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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…
Thank you for your wonderful book. I laughed and cried. Such a personal journey and I am grateful to have shared parts of your life. I have loved reading Pat's books (came to know you as an author as well).
Before he passed, I was set to send a letter to him thanking him. Having lived some of the characters he was able to beautifully express the heartbreak and hope. Especially for how he was raised and how it affected his adult life. He gave insight into his own life and gifts.
I believe Pat Conroy - wrote across your heart, then tucked your spirit inside his pocket for safekeeping, on his walk home. I wish you a healed heart and joy to remember all your moments with your love and years together. You were both so blessed to have found each other. Thank you so much for including so many, I wish you well.
Be well and happy. Continue writing!
Lisa (Toronto, On. Canada)
What a loving way to remember your husband. I just finished reading and fell in love with you and your book, Tell me a Story. I love your writing and how well you told your story. I laughed and I cried.
Hope you have more to come like this one.
Thank you for coming to the Timrod Library in Summerville SC... cant wait to see you again!
Keep up the wonderful writing!!
My wife and I have lost 5 parents and several close friends (including my best friend who reminds me of Bernie) and your story touches a very real nerve. But your final paragraph about devastation, destruction and beauty leave me with a beautiful philosophy that will carry me onward. It should be made into a poster. What a great summation of the ultimate "story!" Thank you!
As we started to leave, I picked it up again and told my husband, I'm getting this. That night, I started reading and was gripped. I was pleasantly surprised to find out you taught at our Alma Mater, Montevallo! My husband, Drew, actually had you for a class! As you moved to Gadsden, I knew it well too. As my dad retired from Goodyear and Gadsden was our weekend stomping ground. All that to say, wow, when I finished the book and had a good cry, I felt like I knew Pat Conroy, and I'm sorry to say, I didn't know him before I read this book. Sure, I'd heard of "The Prince of Tides", but never saw the movie or read the book.
What an amazing story and so well told. I laughed, I cried, I related. I had a clear mental picture in my mind of what was happening. This was such a wonderful read and I enjoyed it so much. Thank you and God bless.
Two weeks ago, I saw a poster in our Venice, FL, library promoting a talk you were giving the next day in North Port. There was no way we could make it, but I ordered “Tell Me A Story” thinking my husband would love it. Instead, I started turning the pages and never stopped. The hours I spent with you and Pat through the pages of the book were so wonderful. I feel like a know you and that if I really did, we could be friends.
I watch a Blue Heron look for his breakfast every morning on the waterway in front of my condo. Birds are my thing. I love your sense of humor. My granddaughter goes to Samford and ironically, we have been planning a trip for spring to Beaufort.
But, one of the things I really enjoyed were the stories about the Siddons. Many years ago, I went to a Tri Delta Convention. I had never heard of Anne, but she was the key speaker. I loved her line about being afraid to show up for fear the officers would take her DDD pin away after reading her book. I started reading every book of Anne’s and I knew she and Pat were friends. But, I Also enjoyed your friendship with her... A bonus for me in reading your book.
Now I need to start reading all of your books. I am so lucky to have stumbled on the poster so that I could find another favorite author. “Tell Me A Story” is so special!!!
I took both, even though I was alone. I waited until after everyone had gone to speak to him and we talked for about 15 Min. A year or so later I was headed to Hilton Head for a golf outing (I'd gone to Charleston a few days early to enjoy the food) when I stopped in Beaufort on Saturday for lunch.
He's sitting at the table close to where I'm being put, looks at me, and says, "Knoxville, you're from Knoxville" and invited me to join him. Perhaps the best hour I ever spent, or so I thought, until I ran into him in Highlands, "Knoxville, come here..." Pat Conroy is my favorite American author, dethroning Steinbeck.
Tell Me A Story is like reading someone's diary about a friend. Damned Fine Job!
As I began a job at the Lexington, S. C. library years ago (I am retired now) one of the first books I read was "The Sunday Wife." I LOVED that book and would always recommend it to all of my friends! After that, I read others by you but sadly I have never read any by Pat. I knew you were going to be at the Lexington library about two weeks ago, so I couldn't wait to come to hear you tell about your latest book "Tell Me A Story". Unfortunately, I didn't get to talk with you that day... others were crowded around you and so I didn't wait but I enjoyed hearing and seeing you in person. I just finished Tell Me A Story and it was amazing!
Now, I have been inspired to read the ones that he wrote. What a wonderful story of your lives together.
I know it must be very enjoyable to write and that is truly a gift! We, the readers of the world, feel as much joy reading the books that you and others write and I, for one, am so grateful to read the stories that are written. They take me to places that I could never actually go and give me glimpses of the lives of people that I admire and aspire to. Thank you for taking the time and effort to write the books that engage and inspire us!! Keep writing! We'll be waiting for the next... and the next!
Happy New Year and safe travels as you continue your book tour!!
While reading the many wonderful books your husband wrote, I always felt that I was getting to know him, intimately. After reading your books, I have the same feeling. Your characters and story lines are so real and thought-provoking. I could never stop reading Mr. Conroy's books until I finished them in one sitting and the same is true for your novels. They are beautiful and leave me wanting them to never end. Please keep writing so that we can share the joy of reading truly great works of art.
Thank you for your much appreciated talent,
Sincerely, Sara
Not only have I read everything he wrote, but through his "My Reading Life" he has lead me to a scan few of the books that influenced him. He has opened my eyes to how great books can be so influential and allowing me to experience the world and feel what the writers are feeling.
Mr. Conroy has given me such pleasure, allowed me to feel his pain and to live the life of his characters. I always hoped one day to meet him and to try to tell him his impact on me. He was only a few years older than me, but I was hooked from the first page of his that I ever read.
"Tell me a Story" was at least a way for me to try and close a chapter with his loss. I cannot express to you my gratitude in allowing me to share in your loss.
For me to feel is to live and Pat helped with that. In Cassandra’s book, TELL ME A STORY, she shares an intimate portrait of the man.
I wish I could have been his friend.
Pat was quite a character, but met his love in Cassandra. Just a special book and story that I never wanted to end and could read over and over. Thank you Cassandra for telling us your story.
I just finished reading Tell Me a Story. Loved it and learning more stories.
Having read almost all of Pat Conroys books and at least half of Cassadra's, I am a huge fan.
Twice I was able to attend events where Pat spoke in Birmingham and tasted his shrimp and grits at one of the receptions. Such a blessing.
As I read this book I kept interrupting my husband's reading to share something with him. The beauty sickness is so spot on with several people, including me. Ants and grasshoppers are in my family and marriage......
Prayers to you Cassandra and all of Pat Conroys family, friends and fans.
I’ll muddle through somehow. I have a feeling one of your other books will be next on my to-read list. -Peggy J (SSG wanna-be)