Anna Quindlen can write pretty much anything – years of insightful columns for the “New York Times,” wonderful fiction as evidenced by nine widely-read novels, and non-fiction as well. The latest is her plea for all of us to write. “Write for Your Life” is the book. It’s a small volume but it’s message belies its size. Anna Quindlen wants us writing for future grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for our current loved ones, and even for ourselves. Write letters, keep journals, record your own life history – it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be personal. She asks her readers: If you could have one piece of writing from someone in your life who’s gone, who would that be? When you answer that, you’ll know why writing is so important. As you write, she argues, it may even bring greater clarity about your own problems and thoughts. After our conversation with Anna, stay for Sharon Davis of Book Bound Bookstore in Blairsville, Georgia, population 616. Talk about an act of faith! Opening a tiny town independent bookstore. Talking to Sharon was at the suggestion of one of our listeners, and we appreciate it. 

Books Mentioned:

Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen

Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen

The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Pioneer Women: The Lives of Women on the Frontier by Linda Peavy

Object Lessons by Anna Quindlen

The Holy Bible

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting by Anna Quindlen

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 

One Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni

The Gilded Wolves by Roshai Choksi

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal