My Reading LIfe
You can imagine my elation at discovering a new title coming out by Pat Conroy. After all, he is my favorite author ever. This one, MY READING LIFE, is a small book. But what a little gem that packs a big punch.
In this new biography coming out tomorrow, Conroy takes us on a journey of his life through the books he’s read. It’s an emotional little book that has a warm and clever cover. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this one from the publisher, Nan A. Talese/ Doubleday. I’ve had it on my nightstand for over a month, and have been enjoying slowly devouring each stellar chapter.
The books are the real characters in Conroy’s book. He says he’s lived his life differently because of reading. In this book he shows just how that happened. He bares his soul and gives us so much of himself here. To say I have loved being allowed inside Pat Conroy’s reading life is an understatement.
There are fifteen chapters devoted to specific titles and authors. Conroy shows us with that gorgeous poetic prose of his just how beautiful words can be. I once said that if he wrote a cookbook I would devour each and every word. Then he did just that. And I did devour it.
I just found out Pat Conroy’s birthday is the day after mine. We’ve just had birthdays. Something we have in common. I like that. And we are both avid book sniffers. I love the feel and smell of a real book. So does he. We love being surrounded by the books we so love.
I have to mention BEACH MUSIC, which is my favorite of his books. It’s also my favorite book of all time. I read it when it came out many years ago. Then took it
Beach Music
to Italy two years ago and reread it. I loved it even more after the second reading. When people ask me what to read, I immediately slap a copy of this utterly amazing novel in their hands. It is a must read.
Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy lives on Fripp Island, South Carolina. He reads 200 pages a day. I hope he is working on a novel. I will be so grateful! This literary world is so much better just having him in it.
Maurice on Books 
Good morning Maurice! I LOVE Pat Conroy too and now cannot wait to pick up a copy of his latest book. I really hope he is working on yet another masterpiece. Thanks for the amazing tip.
What an amazing cover ! I can just see the ideas taking off in his mind (and mine). Can’t wait to read it! A belated Happy Birthday! – Joyce
Thanks Joyce. You’re gonna love it!
I pre-ordered months ago and am waiting for it to arrive. I love Pat Conroy’s books—I am looking forward to reading it and will be pacing by my mailbox until it is in my hands……Of course I then face my Conroy dilemma; devour the book immediately….or ration it out slowly to make it last…..Thanks Pat for writing another one!
I had the pleasure of Mr. Conroys company at a party in Beaufort,S.C. in the early 1970s hosted by Ms. Marion Talmadge Ethredge. Later as I read all of his published works, They did not compare to the man himself. Mr. Conroy is extremely witty. In the novel “South of Broad”, I can still hear his Low Country stories and humor told in an unforgettable manner and depth of feeling. Like my Aussie mates say ” good on ya ” .