Recovery

I’m still in a fog – feel like I could sleep for a month or three. I’m slogging through my email, so if you’ve been waiting to hear back from me about something, you’ll probably get a message soon. My goal is to get it all done in time to watch the Finals tonight. I’m bummed that Michigan St. won’t be playing.

Sarah writes: My name is Sarah and im a sophmore and Holy Names Academy in Seattle. You came to my school a month or so ago and told us all about your books. After that assembly my friend and i decided we were going to go get your books because they sounded awesome. anyways i’ve just gotten them yesterday, i got Prom and Speak. I got them yesterday around 2 and its almost 1 the next day and i have finished both of them. i absolutely loved both of the books!!!!!! and i cant wait to share them with my friends and read them over and over again. And i cant wait until the Speak movie comes out, i wish they would make one for prom too, i think that would be hilarious!! Thank you soo much for sharing your stories they are incredible! You have picked up an eternal fan!

Thank you very much, Sarah. That’s the kind of letter that makes authors quit whining about being tired.

And then this came in from Rachel:
Dear Ms. Anderson:

As I was quietly fishing through the bookstore one night, I came across “Prom”, your newest book. A golden sticker was plastered on the cover; it said, “Signed Copy.” I opened it, expecting to see a fake, copied signature, but no. I saw your autograph, with the word “Dance!” before it.

This made my day.

At the start of my 8th grade year, if someone had told me your name, I would have gaped at them and asked them, “Who on Earth is she?”

But as I continued on with my year, I was introduced to “Speak.” This entralling and meaningful book was one that I read over and over again in the course of two days. It was amazing and meant so much to me. The voice that you portrayed of the main character was what I loved most. I still read this book daily.

A few weeks later, I read “Fever 1793”. I admit I didn’t read this book as fast as “Speak”, but nevertheless, it was another meaningful yet very different book.

So I then stumble across “Prom,” which I just completed today. I must congratulate you on your success as a writer. You are such a role model to me, as I dream to become someone like you. Your voice is so strong, and speaks out to so many teens. After reading your books, I’ve discovered what being a teenager is really about. You’ve taught me so many aspects of writing, and I thank you dearly for that. I can now say, “Laurie Halse Anderson? She’s my favorite writer.”

Thanks also to Librarian Susan who gave me the great feedback about PROM from the Upper Dublin Book Bites club, and to Robin for the encouraging note.

God, I love my job.

30 Replies to “Recovery”

  1. Hi!

    You’re a very great author. Your voice IS excellent. *nods*

    I friended you on LJ and I’ve finally decided to say hi. ^^; I was at Borders once, looking for a book to read and I came upon Speak, and I didn’t buy it. But the next time I went back there, I was drawn to it again and I had to buy it. I thought it was going to be one of those nonsense novels about people angsting until the reader themselves die, but no. I was reading it over the phone with my friend before because, seriously, it’s an awesome book, and I love the humor. And I had to share it with my friend. 🙂 I’m reading it again for a second time.

    I went to your website and found out there’s going to be a movie on this book. I can’t wait.

    Then I heard you just published a new book called Prom. I just finished it today, and I also think that it should be turned into a movie.

    I can’t wait until you publish more books!

  2. Hi!

    You’re a very great author. Your voice IS excellent. *nods*

    I friended you on LJ and I’ve finally decided to say hi. ^^; I was at Borders once, looking for a book to read and I came upon Speak, and I didn’t buy it. But the next time I went back there, I was drawn to it again and I had to buy it. I thought it was going to be one of those nonsense novels about people angsting until the reader themselves die, but no. I was reading it over the phone with my friend before because, seriously, it’s an awesome book, and I love the humor. And I had to share it with my friend. 🙂 I’m reading it again for a second time.

    I went to your website and found out there’s going to be a movie on this book. I can’t wait.

    Then I heard you just published a new book called Prom. I just finished it today, and I also think that it should be turned into a movie.

    I can’t wait until you publish more books!

  3. Hi!

    You’re a very great author. Your voice IS excellent. *nods*

    I friended you on LJ and I’ve finally decided to say hi. ^^; I was at Borders once, looking for a book to read and I came upon Speak, and I didn’t buy it. But the next time I went back there, I was drawn to it again and I had to buy it. I thought it was going to be one of those nonsense novels about people angsting until the reader themselves die, but no. I was reading it over the phone with my friend before because, seriously, it’s an awesome book, and I love the humor. And I had to share it with my friend. 🙂 I’m reading it again for a second time.

    I went to your website and found out there’s going to be a movie on this book. I can’t wait.

    Then I heard you just published a new book called Prom. I just finished it today, and I also think that it should be turned into a movie.

    I can’t wait until you publish more books!

  4. You’re right up there with JKR on my favorite authors list 😀 (ohoho, that sounded suck-upy, didn’t it? Well, it’s true. XD)

  5. You’re right up there with JKR on my favorite authors list 😀 (ohoho, that sounded suck-upy, didn’t it? Well, it’s true. XD)

  6. You’re right up there with JKR on my favorite authors list 😀 (ohoho, that sounded suck-upy, didn’t it? Well, it’s true. XD)

  7. Just reading your journal makes my day!

    Laura-
    I am a senior in college, studying to be a teacher…almost in the real world! Anyway, I love your books (OK, I have only read one..sorry, I’ll get to work) and was introduced to SPEAK via my professor for “Reading Interests of Adolescents”. I just wanted to drop a note to let you know that I enjoy your sense of humor and can tell that you would be a great person to know…you remind me of my teacher/friend Heidi! She teaches high school and loves her job as much as you seem to love yours! Keep having fun, and maybe I will hear from you soon.
    Shawna
    email: submitpotpourri@yahoo.com

  8. Just reading your journal makes my day!

    Laura-
    I am a senior in college, studying to be a teacher…almost in the real world! Anyway, I love your books (OK, I have only read one..sorry, I’ll get to work) and was introduced to SPEAK via my professor for “Reading Interests of Adolescents”. I just wanted to drop a note to let you know that I enjoy your sense of humor and can tell that you would be a great person to know…you remind me of my teacher/friend Heidi! She teaches high school and loves her job as much as you seem to love yours! Keep having fun, and maybe I will hear from you soon.
    Shawna
    email: submitpotpourri@yahoo.com

  9. Just reading your journal makes my day!

    Laura-
    I am a senior in college, studying to be a teacher…almost in the real world! Anyway, I love your books (OK, I have only read one..sorry, I’ll get to work) and was introduced to SPEAK via my professor for “Reading Interests of Adolescents”. I just wanted to drop a note to let you know that I enjoy your sense of humor and can tell that you would be a great person to know…you remind me of my teacher/friend Heidi! She teaches high school and loves her job as much as you seem to love yours! Keep having fun, and maybe I will hear from you soon.
    Shawna
    email: submitpotpourri@yahoo.com

  10. Daylight saving time has something to do with sleepyness, as well. I fell asleep eating breakfast this morning.

    They are indeed very right about how your books makes us see teenage life differently. Speak has greatly affected me. I LOVE reading the book. Once I finish Prom (which I am almost done with), I plan to read Speak again. I don’t think I could stand to read another book right now that isn’t being told by you.

    I let my friend borrow my copy of Catalyst and Speak. She said by the summary I told her of the two, that they sounded good. Two days later when she was done with both, she said they were awesome books and better than she would have expected.

  11. Daylight saving time has something to do with sleepyness, as well. I fell asleep eating breakfast this morning.

    They are indeed very right about how your books makes us see teenage life differently. Speak has greatly affected me. I LOVE reading the book. Once I finish Prom (which I am almost done with), I plan to read Speak again. I don’t think I could stand to read another book right now that isn’t being told by you.

    I let my friend borrow my copy of Catalyst and Speak. She said by the summary I told her of the two, that they sounded good. Two days later when she was done with both, she said they were awesome books and better than she would have expected.

  12. Daylight saving time has something to do with sleepyness, as well. I fell asleep eating breakfast this morning.

    They are indeed very right about how your books makes us see teenage life differently. Speak has greatly affected me. I LOVE reading the book. Once I finish Prom (which I am almost done with), I plan to read Speak again. I don’t think I could stand to read another book right now that isn’t being told by you.

    I let my friend borrow my copy of Catalyst and Speak. She said by the summary I told her of the two, that they sounded good. Two days later when she was done with both, she said they were awesome books and better than she would have expected.

  13. Just another praise

    Dear Ms. Anderson

    I started reading your book “speak” a week ago but only finished today because I only had the book during SSR (silent sustained reading) which is only 15 minutes. I found the book on my desk so I started reading it but SSR time wasn’t enough time so I read into my chemistry class. I missed two days of notes so in fear for my grade I took it home and finished it. It was a great book and I look forward to reading more of your books.

    P.S. Don’t worry about my chemistry grade. Chemistry is easy, putting down your book is hard!

  14. Just another praise

    Dear Ms. Anderson

    I started reading your book “speak” a week ago but only finished today because I only had the book during SSR (silent sustained reading) which is only 15 minutes. I found the book on my desk so I started reading it but SSR time wasn’t enough time so I read into my chemistry class. I missed two days of notes so in fear for my grade I took it home and finished it. It was a great book and I look forward to reading more of your books.

    P.S. Don’t worry about my chemistry grade. Chemistry is easy, putting down your book is hard!

  15. Just another praise

    Dear Ms. Anderson

    I started reading your book “speak” a week ago but only finished today because I only had the book during SSR (silent sustained reading) which is only 15 minutes. I found the book on my desk so I started reading it but SSR time wasn’t enough time so I read into my chemistry class. I missed two days of notes so in fear for my grade I took it home and finished it. It was a great book and I look forward to reading more of your books.

    P.S. Don’t worry about my chemistry grade. Chemistry is easy, putting down your book is hard!

  16. Wow..

    “Speak” was introduced to me by a cousin and since I haven’t been able to stop reading your work. I then came upon “Catalyst” at a local Borders and totally. freaked. I begged my mom for a fast allowance-loan and finished it in one day.

    I then researched your name on Amazon and bought “Fever 1793.” When I saw that you had a new book out, I immediately ordered it and counted down the days until it came. Well, it came today and I decided to take a short break to proclaim its greatness along with every one of your other books.

    You are, without a doubt, my all-time favorite author. I have read each of the books 3 times, and I read “Catalyst” a fourth while waiting for “Prom.”

    I was reading during homeroom and a girl asked me, “Why are you reading that? Is it for school?” I said, “No.” Now she was confused. “… so… why are you reading it?” Me: “.. because it’s my favorite book..” Her: “You mean you’re reading it for fun?!” She was baffled. Me: “..yeah.” wow, what a concept! haha.. I have recommended and lent them to many friends, always stern about their return.

    The way in which you present the character’s thoughts and feelings is inspirational and I hope to write and publish books someday also.

    Thank you for reminding me what it feels like to read a truly magnificent book.

    An Adoring Fan,
    Jen

  17. Wow..

    “Speak” was introduced to me by a cousin and since I haven’t been able to stop reading your work. I then came upon “Catalyst” at a local Borders and totally. freaked. I begged my mom for a fast allowance-loan and finished it in one day.

    I then researched your name on Amazon and bought “Fever 1793.” When I saw that you had a new book out, I immediately ordered it and counted down the days until it came. Well, it came today and I decided to take a short break to proclaim its greatness along with every one of your other books.

    You are, without a doubt, my all-time favorite author. I have read each of the books 3 times, and I read “Catalyst” a fourth while waiting for “Prom.”

    I was reading during homeroom and a girl asked me, “Why are you reading that? Is it for school?” I said, “No.” Now she was confused. “… so… why are you reading it?” Me: “.. because it’s my favorite book..” Her: “You mean you’re reading it for fun?!” She was baffled. Me: “..yeah.” wow, what a concept! haha.. I have recommended and lent them to many friends, always stern about their return.

    The way in which you present the character’s thoughts and feelings is inspirational and I hope to write and publish books someday also.

    Thank you for reminding me what it feels like to read a truly magnificent book.

    An Adoring Fan,
    Jen

  18. Wow..

    “Speak” was introduced to me by a cousin and since I haven’t been able to stop reading your work. I then came upon “Catalyst” at a local Borders and totally. freaked. I begged my mom for a fast allowance-loan and finished it in one day.

    I then researched your name on Amazon and bought “Fever 1793.” When I saw that you had a new book out, I immediately ordered it and counted down the days until it came. Well, it came today and I decided to take a short break to proclaim its greatness along with every one of your other books.

    You are, without a doubt, my all-time favorite author. I have read each of the books 3 times, and I read “Catalyst” a fourth while waiting for “Prom.”

    I was reading during homeroom and a girl asked me, “Why are you reading that? Is it for school?” I said, “No.” Now she was confused. “… so… why are you reading it?” Me: “.. because it’s my favorite book..” Her: “You mean you’re reading it for fun?!” She was baffled. Me: “..yeah.” wow, what a concept! haha.. I have recommended and lent them to many friends, always stern about their return.

    The way in which you present the character’s thoughts and feelings is inspirational and I hope to write and publish books someday also.

    Thank you for reminding me what it feels like to read a truly magnificent book.

    An Adoring Fan,
    Jen

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