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I am very grateful for the outpouring of praise for my latest book my memoir about my life with Pat Conroy TELL ME A STORY. I’d like you all to know that I read everyone of them and the private messages. Until recently (about beginning of March 2020) I was on an extensive book tour where I tried to meet as many of you, my wonderful readers, as I could… Sadly, the world has taken a scary turn; my prayers are with all of you…
112 entries.
wrote on November 14, 2022
at
8:31 am
COVID finally found me, and gave me the gift of time to read “Tell me a story”. I could not put it down.
Westerners, we discovered Hunting Island when my husband was at school at Clemson in the 80’s. After that happy accident our small family spent Christmas every other year on the island. It was a magical place for us, and as did you we decorated with palmetto and ate low country boil. The inevitable finally happened, our rental home washed away leaving only scatterings of foundation at the end of a now dead end road and a rusty, sand blasted coat hook we found while walking the beach the year after the sea took “Driftwood”.
That darn coat hook is one of our most precious possessions. Your walk along the shore finding “sand dollar spit”so resonated with me, those feelings of wonder tinged with a little loneliness. Of course a visit to the island included a stack of Conroy novels. During those visits we were aware that the Conroys were one island away, but alas although I heard Pat stories all over Beaufort no sightings.
Your memoir was a beautiful story of how two strong personalities can live a loving, respectful, creative, and joyful life together. Thank you for sharing stories of your life, and for filling in the gaps as we looked over at Fripp and thought “I wonder what the Conroys are doing”.
The library tells me I now have a stack of Cassandra King novels on hold. I cannot wait to dive into your stories.
Westerners, we discovered Hunting Island when my husband was at school at Clemson in the 80’s. After that happy accident our small family spent Christmas every other year on the island. It was a magical place for us, and as did you we decorated with palmetto and ate low country boil. The inevitable finally happened, our rental home washed away leaving only scatterings of foundation at the end of a now dead end road and a rusty, sand blasted coat hook we found while walking the beach the year after the sea took “Driftwood”.
That darn coat hook is one of our most precious possessions. Your walk along the shore finding “sand dollar spit”so resonated with me, those feelings of wonder tinged with a little loneliness. Of course a visit to the island included a stack of Conroy novels. During those visits we were aware that the Conroys were one island away, but alas although I heard Pat stories all over Beaufort no sightings.
Your memoir was a beautiful story of how two strong personalities can live a loving, respectful, creative, and joyful life together. Thank you for sharing stories of your life, and for filling in the gaps as we looked over at Fripp and thought “I wonder what the Conroys are doing”.
The library tells me I now have a stack of Cassandra King novels on hold. I cannot wait to dive into your stories.
wrote on August 31, 2022
at
2:42 pm
Hello! I just wanted you to know that I have all of your books and have loved them all but I think my favorite is Tell Me A Story. I was wondering if you are working on another novel and if so, when will it be released?
wrote on June 11, 2022
at
10:20 pm
I have so enjoyed so many of your books and your husband's books. Thank you for the book about your life together. I cried when he passed and the golden bridge again thank you for sharing .
wrote on May 16, 2022
at
10:04 pm
OMG I had NO idea my favorite author's wife would become one of my favorites too!! I CANNOT put your books down. Just read Tell Me a Story and Sunday Wife. About to start Same Sweet Girls.
That you EVER questioned your talent is mind boggling. You belong in the company of Anne Rivers Siddons, Dorothea Benton Frank and the greatest of all Pat Conroy. I'm always sad when I finish one of your books.
To discover such a great writer at this time of my life is such a joy. I thank you and so do my friends because they'll be getting your books for Christmas and birthdays.
That you EVER questioned your talent is mind boggling. You belong in the company of Anne Rivers Siddons, Dorothea Benton Frank and the greatest of all Pat Conroy. I'm always sad when I finish one of your books.
To discover such a great writer at this time of my life is such a joy. I thank you and so do my friends because they'll be getting your books for Christmas and birthdays.
Admin Reply by: Michael Radulescu
How wonderful, this is Mihai Radulescu Cassandra's agent thanking you from the bottom of my heart...
wrote on March 29, 2022
at
12:33 pm
Just read The Sunday Wife. My first time reading one of your books. Loved it. Yea for Willabean to get out from under the preacher. But, oh how she struggled with her conscience. Being introduced to Augusta brought about significant changes for Dean. This book will stay with me for days. I do love the way you write. So real. You draw your reader into those characters. Can't quite explain it. I'm looking forward to more. Thank you for sharing your gift.
wrote on February 8, 2022
at
8:16 am
Hello Cassandra,
I finished “Tell me a Story”last night, it was my book club’s January selection! What a good read it was, our whole club enjoyed it. I was a bit late finishing it due to some outpatient surgery. Having lived in Beaufort with my parents in the early 60’s I really enjoyed hearing about you & Pat living on Fripp (which was uninhabited when I was there).
My mother and I read most of Pat’s early books as they came out, The Water is Wide & Prince of Tides being favorites. My dad was a CPA and my parents rented a ranch house near Spanish Pointe if I remember correctly? I attended Beaufort Academy in its early days and Beaufort elementary. Our favorite crabbing spot was on Hunting Is and you could see Fripp Is in the distance, no bridge at that time.
Thank you for the memories and for your memoir of your life with Pat. One last note, I visited the Penn Center in 2008 and walked the grounds, such a peaceful beautiful spot 💕
Good luck with your author weekend in March.
All the best to you,
Theresa Keller
I finished “Tell me a Story”last night, it was my book club’s January selection! What a good read it was, our whole club enjoyed it. I was a bit late finishing it due to some outpatient surgery. Having lived in Beaufort with my parents in the early 60’s I really enjoyed hearing about you & Pat living on Fripp (which was uninhabited when I was there).
My mother and I read most of Pat’s early books as they came out, The Water is Wide & Prince of Tides being favorites. My dad was a CPA and my parents rented a ranch house near Spanish Pointe if I remember correctly? I attended Beaufort Academy in its early days and Beaufort elementary. Our favorite crabbing spot was on Hunting Is and you could see Fripp Is in the distance, no bridge at that time.
Thank you for the memories and for your memoir of your life with Pat. One last note, I visited the Penn Center in 2008 and walked the grounds, such a peaceful beautiful spot 💕
Good luck with your author weekend in March.
All the best to you,
Theresa Keller
wrote on January 31, 2022
at
8:04 pm
Cassandra, I truly believe there has not been another book that has captured my undivided attention as your book "Tell Me A Story".
Although I have been visiting the Beaufort area for 20+ years on Harbor Island, this is my first trip to Fripp Island. I visited the Pat Conroy Literacy Museum last week with the Fripp Island Ladies Group. Purchasing your book seemed only fitting.
I don't know if it was love of the area or being on Fripp for the first time, but your book and the way you put your story into words has made my stay even more magical. As I'm reading your book, between the laughter and the tears, I could picture the two of you here walking the beach or watching the same sunrise/sunset as myself. I saw two very public people as "ordinary" very much in love every day people.
I felt every triumph and every pain in each word you wrote. You were so very fortunate to find the love of your life and to share such an extraordinary time together. There is a paragraph in which you describe Fripp...I have marked that page because I could not describe it nearly as beautiful as you when trying to tell my family back home this beautiful little island I am lucky enough to be spending the winter on. While reading your book I went online to further research and acquaint myself with the incredible life of your husband and yourself. Two years ago I had the opportunity to visit the grave site and was so taken with all the wonderful tributes people left at the site in remembrance of your husband. It was extremely moving and very touching. Thank you for sharing your life story. I look forward to reading more of your stories. Moonrise is my next book. May you find comfort in knowing your readers truly wish you peace and comfort and continue to find stories worth telling.
Although I have been visiting the Beaufort area for 20+ years on Harbor Island, this is my first trip to Fripp Island. I visited the Pat Conroy Literacy Museum last week with the Fripp Island Ladies Group. Purchasing your book seemed only fitting.
I don't know if it was love of the area or being on Fripp for the first time, but your book and the way you put your story into words has made my stay even more magical. As I'm reading your book, between the laughter and the tears, I could picture the two of you here walking the beach or watching the same sunrise/sunset as myself. I saw two very public people as "ordinary" very much in love every day people.
I felt every triumph and every pain in each word you wrote. You were so very fortunate to find the love of your life and to share such an extraordinary time together. There is a paragraph in which you describe Fripp...I have marked that page because I could not describe it nearly as beautiful as you when trying to tell my family back home this beautiful little island I am lucky enough to be spending the winter on. While reading your book I went online to further research and acquaint myself with the incredible life of your husband and yourself. Two years ago I had the opportunity to visit the grave site and was so taken with all the wonderful tributes people left at the site in remembrance of your husband. It was extremely moving and very touching. Thank you for sharing your life story. I look forward to reading more of your stories. Moonrise is my next book. May you find comfort in knowing your readers truly wish you peace and comfort and continue to find stories worth telling.
wrote on January 14, 2022
at
6:43 pm
I just finished Tell Me A Story. It was a story that could only be told by someone who loved another so much and who was loved and respected in return.
Thank you for saying so many things at the end were hazy or unremembered and that most times fear was the most dominant emotion. I lost my beautiful husband two years ago to leukemia. Diagnosed just after retirement. It was to be our time but was not to be. I remember crawling beside him into his hospital bed one night too when he couldn’t be calmed.
After crawling in to hold him we both slept for a time. Such precious memories we widows have. Thank you for reminding me to go there on sleepless nights. I’ve loved all your books but I know I love this one best. Again, thank you.
Thank you for saying so many things at the end were hazy or unremembered and that most times fear was the most dominant emotion. I lost my beautiful husband two years ago to leukemia. Diagnosed just after retirement. It was to be our time but was not to be. I remember crawling beside him into his hospital bed one night too when he couldn’t be calmed.
After crawling in to hold him we both slept for a time. Such precious memories we widows have. Thank you for reminding me to go there on sleepless nights. I’ve loved all your books but I know I love this one best. Again, thank you.
Admin Reply by: Michael Radulescu
Pat, this is Mihai Radulescu, Cassandra's agent and friend. As you see she cannot attend to these messages... but I assure you she reads them. This is the first one answered here in this guest book, by me....
I could not hold my tears and my overwhelming feelings so I decided to write these few words to you... thank you for liking the memoir and most of all thank you for sharing such personal and heart breaking message with us. The memory of your words and of your love you shared with your husband is something I will not soon forget.
I could not hold my tears and my overwhelming feelings so I decided to write these few words to you... thank you for liking the memoir and most of all thank you for sharing such personal and heart breaking message with us. The memory of your words and of your love you shared with your husband is something I will not soon forget.
wrote on January 10, 2022
at
10:24 pm
I am writing to thank you for your beautiful memoir, Tell Me a Story. I've had the book sitting on my shelf for quite some time, but postponed reading it because, well, I know how the story ends. I am a hospice chaplain, so one might think I would be prepared for such, but like so very many others, I've been one of Pat's fans for a long time and my heart broke when we lost him. When I read about the mystery nurse and the golden bridge, it made every tear leading up to that point worth it. I know these things happen and I am so thankful that you and your family were given this gift of pure grace.
In 1995, I taught at a girls prison for SC DJJ. One of my students was from Fripp Island. I told her that Pat was my favorite author and she replied, I love Pat. He's the best!; A few weeks later after a parent weekend visitation, my student presented me with a postcard with a short note. Thanks for taking care of my friend, (name redacted). Great love, Pat Conroy.
In 1995, I taught at a girls prison for SC DJJ. One of my students was from Fripp Island. I told her that Pat was my favorite author and she replied, I love Pat. He's the best!; A few weeks later after a parent weekend visitation, my student presented me with a postcard with a short note. Thanks for taking care of my friend, (name redacted). Great love, Pat Conroy.
wrote on December 7, 2021
at
6:35 pm
I am a huge fan of all of Pat's books. He is by far my favorite author. I loved your book about your life with him. I was so saddened by his death, but after reading how he suffered at the end, I'm so thankful he is now at peace. I remember reading or hearing Pat say: my wife is a much better writer than I am; so I look forward to reading your books too. Blessings to you!
wrote on November 27, 2021
at
9:40 am
Our Denver daughter attended your Beaufort literary festival earlier this month and brought back Tell Me A Story when she visited us. An early flight out left her scurrying, and she left her book behind. I've enjoyed it greatly -- filled with humor and pathos.
It made me want to learn more about Southern writers. Our daughter reconnected with college friend, Wiley Cash, at the festival. I saw high school friend, Jim Dodson, at a book signing a number of years ago. Our older daughter loves writing and has written a couple of books to reinvigorate teachers, and our younger daughter loves John Grisham and gave us Pat's South of Broad a few beach-reading summers ago. I plant to read many more now, and hopefully we'll re-watch Conrack.
I am a big fan of Wendell Berry.
We all read the love/controversial story of nearby Hillsborough written by my distant cousin and Pat's good friend, Doug Marlette. We met him at a book signing in Hillsborough when he signed his book to my aging mother with a sweet inscription.
My wife, like you, has a passion for learning about and teaching healthy eating, and like you has helped friends and family navigate cancer's torments.
Having played freshman football at Davidson, I was especially observant of the visiting Citadel basketball team in the Davidson dining room. What one would normally perceive as a disciplined and even grueling pace being on a basketball team at a well-regarded academic school and one with hard-nosed discipline, I sensed a liberated spirit among the jovial cadets in their grey uniforms. I'm looking forward to reading Pat's remembrance of those times.
Your paperback will be well worn by the time my wife and younger daughter read it and we send it back to our older daughter. At this time of giving thanks and gifts, your remembrance of your amazing love affair and the gift of Pat Conroy is deeply appreciated.
It made me want to learn more about Southern writers. Our daughter reconnected with college friend, Wiley Cash, at the festival. I saw high school friend, Jim Dodson, at a book signing a number of years ago. Our older daughter loves writing and has written a couple of books to reinvigorate teachers, and our younger daughter loves John Grisham and gave us Pat's South of Broad a few beach-reading summers ago. I plant to read many more now, and hopefully we'll re-watch Conrack.
I am a big fan of Wendell Berry.
We all read the love/controversial story of nearby Hillsborough written by my distant cousin and Pat's good friend, Doug Marlette. We met him at a book signing in Hillsborough when he signed his book to my aging mother with a sweet inscription.
My wife, like you, has a passion for learning about and teaching healthy eating, and like you has helped friends and family navigate cancer's torments.
Having played freshman football at Davidson, I was especially observant of the visiting Citadel basketball team in the Davidson dining room. What one would normally perceive as a disciplined and even grueling pace being on a basketball team at a well-regarded academic school and one with hard-nosed discipline, I sensed a liberated spirit among the jovial cadets in their grey uniforms. I'm looking forward to reading Pat's remembrance of those times.
Your paperback will be well worn by the time my wife and younger daughter read it and we send it back to our older daughter. At this time of giving thanks and gifts, your remembrance of your amazing love affair and the gift of Pat Conroy is deeply appreciated.
wrote on November 14, 2021
at
11:54 am
Just finished reading “Tell Me a Story” and I thank you for a wonderful book. Reading it felt as if I had a good friend of many years sharing her stories with me. Sometimes filled with laughs, sometimes tears. You are a loving, compassionate, smart woman. And your writing flows from paragraph to paragraph, chapter to chapter with ease and style. Thank you. All the best to you.
wrote on September 19, 2021
at
12:30 am
Have kept up with P.C. since heard him at a Citadel gathering in J'ville in late 70s. I haunt used book stores. Many thanks for your memoir TELL ME A STORY. Born in Charleston 2 blocks from Colonial Lake. Rode bike on those streets. WM
wrote on September 17, 2021
at
12:14 pm
Thanks for a beautiful book,read it in 2 days! I,m looking forward to reading the others next. So sad for the loss of your wonderful husband he was one of a kind.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
wrote on September 11, 2021
at
8:30 pm
The Water is Wide was my first Pat Conroy book many years ago. I have read others of his as well. I was lucky enough to attend a talk that he did here in Syracuse, NY. It just made me love him all the more. Then ten years ago, traveling across country, we stopped in Beaufort just because it happened to be in our traveling path. I loved it there, imagine my surprise when later hearing that Pat also lived there!
My daughter in law was visiting over the summer and mentioned that Prince of Tides was her favorite book of all time. I totally agreed with her. I felt that there were a few books of his that I hadn't read and set out to do so. I also felt that I would like to read one of your books as well, figuring if Pat Conroy liked your books, I would too! So I got two of his and two of yours. Once I saw you had written Tell Me A Story; I knew I would have to get that. I, of course, loved the Pat Conroy books that I had gotten. Then I read Tell Me A Story. It is just perfect. I read it and could see and hear everything as though I were there.
I wept at the end, just as I wept when I had heard that Pat died (the only time I've wept for an author passing.)
I related to your story about his voicemail on your phone and it's subsequent loss. I wish I had saved my grandmother's last voice message to me. All she would ever say was "Tina, call Gram", kind of sternly! If only I had known.... And as for losing a message; I had a sweet message from one of my granddaughters when she was three. I would listen to it over and over; it was that sweet. And the same as you; when my phone updated, it was lost. That granddaughter is now 11, still sweet but not that adorable, innocent sweetness that she had.
I also read The Queen of Broken Hearts - loved it and I WILL read more of your books! Thank you so much for writing Tell Me A Story. It brings tears to my eyes just think about it and the loss of a great writer. If I ever get back to Beaufort, I will definitely visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center.
My daughter in law was visiting over the summer and mentioned that Prince of Tides was her favorite book of all time. I totally agreed with her. I felt that there were a few books of his that I hadn't read and set out to do so. I also felt that I would like to read one of your books as well, figuring if Pat Conroy liked your books, I would too! So I got two of his and two of yours. Once I saw you had written Tell Me A Story; I knew I would have to get that. I, of course, loved the Pat Conroy books that I had gotten. Then I read Tell Me A Story. It is just perfect. I read it and could see and hear everything as though I were there.
I wept at the end, just as I wept when I had heard that Pat died (the only time I've wept for an author passing.)
I related to your story about his voicemail on your phone and it's subsequent loss. I wish I had saved my grandmother's last voice message to me. All she would ever say was "Tina, call Gram", kind of sternly! If only I had known.... And as for losing a message; I had a sweet message from one of my granddaughters when she was three. I would listen to it over and over; it was that sweet. And the same as you; when my phone updated, it was lost. That granddaughter is now 11, still sweet but not that adorable, innocent sweetness that she had.
I also read The Queen of Broken Hearts - loved it and I WILL read more of your books! Thank you so much for writing Tell Me A Story. It brings tears to my eyes just think about it and the loss of a great writer. If I ever get back to Beaufort, I will definitely visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center.
wrote on September 11, 2021
at
11:33 am
Mrs. Conroy: I just finished reading Tell Me a Story. What an amazing tribute to Mr. Conroy! I wish that I had been able to meet him. Your book was the most beautiful love story I have ever read! I am praying for you and wish you all the best!
wrote on July 12, 2021
at
5:09 pm
The summer of 2021 will forever be known to me as the summer of the life of Pat Conroy. We visited Beaufort to experience life in the lowcountry and see what inspired his beautiful writing.
We went to the Pat Conroy Literary Center, even stopped at his grave to pay our respects. Then I immersed myself in books I hadn't gotten to, including Tell Me A Story... Still a few more left. One of the greatest moments of my life was meeting your husband about 25 years ago when he spoke at the Asolo in Sarasota. He autographed our copy of Beach Music after spending a few minutes getting to know some details about us so that the inscription would be personal.
It reads, "To Art and Meg Durshimer: To the love of both the North and the South." When I die, I want that book cremated with me. Pat Conroy wasn't just a great author; he was a great human. The world needs more people like him. And you. Thank you for sharing your love story.
We went to the Pat Conroy Literary Center, even stopped at his grave to pay our respects. Then I immersed myself in books I hadn't gotten to, including Tell Me A Story... Still a few more left. One of the greatest moments of my life was meeting your husband about 25 years ago when he spoke at the Asolo in Sarasota. He autographed our copy of Beach Music after spending a few minutes getting to know some details about us so that the inscription would be personal.
It reads, "To Art and Meg Durshimer: To the love of both the North and the South." When I die, I want that book cremated with me. Pat Conroy wasn't just a great author; he was a great human. The world needs more people like him. And you. Thank you for sharing your love story.
wrote on May 26, 2021
at
4:41 pm
I am loving Lowcountry Stew from Reunion Beach, and can’t wait to read more from you.
wrote on May 8, 2021
at
3:26 pm
I just finished Tell Me A Story, and wanted to write you to thank you for sharing YOUR story. I read it concurrently with A Low Country Heart, and they are so complimentary that I often can’t remember from which book a passing thought goes through my mind like a whisper or a shadow. The golden bridge gave me goosebumps, and Sarah opened my doubting heart.
I look forward to the end of this pandemic in hopes that you might re-engage your public. It would be a delight to meet you.
I look forward to the end of this pandemic in hopes that you might re-engage your public. It would be a delight to meet you.
wrote on May 2, 2021
at
8:46 pm
Have just finished Reunion Beach and have to say that your portion , Lowcountry Stew, was the most delightful part for me, especially the Grand Finale when the You know what hit the Fan at the dinner for all! so great as I have been at social functions over the years that imploded and exploded in more or less the same fashion, recalling a supper club when one of the ladies stood up as dinner was being served and announced for the benefit of all that her husband was having an affair with the hostess and she was divorcing his no good ass!
And I have been reading the books of Ms. Frank and Ms. Monroe to add a bit of serious levity to my usual reading as a way of dealing with the Covid Lockdown, having been a teenager going to Sullivans and IOP during the pertinent times. .
And I have been reading the books of Ms. Frank and Ms. Monroe to add a bit of serious levity to my usual reading as a way of dealing with the Covid Lockdown, having been a teenager going to Sullivans and IOP during the pertinent times. .
