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
150 entries.
Mr. Conroy was such a gifted writer. I think Beach Music was a masterpiece, and a wonderful experience to read. My hope is that there will be a screen version one day.
Several years ago I had the good fortune to meet Pat Conroy during a book signing at Litchfield Books. What a memorable experience!
Then, earlier this month I had the good fortune to visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center. What a memorable experience!
Center Ambassadors Ed Williams and Fred Campo were fantastic...meeting Jonathan Haupt was an honor...the Pat Conroy exhibits were inspiring. Kudos to all those people who have had a part in developing such a fitting tribute to Pat Conroy...the man whose writings have touched the lives of countless readers...including mine.
Then, earlier this month I had the good fortune to visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center. What a memorable experience!
Center Ambassadors Ed Williams and Fred Campo were fantastic...meeting Jonathan Haupt was an honor...the Pat Conroy exhibits were inspiring. Kudos to all those people who have had a part in developing such a fitting tribute to Pat Conroy...the man whose writings have touched the lives of countless readers...including mine.
I am so thrilled that I found this website. I can’t believe that I was unaware of its existence until now. I have not only loved Pat’s wonderful writing, but when I met him in person, he immediately became my Superman, best friend to Batman... my nephew, Doug Marlette.
I was privileged to meet Pat at our family reunion, held at Doug’s home in Hillsborough, NC. Pat and Doug were definitely brothers in the literary world, and Doug’s brother, Chris then became Robin to complete the trio. Pat’s personality definitely matched well the “wonder what the next act of this play holds.?” mantra surrounding our huge, but in my humble opinion, amazing family.
Pat and Doug were joined at the literary heart and I know that Doug’s sudden tragic death was an emotional bomb for him as it was for our family. I so wish that, while I had such remarkable wisdom and talent available, I had listened to that internal whisper that I needed to write my memoir. Immediately after I began reading Doug’s book, I realized that individuals, experiencing the same interactions might perceive them very differently. I wanted to share the good attributes of our ancestry as well as try to purvey the desire to overcome the attributes that steal one’s joy. At 84 years old, and having gone through many valleys, I much prefer those mountain tops.
I was privileged to meet Pat at our family reunion, held at Doug’s home in Hillsborough, NC. Pat and Doug were definitely brothers in the literary world, and Doug’s brother, Chris then became Robin to complete the trio. Pat’s personality definitely matched well the “wonder what the next act of this play holds.?” mantra surrounding our huge, but in my humble opinion, amazing family.
Pat and Doug were joined at the literary heart and I know that Doug’s sudden tragic death was an emotional bomb for him as it was for our family. I so wish that, while I had such remarkable wisdom and talent available, I had listened to that internal whisper that I needed to write my memoir. Immediately after I began reading Doug’s book, I realized that individuals, experiencing the same interactions might perceive them very differently. I wanted to share the good attributes of our ancestry as well as try to purvey the desire to overcome the attributes that steal one’s joy. At 84 years old, and having gone through many valleys, I much prefer those mountain tops.
I wish I could have talked to Pat about my family. When mom drank she had a lot of Santinis "qualities". My sister had substance abuse and mental health issues. Nice to know mine wasn't the only family to face theses issues.
Also I was brought up in a conservative southern town. My family was the only family on the block to have a Johnston sign on their front lawn during the 64 election. Everyone else had Goldwater signs. I know what it's like to be liberal in a conservative town.
Also I was brought up in a conservative southern town. My family was the only family on the block to have a Johnston sign on their front lawn during the 64 election. Everyone else had Goldwater signs. I know what it's like to be liberal in a conservative town.
I have been a fan of Pat Conroy since reading The Prince of Tides, which to this day remains one of my top three favorite books of all time. I am rereading Beach Music at this moment.
I have the honor of passing my reading onto other readers looking for an author they can lose themselves to. Mr. Conroy is one of those authors.
I have the honor of passing my reading onto other readers looking for an author they can lose themselves to. Mr. Conroy is one of those authors.
I just finished South of Broad. What a moving story! I could identify with the characters as some of the same things have happened in my family’s lives. I guess that is what he was saying when he said if he wrote about his life it would help you understand things in your life. It did. I cried & laughed & was shocked all in the lifetime of this wonderful story.
Thankyou Pat Conroy
Thankyou Pat Conroy
I wrote earlier and I forgot to say a few things...
I was on a website book club and was asked what my all time favorite 2 books were and Prince of Tides was my first. Mr. Conroy was such a world-master.
That story still has a place in my heart and soul even now. My second book was Lila by Marilyn Robinson that reminded me of the feeling I got when I read Prince of Tides and I don't know why. I thank Pat Conroy for starting me on my journey to reading books that matter. Thank you.
I was on a website book club and was asked what my all time favorite 2 books were and Prince of Tides was my first. Mr. Conroy was such a world-master.
That story still has a place in my heart and soul even now. My second book was Lila by Marilyn Robinson that reminded me of the feeling I got when I read Prince of Tides and I don't know why. I thank Pat Conroy for starting me on my journey to reading books that matter. Thank you.
I remember when I was reading Prince of Tides how it affected me. I had never read a book where the writing style and story touched me so much.
In fact Prince of Tides touched my soul. I am a avid reader. It has helped me get through some very tough times in my life, however no books have touched me as much as Pat Conroy's have and I thank him for giving me that joy and many hours of reading his books all that touched me deeply...
I was on a website book club and was asked what my all time favorite 2 books were and Prince of Tides was my first. Mr. Conroy was such a word-master. That story still has a place in my heart and soul even now. My second book was Lila by Marilyn Robinson that reminded me of the feeling I got when I read Prince of Tides and I don't know why. I thank Pat Conroy for starting me on my journey to reading books that matter. Thank you.
In fact Prince of Tides touched my soul. I am a avid reader. It has helped me get through some very tough times in my life, however no books have touched me as much as Pat Conroy's have and I thank him for giving me that joy and many hours of reading his books all that touched me deeply...
I was on a website book club and was asked what my all time favorite 2 books were and Prince of Tides was my first. Mr. Conroy was such a word-master. That story still has a place in my heart and soul even now. My second book was Lila by Marilyn Robinson that reminded me of the feeling I got when I read Prince of Tides and I don't know why. I thank Pat Conroy for starting me on my journey to reading books that matter. Thank you.
I love Pat Conroy.
From the first time I read the Prince of Tides in grad school I knew this man knew my soul. And as my grad school classmates and I discussed, he seemed to know each one of us.
How could one man touch so many hearts and souls in another state and from many different walks of life? I love his use of the English language, it is my poetry now.
When I am lonely for others that have passed away, I read Pat Conroy.
When I think about a lost love, I read Pat Conroy.
When I have a client who is searching for answers, I read Pat Conroy.
Pat Conroy is my Bible, my guide, my friend.
I love Pat Conroy.
From the first time I read the Prince of Tides in grad school I knew this man knew my soul. And as my grad school classmates and I discussed, he seemed to know each one of us.
How could one man touch so many hearts and souls in another state and from many different walks of life? I love his use of the English language, it is my poetry now.
When I am lonely for others that have passed away, I read Pat Conroy.
When I think about a lost love, I read Pat Conroy.
When I have a client who is searching for answers, I read Pat Conroy.
Pat Conroy is my Bible, my guide, my friend.
I love Pat Conroy.
I’ve always been an avid reader but I’ll never forget the first time I read The Prince of Tides. I could not put it down. It wasn’t just one thing but so many. Being from the south I understood so much and then there’s his eloquent verbiage. My my my… his words evoke such emotion... everything from joy to horror and all points in between. It’s a masterpiece. Such treasures he left. Thank you Mr Conroy.
I had missed "The Losing Season" until now. I totally identified with his basketball career as I went to a D-1 school (four years after he did) on a full ride (wrestling). To be almost really good is something that haunts jocks forever. The other thing that got to me (as if we didn't know this from his novels) was how awful his dad and his coach really were. That he didn't up and punch either of these guys out shows how much character he had at a very young age. By the way, I up and quit. And I never faced military discipline. This memoir is a gem.
I Have read The Prince of Tides every year since I first purchased it shortly after publication. Reading this novel, finished once more early this morning, is like reading my favorite poem, or the Bible--so full of beauty and horror, the amazing ying-yang of life. It is a healing read, especially for folks like me, victims and heirs to a southern upbringing. I say prayers of thanksgiving to you, Mr. Conroy.
I grew up in NJ, but after reading The Prince of Tides, I went to The University of South Carolina to study English. Though maybe a reckless decision, in retrospect, I was determined.
His command of the language still inspires me. He gives song to the low country like Norman McClean makes rivers whisper and Springsteen lets you hear the screen door slam..
His command of the language still inspires me. He gives song to the low country like Norman McClean makes rivers whisper and Springsteen lets you hear the screen door slam..
Beach Music ... a classic. While I am a few years older than Shyla & company, so much of the book resonated with me. It was all about how I lived & thought & loved & feared during the 1960s. Pat Conroy, please save the last dance for me... !!
Greetings from a retired Danish architect. Relatively late in life I was introduced to Pat Conroy and have read 3 of his novels so far. They touch my heart and are hard to let go. So, I'm thankful meeting this great writer and looking forward to explore more of his works.
Your web site is most helpful in this respect.
Your web site is most helpful in this respect.
Started re-reading The Great Santini today, for the fifth or sixth time, and decided to delve a bit more into the life of the author. I have read all of his books, I believe, and count him as not just one of the South’s greatest authors, but one of the greatest American authors.
His writing is so full of passion and misery and honesty, simply put, he compares favorably with any Nobel prize winner or other major award winner in my opinion.
I am sure he is entertaining the good folks in heaven with his stories.
His writing is so full of passion and misery and honesty, simply put, he compares favorably with any Nobel prize winner or other major award winner in my opinion.
I am sure he is entertaining the good folks in heaven with his stories.
I have just finished reading South Of Broad. To me, a story that touches the depth of the inner soul.
I am deeply moved by this reading experience. I truly believe that this read has made me a better person.
Thank you Pat Conroy.
Sincerely,
Frank Taub
I am deeply moved by this reading experience. I truly believe that this read has made me a better person.
Thank you Pat Conroy.
Sincerely,
Frank Taub
I first read Pat Conroy in my high school English class when I was 16 years. We read The Prince of Tides. TPoT completely changed my life. Anyone who knows me knows my deep and great love for Pat Conroy.
There truly is something for everyone in his books. I love his floral vocabulary, descriptive imagery, writing style, and the way that Pat painted the most realistic and intricate depiction of the South. He knew the South Carolina that I had grown up in even though we grew up 50 years apart. Although he wrote about the South of his youth, I had seen the same things and felt similar ways. I thought being a Southerner was a shame, but I held on to Pat’s words and devoured his entire collection of work.
I tried to run from South Carolina. I moved to Los Angeles to study Fine Art and I brought Pat Conroy with me. Despite my attempt to reinvent myself and reject the place I grew up (doesn’t everyone do this in their late teens-early 20’s???), I realized the landscape of South Carolina haunted me. It came out in everything I did and in the art that I made/make.
I kept going back to Pat’s books- reading them as I maneuvered life in new places, through college and life after college, through loss, hardship, and love. I realized I longed to get back home to sweet South Carolina and when I really couldn’t bare it, I would settle into one of Pat’s books. His books continue to remind me why I love the landscape and magic of South Carolina. It’s been almost 10 years since I first read The Prince of Tides and I will never get over the beauty and truth that Pat breathed into the pages of his books. I wish I could have met him before he was gone.
I was devastated when he passed because I felt like I knew him, and I had come to truly love him like all of his readers do. Thank you, Pat, for your words. I am only 25 but you continue to change the way I see, love, create, and of course, read.
There truly is something for everyone in his books. I love his floral vocabulary, descriptive imagery, writing style, and the way that Pat painted the most realistic and intricate depiction of the South. He knew the South Carolina that I had grown up in even though we grew up 50 years apart. Although he wrote about the South of his youth, I had seen the same things and felt similar ways. I thought being a Southerner was a shame, but I held on to Pat’s words and devoured his entire collection of work.
I tried to run from South Carolina. I moved to Los Angeles to study Fine Art and I brought Pat Conroy with me. Despite my attempt to reinvent myself and reject the place I grew up (doesn’t everyone do this in their late teens-early 20’s???), I realized the landscape of South Carolina haunted me. It came out in everything I did and in the art that I made/make.
I kept going back to Pat’s books- reading them as I maneuvered life in new places, through college and life after college, through loss, hardship, and love. I realized I longed to get back home to sweet South Carolina and when I really couldn’t bare it, I would settle into one of Pat’s books. His books continue to remind me why I love the landscape and magic of South Carolina. It’s been almost 10 years since I first read The Prince of Tides and I will never get over the beauty and truth that Pat breathed into the pages of his books. I wish I could have met him before he was gone.
I was devastated when he passed because I felt like I knew him, and I had come to truly love him like all of his readers do. Thank you, Pat, for your words. I am only 25 but you continue to change the way I see, love, create, and of course, read.
I just happened across “Prince of Tides” in the new book section of the library when it was first published. I was enamored with his mastery of words and his style. I have since read everything he has written and I think everything written about him.
I visited the Pat Conroy literary center in October as I need to know as much as I can about him and his work. He has impacted my life significantly. My only regret is that I never met him. In my view a true master and genius of the genre. I know he said he doubted himself every day. I marvel at him every day. I too am sad that I will not be able to look forward to his next jewel to be published.
I visited the Pat Conroy literary center in October as I need to know as much as I can about him and his work. He has impacted my life significantly. My only regret is that I never met him. In my view a true master and genius of the genre. I know he said he doubted himself every day. I marvel at him every day. I too am sad that I will not be able to look forward to his next jewel to be published.
I miss new Pat Conroe books. There was nothing like getting his new hardback, opening it, smelling the paper and ink, and starting reading.