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
188 entries.
wrote on May 7, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Mrs. Beverly Marle Starr, thank you for posting this here. We knew and met Dough Marlette, through Pat. Their friendship was incredible powerful. I believe they spoke on the phone almost daily and we know how devastating it was losing Doug...
wrote on April 7, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Trudy, so great that Pat Conroy readers, fans, come from all walks of life. Indeed he wrote for all of us..!! Thank you
wrote on April 4, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Gerri this is to thank you for joining all those who consider Pat Conroy a master story teller. He is undoubtedly one and we, his agents, his family, all his publishers and innumerable people are holding him up to this "title".
wrote on April 2, 2022
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
Agency Reply:
Cathie, South of Broad is an intricate story with many plots running sometimes parallel. Some people find it complicated but we, like you adore its complexity. It takes time to digest the Master's thinking and somehow as I wrote in a small analysis of the book... "You could soon be riding a roller coaster of emotions, as I did." The entire essay is here https://patconroy.com/south-of-broad-whys-and-whats/
wrote on February 25, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Thank you Lisa for adding to your first post. We here at Pat Conroy site are so very happy to hear from his devoted readers. Spread the word please...
wrote on February 25, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Lisa, it seems I am receiving many "love letters" to Pat Conroy... I am overwhelmed with emotions tonight more than any other time I remember. Thank you for your wonderful posting. Our forever gratitude...!!!
wrote on February 24, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Debra Seacrist, you took my breath away with the musicality of your message. Everyone who comes to this guest book has Pat Conroy in his or her heart. It is a sweet burden for me to see this outpouring of love and yet a never forgotten duty of mine to acknowledge this all. As ever my gratitude and Pat's family and friends gratitude...
wrote on February 20, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
What a wonderful note you left us... Pat Conroy readers... Thank you for your sensibility...
wrote on February 20, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Thank you Dog Garr. We keep this Guest Book open for readers like you who make our days by posting their love for Pat Conroy...
wrote on February 7, 2022
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.
Agency Reply:
Victoria Lambert, as you know by now Pat Conroy always speaks to his readers. There is no doubt he identifies with them, he loves them, that is why the readers like yourself respond with similar feelings. Thank you for writing...
(Marly Rusoff Pat's agent and friend for decades spent time with Pat in Minneapolis and on the North Shore - Marly is a born Mnpls/St Paul "girl" and the founder of The Loft...)
(Marly Rusoff Pat's agent and friend for decades spent time with Pat in Minneapolis and on the North Shore - Marly is a born Mnpls/St Paul "girl" and the founder of The Loft...)
wrote on January 12, 2022
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..
Agency Reply:
Yes Michael, he "makes rivers whispers" and sometimes roaring... Thank you for writing such a heartfelt message....
wrote on December 23, 2021
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... !!
Agency Reply:
Carol your message gave me goose bumps... so evocative... I listen to The Drifters' Save The Last Dance For Me almost every night when I work... it is on my "play list" Thank you for writing to Pat.
wrote on December 18, 2021
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.
Agency Reply:
This is so very exciting for me and for Pat's family and readers who look at this guest book messages... Our agency had worked with Pat for decades and we treasured our friendship. It is heart warming to see admiration coming from other parts of the world...
wrote on December 18, 2021
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.
Agency Reply:
Dave, you touched the core of his writing: "passion and misery and honesty" Yes that is our irreplaceable Pat Conroy - we keep his works close to our heart. As always we are happy to hear from readers like you, his family and other readers love seeing these messages.
In fact I read you message early to Kathy Harvey Pat's sister who always reads the guest book and we both enjoyed it over the phone...
In fact I read you message early to Kathy Harvey Pat's sister who always reads the guest book and we both enjoyed it over the phone...
wrote on December 8, 2021
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
Agency Reply:
It just happened that I am a big fan of South of Broad... If you go to that review I wrote on Amazon... it is on this site... since I was so fed up with unjust criticism of the book, you'll see we are on the same vibes about this extraordinary book which does have flaws, overwritten parts, but it is a magnificent assessment of the Holly City (as it was initially titled). Thank you for writing...
wrote on December 2, 2021
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.
Agency Reply:
Brooke, you are so young and yet your heart and mind is so sensitive... I suppose that's why you are in "arts" and not, say, in fishing...
My partner (and wife) calls me the "weeping guy" because I can't help letting go by the feel every word of such overwhelming love coming to this page... so I weep, suddenly memories of words and images overwhelm me...
You are clearly an artist in your own right; at 25 you have a lifetime ahead of you; we hope it is rich and full of love.
The marshes with their rivers are still here waiting whenever you do decide to return...
My partner (and wife) calls me the "weeping guy" because I can't help letting go by the feel every word of such overwhelming love coming to this page... so I weep, suddenly memories of words and images overwhelm me...
You are clearly an artist in your own right; at 25 you have a lifetime ahead of you; we hope it is rich and full of love.
The marshes with their rivers are still here waiting whenever you do decide to return...
wrote on November 26, 2021
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.
Agency Reply:
You and others like you are the reason I keep this web site, its guest book and other facilities alive. Very few understand the significance of this guest book in regard to Pat's legacy. You do!!
Thank you.
[We hope to have news next year about one of Pat's unfinished books..."]
Thank you.
[We hope to have news next year about one of Pat's unfinished books..."]
wrote on November 18, 2021
I miss new Pat Conroe books. There was nothing like getting his new hardback, opening it, smelling the paper and ink, and starting reading.
Agency Reply:
This is quite evocative. We all feel in the same way... Thank you for writing...
wrote on November 16, 2021
I adore reading Pat Conroy's prose. It is unlike anything I have ever read. It's like taking peaches and pecan tea, throwing it in the blender, topping it off with sweet tea and then pouring the sweet and syrupy nectar all over the words on the page.
As an author myself, cannot tell you how often I have to stop and read a sentence two or three times - filled with the awe of his use of metaphor - before I can go on. His books are so filled with his gentleness and sense of beauty that the words take my breath away every time. Reading Beach Music right now, and am filled with a new love for Rome as told through Pat Conroy's South Carolina eyes. He will be missed, but I am grateful that his words live on. Thank you.
As an author myself, cannot tell you how often I have to stop and read a sentence two or three times - filled with the awe of his use of metaphor - before I can go on. His books are so filled with his gentleness and sense of beauty that the words take my breath away every time. Reading Beach Music right now, and am filled with a new love for Rome as told through Pat Conroy's South Carolina eyes. He will be missed, but I am grateful that his words live on. Thank you.
Agency Reply:
Charie your city is not La Marr is it?
However, whoever you are I truly appreciate your message. I do know the feeling since we read Pat's metaphors time and again... Thank you for posting...
However, whoever you are I truly appreciate your message. I do know the feeling since we read Pat's metaphors time and again... Thank you for posting...
wrote on October 31, 2021
I am the Assistant Head of School at the Cochabamba Cooperative School, in Cochabamba, Bolivia. When my Dad (also an educator) took me to see Conrack when I was 14, that inspired me to be an educator. I now have 35 years of experience as an educational administrator. His other books were great.
However a book that touched my heart was My Losing Season. I played in the professional basketball league in Bolivia for 10 seasons. When I read that book, it was so moving about my own basketball experience in life. I got to take my students from Bolivia one time to Ford's Theater to see the adaptation of Conrack, the play.
The booth where Lincoln got shot was open that night because someone forgot to lock it. I took my students in to see it and be there. We were there maybe 5 minutes before a security guard told us to get out. Pat Conroy inspired me to become a teacher. Just thank you Pat Conroy. Dr. Bryn Gabriel
However a book that touched my heart was My Losing Season. I played in the professional basketball league in Bolivia for 10 seasons. When I read that book, it was so moving about my own basketball experience in life. I got to take my students from Bolivia one time to Ford's Theater to see the adaptation of Conrack, the play.
The booth where Lincoln got shot was open that night because someone forgot to lock it. I took my students in to see it and be there. We were there maybe 5 minutes before a security guard told us to get out. Pat Conroy inspired me to become a teacher. Just thank you Pat Conroy. Dr. Bryn Gabriel
Agency Reply:
I know (from many translations) that Pat Conroy has admirers in many countries. Now we can count Bolivia among them. Thank you Bryn for sharing this with us...