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
184 entries.
wrote on January 23, 2020
Thanks Pat. You've made me laugh, made me cry, made me think, made me feel, and helped me see through another's eyes. I could only wish for another book.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Paula, perhaps something would take shape from the unfinished work Pat left behind. Thank you for your words. Pat's readers, family and friends read these messages.
wrote on January 23, 2020
I have in my collection every book that Pat Conroy wrote and I have read them over and over. One of my greatest joys has been to spend time with his books. In my opinion he is the best and I wish he was still with us to write more books. I think because there were a lot of his personal thoughts and experiences weaved in his storytelling that he was able to draw people. Rest in peace PC , I sure miss your books.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Thank you Louisa for thinking of Pat. We must not forget him!
wrote on January 23, 2020
I have been a fan of Pat Conroy since I read The Prince of Tides more than 30 years ago. That novel remains my favorite of his, and probably all others. He had such an amazing talent and is sorely missed. Much love to his family and in honor of his legacy.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Thank you Pam Darrow - the family will know soon about your wishes. Kathy, Pat's sister visits this guest book often.
wrote on January 23, 2020
I’ve loved every one I’ve read! A master at storytelling! Each book sends a message if you look and listen. So sad he’s gone but books are forever.
wrote on January 23, 2020
Mr. Conroy came to Fairhope, Alabama to promote “South of Broad” and he came up to the podium and talked and made us laugh and captivated us for over an hour without taking a breath or a sip of water. My girlfriend and I were mesmerized and had no idea we had listened to him for over an hour and never moved! He was just as attentive and nice when he signed our books. I treasure it to this day.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Indeed "mesmerize" is the right word for Pat's power to draw in us his readers. Thank you.
wrote on January 23, 2020
A VERY LONG time ago, Pat and I attended St. James School in Orlando Fla. He was such a nice young man, we suffered together through the nuns and priests. When I first heard he wrote Prince of Tides I was thunderstruck. I could not believe that was "my Pat" from childhood. Small world.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
This is less known period in Pat's life but I suspect it will be brought to light in the extraordinary biography by Catherine Seltzer coming out from Random House in 2021.
wrote on January 23, 2020
I have read all of Pat Conroy's books. After I read the first one I knew I had to read all of them. He was truly head and shoulders above the rest! I don't think there will ever be another like him!
You'll want to read his books slowly even if you are a speed reader to savor the rich language.
I miss him so much and wish he'd had more time to author more of those wonderful books.
You'll want to read his books slowly even if you are a speed reader to savor the rich language.
I miss him so much and wish he'd had more time to author more of those wonderful books.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Pat left two unfinished novels... He hope to find ways to handle this... Thank you for the kind words.
wrote on January 23, 2020
Pat Conroy was more than an author to me. He was that of course; his writing frquently made me stop and reread and treasure his words. He taught me what kind of person I wanted to be when I read The Water Is Wide as a young girl in Alabama. Along with Harper Lee, Conroy edged me gently into rejecting the racism and cruelty I saw around me. I am forever grateful to his gifts to me, and to us. He was able to take his pain and turned it through his great gift into blessings for so many of us.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Marly Rusoff Pat's agent had a bookstore in Dinkitown and that was where Marly and Pat met the first time two decades ago... then he came a few more times with his daughters to the north shore. Your "Minesota" origin caught my eye. Thaank you for writing.
wrote on December 24, 2019
And the very Best Christmas to every one of you. Pat lives in our hearts, in every paragraph on every page ~ (there's a lovely red ornament I couldn't copy onto my comment, and it makes the loving statement, not my humble words) 2019
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Words that come from the heart could be humble; they may not be filtered through our intellect since they come from our emotions. Yours are delightful to us. Thank you for writing to Pat...
wrote on December 23, 2019
I didn't discover Pat Conroy's books until after he had passed away. I actually went on a SC trip that included a walking tour of Beaufort, where Pat Conroy's house and other landmarks that were used in the films of his books were pointed out. Then I started reading.
I was very shocked to find out that Pat lived on the street I grew up on in Arlington and went to the same school I attended. What a small world! I wish I would have had a chance to meet him.
I was very shocked to find out that Pat lived on the street I grew up on in Arlington and went to the same school I attended. What a small world! I wish I would have had a chance to meet him.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Teri, "then I started reading" you say... You will never stop until you read them all. I read them in the order they were written thus I saw Pat growing into his "trade" as of one of the most skillful wordsmiths of our time...
wrote on December 12, 2019
I have read PRINCE OF TIDES twice over the last few years and loved it each time. As my vision is failing I have taken more to audiobooks. I recently began the book again and all I can say is the narrator is a genius. The pace and tenor of his reading brings the whole story, the characters and Pat’s intent out to a richer experience.
wrote on December 12, 2019
My life is so much better because Pat Conroy fulfilled his purpose and wrote beautifully.
wrote on November 24, 2019
I regret having procrastinated so much. I wanted to meet Pat Conroy when he came down to the Miami Book Fair and felt too scared. What if he was mean? Impatient? My classmates told me he was no such thing. He was hilarious, friendly and full of cheeky comments. I told myself I would go the next year but he wasn't featured...
It came down to writing a single letter and hoping that he would read it and possibly, write back. I left many letters unfinished, un-mailed. When he passed away, I was in disbelief. The lively man I saw in pictures couldn't just be... gone. It felt like I had lost a friend.
I would read his books on the school bus and then, late into the night. There were times when I laughed so hard at his writing, I'd have to quickly clap a hand over my mouth to be quiet and not wake my parents. There were other times when I'd set a book down for a few moments so I could hold in tears during a sad moment. I wish I hadn't procrastinated. I wish I could have at least let him know once that his words were a lifeline for me.
When the time was right, I got my little sister a copy of "The Great Santini." She called me after the first chapter to ask me if I'd be "down" to try the mushroom soup incident sometime during Thanksgiving and we laughed at the thought of orchestrating such a thing in front of uptight relatives. When she finished, she asked me with all seriousness, if we could go to the Carolinas one day and see this wonderful place for ourselves. His descriptions had intrigued her just as they did me.
I imagine that somewhere in Heaven, Pat is sitting by a dock over beautiful, clear water. In his hands, he opens a large oyster shell and the air is suddenly perfumed with the gift of his prose.
Thank you, Pat. You've given so much to so many.
It came down to writing a single letter and hoping that he would read it and possibly, write back. I left many letters unfinished, un-mailed. When he passed away, I was in disbelief. The lively man I saw in pictures couldn't just be... gone. It felt like I had lost a friend.
I would read his books on the school bus and then, late into the night. There were times when I laughed so hard at his writing, I'd have to quickly clap a hand over my mouth to be quiet and not wake my parents. There were other times when I'd set a book down for a few moments so I could hold in tears during a sad moment. I wish I hadn't procrastinated. I wish I could have at least let him know once that his words were a lifeline for me.
When the time was right, I got my little sister a copy of "The Great Santini." She called me after the first chapter to ask me if I'd be "down" to try the mushroom soup incident sometime during Thanksgiving and we laughed at the thought of orchestrating such a thing in front of uptight relatives. When she finished, she asked me with all seriousness, if we could go to the Carolinas one day and see this wonderful place for ourselves. His descriptions had intrigued her just as they did me.
I imagine that somewhere in Heaven, Pat is sitting by a dock over beautiful, clear water. In his hands, he opens a large oyster shell and the air is suddenly perfumed with the gift of his prose.
Thank you, Pat. You've given so much to so many.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Rachele,
Thank you so much for your message tonight. Your words moved me greatly. Pat is kept alive through his books, through the kindness of his readers willing to take the time out of their lives to share the impact his books had on so many of us. I so appreciate the time and heart you put into your lovely message.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I feel the need to somehow acknowledge you and all others who gather here. I hope you will come back often.
Thank you so much for your message tonight. Your words moved me greatly. Pat is kept alive through his books, through the kindness of his readers willing to take the time out of their lives to share the impact his books had on so many of us. I so appreciate the time and heart you put into your lovely message.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I feel the need to somehow acknowledge you and all others who gather here. I hope you will come back often.
wrote on November 20, 2019
As others are at this website, I am a long time fan of Pat Conroy's writing. As he said about John Irving and Richard Russo that they couldn't write a grocery list without it being a literary masterpiece, I feel the same about Pat Conroy. To me he mastered what he set out to do to "create winged and roaring sentences, the kind that would set the language free and make people come to my house and sit on my knee and listen to the song I was born to sing." [from My Losing Season] He can write sentences and tell stories that touch my heart and soul. Also from My Losing Season, "As I crossed midcourt, Buisson was waiting for me as though I were a pizza he had ordered by phone. He played me too close and he felt like wrapping paper when I went by him." As we approach the holiday season, I'll coin that phrase to say, Pat Conroy's words hold me close and they feel like wrapping paper when I read them. I know he is writing still in heaven.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Beth, this is wonderful...
wrote on November 20, 2019
I can't believe that it has taken me 62 years to discover Pat Conroy. A good friend gave me a copy of The Lords of Discipline. I had gotten out of the habit of reading books in favor of Netflix and The Tube, so it laid on my bedside table for a bit,, but when I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.
The Lords of Discipline is by far the greatest book that I have ever written, errr read!! (I am a writer also) and Pat Conroy is now my favorite author, beating out the likes of Hunter Thompson and J.D. Salinger.
I read the Great Santini next, followed by The Prince of Tides and The Water Is Wide. Right now I am on page 585 of Beach Music and am finding it on a par with The Lords Of Discipline. I was daunted by its 776 pages before I started reading it, but find it to be a real page turner that I can't put down. I read it all day yesterday and today woke up at one am, on four hours sleep and am staying awake to finish off the book. Pat Conroy is by far the best, the very best, author that I have ever read.
I am a poet and a memoirist and Mr. Conroy has given me an itch to try to write fiction. I am so glad that you are keeping this website alive, because it gives me a feeling that Mr. Conroy is still with us, and that it would be possible to sometime enjoy a meal with him, or a drink, back in the days when I was drinking.--Mikel K Poet
The Lords of Discipline is by far the greatest book that I have ever written, errr read!! (I am a writer also) and Pat Conroy is now my favorite author, beating out the likes of Hunter Thompson and J.D. Salinger.
I read the Great Santini next, followed by The Prince of Tides and The Water Is Wide. Right now I am on page 585 of Beach Music and am finding it on a par with The Lords Of Discipline. I was daunted by its 776 pages before I started reading it, but find it to be a real page turner that I can't put down. I read it all day yesterday and today woke up at one am, on four hours sleep and am staying awake to finish off the book. Pat Conroy is by far the best, the very best, author that I have ever read.
I am a poet and a memoirist and Mr. Conroy has given me an itch to try to write fiction. I am so glad that you are keeping this website alive, because it gives me a feeling that Mr. Conroy is still with us, and that it would be possible to sometime enjoy a meal with him, or a drink, back in the days when I was drinking.--Mikel K Poet
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
As they say better late than never...
Here is what I said long ago replying to some criticism of South of Broad: "Once inside South of Broad you’ll rise and fall with the tide of the English language at its very best."
We can change South of Broad with "Pat Conroy Novels" in your message!
Here is what I said long ago replying to some criticism of South of Broad: "Once inside South of Broad you’ll rise and fall with the tide of the English language at its very best."
We can change South of Broad with "Pat Conroy Novels" in your message!
wrote on November 6, 2019
How is it I've gone 44 years having never heard of Pat Conroy? I've been a fan of his wife Cassandra King and am currently reading her latest Tell Me a Story where I was introduced to Pat. Wow. I can't wait to dive into all his works. May He Rest in Peace
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Tracy, read them in order as he wrote them; you'll see his 'evolution' as a story teller... The Water is Wide, The Great Santini, The Lords of Discipline, The Prince of Tides, South of Broad... they are on this web site...
wrote on November 2, 2019
Just finished Mrs. Conroy's moving memoir of her life with my favorite author. I wrote that March 4 was the death day of my grandpa, my husband and recently my brother all different decades; I hope they are all together listening to Pat telling stories and laughing their butts off. It was such a peek into the good life of Pat and Cassandra's life together; nice to know he was happy at last with her in his life. And what a life! Have loved him as an author for decades and now love him as a good man to a good woman.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Constance, indeed we hope all the good people in our lives we'll be together again at some time... this makes the pain a bit bearable. Thank you for writing.
wrote on October 29, 2019
In the early 70s I was a copywriter Doubleday book clubs in NY.
One day a shoebox was dumped on my desk. It was the manuscript for a memoir they'd bought. It wasn't published yet, still in typewriter type and a pile of pages.
"Write something to sell it ."
Gee thanks. Started reading and wasn't sure what the title, "The Water Is Wide," meant. But it grabbed me right away.
Hmmm, this might sell some books, it was a terrific read.
I wrote what I had to, the book club edition did pretty well, and Pat Conroy ended up doing ok too.
It was cool to be at the beginning of that. RIP
One day a shoebox was dumped on my desk. It was the manuscript for a memoir they'd bought. It wasn't published yet, still in typewriter type and a pile of pages.
"Write something to sell it ."
Gee thanks. Started reading and wasn't sure what the title, "The Water Is Wide," meant. But it grabbed me right away.
Hmmm, this might sell some books, it was a terrific read.
I wrote what I had to, the book club edition did pretty well, and Pat Conroy ended up doing ok too.
It was cool to be at the beginning of that. RIP
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Rik, this is so sweet to read and to know one of those in publishing at that time who worked on those "piles of various formats papers" Pat Conroy used. Indeed the book did very well and continues to be cherished. I know (from emails) some people who became teachers because of the book...
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Pat's friends and readers.
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Pat's friends and readers.
wrote on October 27, 2019
I've loved his books forever. Joined the Chelan Library (WA) and found South of Broad. Best one yet, hope it will be a movie. Wish I had met him. Hugs
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
Deb, we have some film interest in South of Broad and it might happen. The person (producer) who is interested has a house around here in the lowcountry... fingers crossed. Thank you for writing.
wrote on September 26, 2019
This is a comment I left on Mrs. King Conroy’s recent Facebook post. She asked that I share it on here:
I have to share this with you Mrs. King Conroy. Your husband was the keynote speaker at my sister’s college graduation many years ago. I reluctantly took my then (approximately) 6 year old son, who has ADHD, but at that time was un-diagnosed. You can only imagine an easily distracted boy, with A LOT of energy at a college graduation ceremony. Well to say that he was mesmerized the whole time Mr. Conroy was on stage is an understatement. I have never seen him listen so intently to anyone or anything, ever.
You were blessed to have this gifted, captivating individual as your soul mate and best friend and I will always enjoy telling that story. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I have to share this with you Mrs. King Conroy. Your husband was the keynote speaker at my sister’s college graduation many years ago. I reluctantly took my then (approximately) 6 year old son, who has ADHD, but at that time was un-diagnosed. You can only imagine an easily distracted boy, with A LOT of energy at a college graduation ceremony. Well to say that he was mesmerized the whole time Mr. Conroy was on stage is an understatement. I have never seen him listen so intently to anyone or anything, ever.
You were blessed to have this gifted, captivating individual as your soul mate and best friend and I will always enjoy telling that story. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Agency Reply by: Mihai Radulescu
We, here at Pat Conroy official web site thank you for passing on this story. It seems that Pat's story telling ability captured your little son attention. Thank you.