Today is the birthday of Ann Patchett. I know this because I receive The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor every day by email, and it lists writers' birthdays. Last summer I read Patchett's beautiful fourth novel Bel Canto, inspired by the hostage crises in Peru. I had heard her interviewed on public radio when the novel first came out in 2001, and I immediately added it to the top of "My List of Books to Read Before I Die." When a friend mailed me a copy last spring, I knew it was finally time. One of my favorite review quotes: "A provocative and enchanting look at the power art has to suspend real life and to create a better world, one in which the differences between people can be erased and the barriers to our best selves can be hurdled." -Detroit Free Press
I'll be giving Bel Canto as a gift this Christmas, and I plan to read more of Patchett's writing in the New Year.
Today is also the birthday of my dear friend Sister Dolores Hodapp, a School Sister of Notre Dame, who loves good poetry and writing as much as I do. Sister Dolores supported me mightily when I returned to college mid-life to earn an MFA in Creative Writing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. All writers need the support of earth angels. Sister Dolores is one of mine.
I'll be giving Bel Canto as a gift this Christmas, and I plan to read more of Patchett's writing in the New Year.
Today is also the birthday of my dear friend Sister Dolores Hodapp, a School Sister of Notre Dame, who loves good poetry and writing as much as I do. Sister Dolores supported me mightily when I returned to college mid-life to earn an MFA in Creative Writing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. All writers need the support of earth angels. Sister Dolores is one of mine.
RSS Feed
