Comments on: Magic, Lace Readers, and Ancient Mariners

By: Lillian

Lillian — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:52:13 +0000

I’ve just finished reading “The Lace Reader”. Thank you Brunonia Barry!!! Will you be writing more books?

By: Denise Moutafis

Denise Moutafis — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:20:35 +0000

Hi, Brunonia:

I met you at the Barnes & Noble, Peabody,MA booksigning on Aug. 15th, where I invited you to speak to our upper middle school and High School students (about 30 kids) about your writing and self-publishing experience. You were gracious enough to tell me that you would be happy to do so, but that I would have to go through your publicist to figure out when you might be available. (You mentioned that you are on tour through November and then, after the first of the year, a European tour.

I just finished my copy of The Lace Reader and I think you captured the spirit of Salem and the connection of people and the ocean precisely! When I think of Yankee spirit, nothing typifies it better than locals swimming in May in 50 degree water. I could totally connect to the fact that the townspeople in your book waited for Eva to go swimming so that they would know that bad weather was over.

Towner was a complicated character and I think you handled her well. As I was reading the book, I wondered about her relationship with May, and how May could give away her other child. It made me think of a troubled man in my own neighborhood whose mother gave him away as a young boy to her sister to raise because “she had too many children.” As you might imagine, this man did not have success at his first marriage or at raising his two sons. Parts of my questions were answered at the end of the book. Very cool ending!

I think you will enjoy our school. It was built in 1665 and was used on the Underground Railroad. We have a secret room and a long tunnel in the basement that leads out to the woods, similar to Eva’s house. You can visit our website: http://www.clarkschool.com to get a better idea of our physical surroundings and our philosophy.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding how to contact your publicist and we will certainly accomodate your schedule.

Thanks again for being kind enough to speak to the students. As a school, we try to instill the idea of perseverance, a trait that you personify. I know the students will be excited and impressed!

All the best,

Denise

Denise Moutafis
Lead Teacher
The Clark School
487 Locust Street
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-4699 school
(978) 281-5450 home

I think you’ll enjoy visiting our school. The main building is an old farmhouse that was built in 1665 and was used on the underground railroad. We, like Eva, have a hidden room and a tunnel that goes out to the woods. If you would like to visit our website: www. clarkschool.com, you can get a better idea of our physical surroundings and our school philosophy.

All the best,
Denise

Denise Moutafis
Lead Teacher
The Clark School
487 Locust Street
Danvers, MA 01923

By: Jeannine

Jeannine — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:02:06 +0000

I am priviledged to have had an ARC to read early on. Being born in Salem, and growing up in the area, I felt such nostalgia reading The Lace Reader. The vivid descriptions of Salem made me want to go “home”. This book is a “good read” on so many levels for me. Have read it several times and enjoyed it more each time. Way to go!!!

By: Bhearni

Bhearni — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:31:16 +0000

I have been reading…no….immersed in your book since I started it yesterday. It is amazing! I felt a kinship to Towner because I have had a hysterectomy, and people think I’m somewhat crazy,too! I teach the play The Crucible to my grade 12′s, so I have an understanding of the witch trials. The Salem museum was very helpful in providing resources for my students. I think I will be adding The Lace Reader to my in class library…in fact, I know I will!…because it is such an enjoyable read! So, from the boonies of Vancouver Island, I salute The Lace Reader!

By: Brenda Rozzi

Brenda Rozzi — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:50:30 +0000

I was supposed to be at your launch party with my husband and your brother Mark. I have to say I am so disappointed that we could not make it. I am half way through the book and I can’t put it down. I love Love Love it and can not wait to turn every page to see what will happen or be said next. I love all the characters and feel like I have met some of them in real life! Thank You for such an awesome book!
Brenda Rozzi

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:50:38 +0000

Ms. Barry:
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I am SO thrilled to see success happening for a talented writer with NEW ideas! Thank you for making yourself vunerable and putting yourself ‘out there’; asking for feedback, etc… Not only is the book wonderful and I am anxious for the next one, but YOUR story of birthing this book is fabulous! Hope you come to Dallas… WAY TO GO! Peace, Shannon

By: ~Heather~

~Heather~ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:41:37 +0000

Hello there! Let’s see…I bought your book on Friday and finished it today (Sunday.) Would have finished sooner, but I have a pesky toddler and husband that need to be fed and watered at regular intervals
I absolutely LOVE the book. So well done, and I especially love how you made Salem such a real place, not just a vague ‘author’s rendition.’ You really captured the essence of a small town, its politics, and its generations of complicated ties and folk lore.
I just wanted to stop in and say how much I loved it– well done! Best of luck with your book tour. Perhaps we’ll see you out west in the prairie (where we can only just imagine what a sea port is like! Thanks for taking me there!)

-Heather

By: Terri DuLong

Terri DuLong — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:03:16 +0000

I am a former Salemite, born and raised there, now living on an island off the west coast of Florida.
I first heard of your novel in USA Today June 5 issue…as soon as I saw “Salem” of course I was interested. So I pre-ordered on Amazon. Received my copy the other day, am about 80 pages into it and I’m captivated. Plus, I love “revisiting” my hometown.
Just wanted to wish you all the best on your success and your debut release.
Lovely website and blog.

By: Karin

Karin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:52:43 +0000

I was fortunate enough to catch your interview on NPR yesterday morning and last night headed to Barnes and Noble to get a copy of The Lace Reader. I am trying to read it slowly, taking in all of the beautiful imagery and detail. So far, I am breathless and wanting to read it all the way through, but wanting to savor each and every word at the same time. Towner has truly captured me and I cannot wait to see where the story leads her.

By: kath

kath — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:34:07 +0000

I am so happy that your book is being so well received. I loved it so much! I am actually considering a re-read already, because it is a tough act to follow. It gave me so much pleasure! I sent my ARC to my daughter, and bought another copy. I was going to loan it to my sister, but I can’t part with it even for her….so I am going to get her her own copy.

So I guess I just want to say Thank you! and please write more books soon, lol