them randomly, so that I could follow his ascendance to majesty... Than you for finding him...
Jason Collard Jason Collard from Memphis wrote on August 4, 2023
I "stole" Pat's golf cart!! While a cadet, I was a member of the men's golf team. One tournament, my senior year of 1995, was held on Fripp Island, I took the younger cadet team members to the club house bar the night before our first round, we were able to sneak out that night after a few drinks. We left the bar, and a baby blue golf cart was parked outsideโ€ฆ I took it upon myself to further entertain and we took the baby blue cart for a joy rideโ€ฆ ultimately the Fripp Island security guards found us, took us back to our lodging and returned the golf cart to its rightful ownerโ€ฆ.

The following year, at the same event the team went to an alumniโ€™s house for dinner and Mr. Conroy joined the occasionโ€ฆ Upon his arrival in the baby blue golf cart he asked the boys if his golf cart looked familiarโ€ฆ it was then they realized they had stolen Pat Conroy's golf cart the previous year...
Agency Reply:
Jason, this is quite funny... It took you people a year to face your "sin" which obviously amused Pat Conroy. These tidbits of information on our Prince of Words are what makes this guest book and everything about Pat's memory so precious to us all, family, friends, all readers... Thank you.
Milly Mohr Milly Mohr from Daly City, CA wrote on July 15, 2023
I just showed a group of friends the film, The Water is Wide. I wanted to introduce them to Pat Conroy as I know they will love him as much as I do.

When I was first introduced to Pat Conroy, I had been refusing to read any books written by a man. I felt that if the protagonist was a woman, there was something disingenuous of a male author to think he could have a woman's voice. Then I read, Prince of Tides. A terrible story written so beautifully with the descriptions of nature and the deep soulful emotions from a man so deep and passionate, I had to read everything he had written. And, I did. I even read his book about baskeball. I know nothing about sports and have never had any interest in sports. But, this book is not just about basketball.
I was visiting my cousin in Florida when we found out that Mr. Conroy had died. We both burst into tears. No more Pat Conroy books. Oh no!
Having found this site, I am excited to find out about the authors he loved and you can bet, I'll be reading them too.
Rest in peace, Mr. Conroy. Thanks for the love.
Agency Reply:
Dear Milly Mohr, I truly apologize for posting your message so much later than it was sent. I see myself in everything you wrote... Some time ago, while Pat was still with us I decided to read all his books in the order he created them.
It was an extraordinary experience even for me who had known Pat for decades...
It was a crescendo of master pieces that grew on me since it was interwind with so many other knowledge...
You did the same, you read Pat Conroy soul and mind... You are the reason his legacy is carried on. Thank you
CHRISTOPHER BURTON CHRISTOPHER BURTON from Houston, TX wrote on June 5, 2023
I wanted to reach out as I am re-reading "My Losing Season" again after reading it over 10 years ago. The descriptions Mr. Conroy writes about the beauty and sorrows of basketball truly hit home as does his love of the game. Clearly, basketball is a great metaphor of his life... I wished I could thank him personally for his book that has touched me and brought back many thoughts and feelings from my own life.
Agency Reply:
Christopher, I wish I could tell people how many times I think the same as in your thought: "I wished I could thank him personally..." In a way I've been thinking more and more that perhaps in one day -no, no day, it won't exist in that time and place- but in a sliver of time I will see him again... and perhaps others...
Michael Hall Michael Hall from Austin, TX wrote on May 2, 2023
Iโ€™ve read every book Pat Conroy wrote multiple times. Each time Iโ€™ve been absorbed in the story and touched in the deep recesses of my soul.

I too had a father like the Great Santini. A career military man who believed family was a contact sport. By the grace of God, this wounded son did not become an abusive husband or father.

Pat was such a gifted wordsmith. You just fall in love with so many of his characters.
My love for Charleston was birthed as a result of reading his books. Late in Patโ€™s life while traveling in the Charleston area, I hoped to meet him and communicate what his life work had meant. Unfortunately it wasnโ€™t meant to be.

God speed Pat Conroy. Thank you for touching my soul in such an extraordinary manner. May the Lord keep you.
Agency Reply:
It is wonderful that many people like yourself write such "keeper" messages... as if Pat Conroy guides your hand through your words. Thank you.
Farrar Pace Farrar Pace from Los Angeles, CA wrote on April 19, 2023
I just finished reading The Lords of Discipline, and it has left me reeling for the whole day. What a hauntingly beautiful work. Reading this book I felt transported to another world, the balmy streets of Charleston, and I didn't want to leave! It made this Virginia boy miss the special charms of home. Also it was very moving to see the struggles and camaraderie of young men united in a common bond, and the sensitive, conflicted soul of Will McLean both resisting and appreciating the rituals of the Institute. Thank you for writing this book, Pat Conroy, and God Bless
Agency Reply:
Dear Farrar Pace, I suspect you read other messages in this guest book. You saw how heartwarming these messages are. I am one of Pat Conroy friends and literary agents for years... My partner Marly Rusoff is the one who worked and guided Pat through his career.

We are so very impressed with all the messages coming into this guest book. This is what keeps Pat Conroy Legacy alive. From the bottom of our hearts THANK YOU.
William Dykes William Dykes from Jonesborough, TN wrote on April 18, 2023
My wife died December 28, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer diagnosed in 2016. We visited Pat's resting place in St Helena Gardens in 2018-he was our favorite writer and we/I miss him till this day as I do my wife. I continuously re-read Pat's books and derive comfort and inspiration -as I do for my wife Patricia Bolton/Pat Conroy rests in peace-In The Name Of the Father Son and Holy Spirit
Bill Dykes
Agency Reply:
Dear Bill Dykes, you certainly know Pat passed away like your lovely wife by this mayhem known as pancreatic cancer. I can see you at the St. Elena Gardens cemetery - we go there often, pull the car in and stand for sometimes recalling our friend and American Wonder Pat Conroy.

May GOD rest Patricia Bolton in peace and may HIM get all of us together when he WILL ...
Dennis Murphy Dennis Murphy from Yakima, WA wrote on April 6, 2023
During a break in my careers, I taught school in Moncks Corner, and lived in West Ashley. I am reading 'The Water is Wide", which has transported me to Daufuskie Island, and the life these children experienced. This book touched me heart and my soul.
Agency Reply:
Dear Dennis Murphy,
People like you keep Pat Conroy Legacy alive. Thank you so very much for this.
Indeed The Water is Wide encouraged many people at that time and even now to become teachers...
Richard Montpetit Richard Montpetit from Hauppauge, NY wrote on March 14, 2023
It is with much interest that I read the entries from the many fans of Pat Conroy ( I almost feel I should refer to him as โ€œjust Patโ€ because of the closeness I feel about his life, his tragedies, his joys...) He is to me a cherished friend.
I just finished my second reading of The Prince of Tides after first reading it in the early โ€˜90โ€™s. I am envious of the readers who comment on discovering Pat for the first time, whether it be The Water is Wide, The Great Santini or The Prince of Tides because I recall the joy I had in reading a new book by Pat. I have read them all and now that I have reread The Water is Wide and The Prince of Tides I have discovered that the experience of rereading them is as joyful , thought provoking and emotional as the first time I read each of his works.
Like the first two pages of The Great Gatsby, I find Patโ€™s beautiful introductory pages of The Prince of Tides to be some of the most enduring poetic prose that I have ever read. I immediately wanted to visit the low country of his novels to immerse myself in the beauty of the land he wrote of with so much love and devotion.
Onwards to my return to Beach Music!!!
Agency Reply:
You are so very right. Pat Conroy books make it easy for re-reads. I remember myself after finishing them all I started over again. Thank you for helping preserve Pat's memory.
Irina Kleiman Irina Kleiman from Toro wrote on February 27, 2023
Iโ€™ve read many of Patโ€™s books over the years, Prince of Tides being my favourite. I am in the process of planning a trip to Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah for the end of March so I decided to reread Prince of Tides to prepare myself for the trip. I have only a few pages left and I canโ€™t describe how much this book has touched me in so many ways. I am so looking forward to finally seeing the Lowcountry and I will certainly drop by the Pat Conroy center while in Beaufort. Thank goodness for writers like Pat Conroy!
Agency Reply:
Dear Irina Kleiman, you will not be disappointed coming to the lowcountry and the Pat Conroy center. We are all in love with people like you who keep the โ€œConroy Legacyโ€ alive. Iโ€™ll send you an email with Patโ€™s sister who is a board member and a docent at the centerโ€ฆ
C Richardson C Richardson from Spring Grove wrote on February 19, 2023
Thank you Pat! With tears in my eyes and a full heart, I write this as a fellow Marine Corps Brat! My dad wasโ€ฆ almost a duplicate copy of yours, but by the Grace of God I learned to love him and the Corps sadly long after I left that life. As with The Great Santiniโ€ฆ it wasnโ€™t always bad and there are many times I look back and appreciate what the Marine Corps taught meโ€ฆ lessons learned.
Agency Reply:
By your email I suppose you are Debby... so it is with great pleasure and emotion to read your words in Pat's guestbook - Wonderful you shared your memories... Pat's family, readers, fans... read these messages from his devoted followers. You are one of those supporting his legacy. One of the wonderful people who write to tell everybody that Pat Conroy writing means something to them. Thank you.
Jeff Chapman Jeff Chapman from Ogden, Utah wrote on January 19, 2023
I just finished My Losing Season and it touched my heart. It was given to me by a cheating spouse 20 years ago as she was leaving me but I didnโ€™t have the courage to read it until this year.
I guess I finally got over her. Thanks to you Pat Conroy
Agency Reply:
Dear Jeff,
First, I thank you for being a Pat Conroy supporter by liking his books and perhaps reading more of his masterpieces.
Second, your message is the most hilarious we received in a great deal of time.
Twenty years is like an eternity in people's relations; I hope you two at least talk now... in the same spirit of Pat Conroy who made peace with many matters he had over the years...
Dale Terbush Dale Terbush from Paradise Valley, Arizona wrote on January 14, 2023
A year or so ago, I read/listened to "My losing season", it was by accident and it was no accident that I was instantly captured by the beautiful way that this writer this artist, Pat Conroy wove his stories. The smooth butter of his words made them so easy to be consumed. I found myself numerous times shaking my head at the beauty of his lyrics. As one whom listens to audio books as I drive, I decided to purchase "South of Broad" right before Christmas. It was fortunate it arrived the morning the day I would be leaving... then well, it had me at and took me too "the mansion on the river" and I never turned around. I so love it when we are introduced to places and characters so vivid and colorful that they are a joy to visualize in our minds eye... and thogh they only truly exist in the words of a gifted writer, we find ourselves giving them, these words on paper, personalities of flesh and bone. With that, those visualizations, we become voyeurs to their journeys...

When I think about it, getting lost in one of Pats books is kind of like going on a vacation... a journey of new friends and the excitement, drama, etc that they bring with them on every word, every page, but then... as in life everything that has a beginning must also have an end... you start to fear the final pages... and so it is that as those pages do dwindle down, the realization it will soon be over and everything must go back to your normal... so it is that with that last page... that last line, you find yourself knowing, that you will be missing those words of flesh and bone that you came to know and the moments you shared in the pages you left behind.
Agency Reply:
Thank you for your wonderful words to Pat Conroy. Thank you for keeping the "flame" alive. Many read these notes, the family loves to see them.
Thomas Harris Thomas Harris from Burgaw wrote on December 11, 2022
Thank you for the great work. I have always loved your books. RIP sir.
Agency Reply:
Thank you Thomas Harris for keeping Pat Conroy in your thoughts. There is so much to read by him...
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About Pat Conroy

  • The Definitive Biography
    • Pat’s Cemetery Notes
  • Awards
  • Legacy Articles
  • Profiles of Pat Conroy
  • Pat’s Desk
  • Letters to My Readers
    • Letter to Readers October 2009
    • Letter to Readers August 2009
  • Video Interviews

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