Customer Reviews

LOUD AND CLEAR.

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I was a big fan of Anna Quindlen's column, Life in the Thirties. Each time I read a piece by her, it spoke to me-almost sang-made me feel like I not only knew her, but myself a little bit better. I missed her while she was "gone" but read and enjoyed her fiction as well.

This newest collection of columns/essays/speeches, Loud and Clear, is just that: Anna Quindlen loud and clear. With pieces ranging from the early 90s, interspersed with her more recent work, she allows us a glimpse back into the years when her children were still quite young-to the world she faces today as a woman in her fifties and on the threshold of an empty nest. We get to grow and evolve with her as she points out the obvious, makes clear the hazier issues, and always, with refreshing honestly, makes us feel as if we know her as well as we know our next door neighbor.

I especially enjoyed, "Fall from the Nest," (as it made me think about everything we do to protect our children) "17 going on 18," (a warning to young people who take up cigarette smoking), and "Anniversary," (which made me miss my mother, dead since 1999.)

While many won't agree with her politics, I believe Quindlen puts into words the things we all feel in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. I highly recommend this book. Thank you for the opportunity to review it.

Michele Cozzens, Author of A Line Between Friends and The Things I Wish I'd Said.

I am living proof that one need not agree with Anna on politics to enjoy her writing. As a Republican, I find myself at odds with just about every political stance she takes, but I so admire her style of writing that I want to read on to see how she is going to present her ideas, and I am never disappointed by that presentation. I recommend this book to all aspiring writers as a guide to the craft of essay writing.

Anna Quindlen --- or perhaps someone who works for her publisher --- seems to have a curious affinity for the word "loud." Her last two books of collected columns were respectively titled LIVING OUT LOUD and THINKING OUT LOUD. Now comes another serving from the same pot, LOUD AND CLEAR.

A curious choice of word --- for Quindlen does not come across as a loud literary voice.

The 65 short pieces in LOUD AND CLEAR are drawn from her popular columns in the New York Times and Newsweek. Two or three of them are obviously speeches that she delivered on unspecified occasions. They deal, from her own very personal standpoint, with a nicely varied array of subjects, many of them geared especially to women readers: childrearing, feminism, health care, welfare reform, women in the workplace. There are also comments on such issues as gay rights, gun control, the death penalty, school prayer, the sexual problems in today's Roman Catholic church, 9/11 and politics in general. Her stance is pretty much on the liberal side, but she generally avoids the hectoring, sermonizing tone that can alienate even a sympathetic reader.

Certain moments in her personal life seem to bulk large in Quindlen's thoughts --- the early death of her mother, her relationships with her siblings and with her own children, her decision to leave a dream job at the Times to become a freelance novelist. These subjects pop up in different contexts throughout LOUD AND CLEAR. The pieces are not arranged in any chronological order but only loosely by subject matter. The reader must note the date on each one to orient himself. A few of the pieces bear no date, but are still certainly worth reading.

Quindlen is a bright and quotable writer. Even those who may disagree with her views, if they appreciate good writing, will enjoy reading this book. She pleads, for example, for American kids in the midst of their frantic and over-scheduled lives, to be given "the gift of enforced boredom" --- i.e., time to simply sit back, do nothing much and savor the life around them. "From one generation to another," she observes pertly, "the complaint is always the same: They are not like us." You can call this book a bag of literary popcorn, if you wish --- available in bite-size pieces and hard to resist --- but, unlike popcorn, these small essays do make you think about life --- hers and your own.

One of the best pieces in this book is a reflection inspired by a production of Waiting for Godot, in which Quindlen's son was appearing. The lesson drawn from Beckett is that young people should look within themselves, to their own dreams and capabilities, for direction in life, and not wait for the arrival of some external event, person or seal of approval. It is a worthwhile lesson, deftly expressed.

The book is certainly not free from clichés, and Quindlen's reflections on 9/11, written immediately after the event, seem inadequate at a distance of two-plus years --- but so of course do the reflections from that time of many other writers.

Anna Quindlen's large fan club will not be disappointed in this latest potpourri of her pieces. Most of them retain their whimsy and freshness nicely between hard covers. One only hopes that her next collection will not be titled FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

--- Reviewed by Robert Finn

Popular novelist, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Anna Quindlen is a phenomenon. To read her is to be invigorated, inspired, and informed. To hear her read her work is to press this audio on friends, saying, "You simply have to listen to this!"

First written for the New York Times and Newsweek, this selection of articles is penned in trademark Quindlenese - candid, provocative, thoughtful, and insightful. Few subjects escape her discerning eye as she thinks aloud about raising children, politics, the aftermath of 9/11, global events, and more.

People Magazine said, ".....Quindlen is so good that even when you disagree with what she says, you still love the way she says it." How true.

One marvels at her artful phrasing, her sagacity and sense of humor. Listening to "Loud and Clear" is both a privilege and a pleasure.

- Gail Cooke

Anna Quindlen is one of America's best-known novelists and a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, so it's no mystery her Loud And Clear commentary on American society and life would translate well to audio, with her exceptional upbeat style and personal voice. Recommended for prior fans of Quindlen's writings who here will find her voice brings her perspectives on American culture to life.

Every woman wishes she had an "Anna Quindlen girlfriend," that wise woman who is living the same life you are, but sees the real meaning behind everyday events. Loud and Clear is the next best thing, a collection of columns and speeches that reflect her unique gift. You trust her because her values and love for her family shine through. Use it for your book group to weed out the people you don't like -- they won't get it. Give it to the women you do like -- they will.

The essays in LOUD AND CLEAR cover a variety of subjects from motherhood, welfare, and feminism in an engaging and witty way.
If you enjoyed Anna Quindlin's columns in Newsweek or the NYTimes, or just enjoy great writing, you'll definately enjoy this book. Debbie Farmer, author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'

This is a great book. It tells you a little about everything the way you would like it to be told. Don't miss it!

I have only recently "discovered" the Pulitzer Prize-winning Quindlen. A gifted cultural interpreter, as shown in these essays culled primarily from the New York Times and Newsweek, she gets to the heart of the matter-she articulates the truths- of the contemporary social and political scene. Enjoy--whether you agree or not!

Always a great read. Good Dog, Stay brought tears to my eyes. This collection of articles is very good. Parents and grandparents will love the comments about parenthood. Articles are short enough for a quick read from time to time.