Thanks - can’t wait - ordered it. I did read Three Dog Life and adored it as well. Richard recently took a class with Abby and Darien and got so much out of it. Need to re-read Three Dog Life again too.
A Three Dog Life literally saved me emotionally one day when it arrived in the mailbox, an online order forgotten. Abigail's been a savior ever since. As I know she is to so many others.
I hope this is allowed and, frankly, don’t give a hoot if it isn’t.
For those not familiar with BookShop.org: “Bookshop.org works to connect readers with independent booksellers all over the world.
We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading, and we're committed to helping them thrive.
Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.”
Thank you, Nan.
Love to you, Abby. You will always get away with dipping into the archives with this group. In fact, it is probably encouraged.
I think pretty much everything goes, except being mean or rude to each other. I met Abby because I was a bookseller in our local beloved bookstore, The Golden Notebook, about 25 years ago. I worked there for years. I love Bookshop. I created a storefront there (and on Amazon, because being there, though not my preference, supports the writers who perform in the story slam I produce each month). A lot of them have books. I'm sure you're familiar with that necessary evil as well. Bookshop is always my first choice, but along with that is my commitment to supporting the writers (including me) on this platform. The slam is called Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! and it features feminist writers who have publications on Substack. Being a source for links to their published work benefits them and helps raise a little money for my endeavor.And, once a bookseller, always a bookseller!
Abby's work is timeless and unique. I'm grateful I can return to her writing as much as I like, and I delight in the new writing she gifts us with here. xo
I’ve found that some platforms don’t allow outside links. Seems dumb and arbitrary but I am sure someone has a good reason for such. I preferred, in this thread, to share about Bookshop and then, later, ask for forgiveness if I violated a rule.
Thanks much for sharing further and also for reminding us about Wham! Bam! Thank you! Slam! I attended the ERA slam and loved it. I look forward to continuing to support your work there as well as many small-shop booksellers as I can.
Abby’s wisdom is timeless and unique. I continue to return to her writing because I still have so much to learn.
I hope you come to more of them, even if Abby isn't in all of them! As far as link sharing goes, I think there are times when it is appropriate and times when it's not as appropriate. I shared a link that had to do with supporting Abby's work. But, if I'd shared a link to something I wrote (especially without the author's consent, it is her stack, after all, then in my mind, it's breaking etiquette. Case by case. The platforms that limit outside links are Meta (Insta and FB). They don't want to limit their advertising revenue, so drawing attention away from their sites is them losing eyes on their content. I think it's greedy, but hey, I don't own Meta. The great world spins. xo
Safekeeping is one of my very favourite books of life. I have given it to my kindred spirits. I found in it - in you - a kindred spirit. Please keep posting from it and other books of yours. Such heartfelt writing. I couldn’t love it more. ❤️
If it did, how would you know it and what does it feel like there is still wanting expression? I am struggling in this place at 88 years old and still feeling I should be sharing some of what I experience in those 70+ years during which people think we will just fade away.
I never know until something shows up what it will be, if it will be. Of course you should be sharing whatever you feel like sharing ay ANY TIME OF NIGHT OR DAY! Those caps were a mistake but I like them there. We aren't fading anywhere anytime soon. But if we do, let's leave some tracks.
I'm 84, going on 85, and as gabby as ever. I still feel that people want to hear about whatever it is I'm experiencing right now, however grand or minute, because they are either having the same experience right now -- or will be in a decade or two -- and it's reassuring to know that one is not alone.
Gosh, whatever will you do with a full lung—dance, prance, preen, sing, whisper, shout, all of the above? I was so happy and charmed to be able to whistle again.
For the past twelve years, that old book SAFEKEEPING is a student favorite, enlightening a vision of a new way to write a memoir. I also read it every year and always find something new that strikes me. There's nothing better than a book that never stops speaking to us.
I love knowing that, thank you. I'm glad it's still hanging around out there. Every publisher in New York turned it down. Roobin Desser found it interesting. I owe a lot to her.
This book is the model for so many memoir-writers. The structure a bit of a breakthrough and the writing, well. Abby, the word I hear about your work most often is "love." And not just about your work, but "Oh Abigail Thomas, I love her." Thank you.
Abigail, I read all of your books over and over, it's always wonderful to hear your voice and feel the heart of every word written on the page. You are simply THE BEST. GOAT
I have to tell you, Safekeeping is one of nine or ten books I keep on a special shelf of favorites and I go back to it again and again. Thank you so much for writing it, Abigail!
I’m so glad you were right about getting in that car, even back then. I would call you lucky every time. No one can deny your talent to take a person right along with you. The way you weave each line I feel as if I am walking that street along side you, wearing the same clothing as you, have the same conversation. You transport my mind and I can escape for the brief moments it takes to realize I’m just reading. It’s no wonder your books sold and your Substack grows. I want more “archive” as soon as possible!
Kathy, thank you so much. It feels like cheating to do that, but it also feels good. Maybe I will. Most of that book is pretty short. Anyway, thank you very much. As for that ride, I've never forgotten it. Never.
I'm a big fan. I've read (most) all of your books. And I passed one along to a writer friend because she is writing memoir in third person and I thought she might learn something from you. I'd love to know why you switched back and forth from first to third. What was going on in your mind? Please write about that -- we'd love to hear more from you.
Sometimes the third person knows more than I do. It's interresting to fool around with person, especially when you're writing something hard. Try it both ways, see what you learn. And sometimes the first person feels like bragging, even over the smallest thing, so I switch. A million reasons. Fool around with it. And thank you.
"Sometimes the third person knows more than I do." Very interesting. That's a good reason to give third person a try, which I have never done.
"Sometimes the first person feels like bragging." Hmmm. I've written a heck of a lot of first-person sentences, and I've never felt like I was bragging. Oh, dear. Does that mean I've been doing a lot of bragging and never noticed it? lol.
This passage leaves me gasping for air, a fish on a bank. Looking back at a then, then being when I looked forwards. Now, whatever I write shows me what I mean. As does whatever you write, Abigail (I am not the sick stalker I sound ...!!)
Best book. LOVE that book, and lost count of how many times I've read it since we met.
Here's the link to Bookshop...if anyone hasn't read it yet!
https://bookshop.org/a/108787/9780385720557
Nan, thank you so much.
I love you, Abby. I want to see you soon! It's been a while. xo
Thanks, Nan! I need to read this book.
It's so good. Every chapter is a treasure. A morsel. A delectable delight, for anyone who writes memoir or reads it. xo
It's funny you say this because I almost posted that I gobble up all that Abby writes!
Any book you recommend will immediately go to my reading list, but knowing her way with words means it goes to the top! Thanks, Nan.
She sure does know her way with words. Enjoy! The best. Once a bookseller, always a bookseller! xo
Thank you.
Yes, you do.
Ooo thanks Nan - getting it now.
OMG, you've never read it? It's the best. That one, and A Three Dog Life, are my favorites, and oh, everything else Abby writes! You'll love it. xo
Thanks - can’t wait - ordered it. I did read Three Dog Life and adored it as well. Richard recently took a class with Abby and Darien and got so much out of it. Need to re-read Three Dog Life again too.
That's great. Darien is terrific...I'm glad he enjoyed it. xo
Thank you very much.
A Three Dog Life literally saved me emotionally one day when it arrived in the mailbox, an online order forgotten. Abigail's been a savior ever since. As I know she is to so many others.
thank you x great community xx
It is, it is. i love this community.
I hope this is allowed and, frankly, don’t give a hoot if it isn’t.
For those not familiar with BookShop.org: “Bookshop.org works to connect readers with independent booksellers all over the world.
We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading, and we're committed to helping them thrive.
Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.”
Thank you, Nan.
Love to you, Abby. You will always get away with dipping into the archives with this group. In fact, it is probably encouraged.
I think pretty much everything goes, except being mean or rude to each other. I met Abby because I was a bookseller in our local beloved bookstore, The Golden Notebook, about 25 years ago. I worked there for years. I love Bookshop. I created a storefront there (and on Amazon, because being there, though not my preference, supports the writers who perform in the story slam I produce each month). A lot of them have books. I'm sure you're familiar with that necessary evil as well. Bookshop is always my first choice, but along with that is my commitment to supporting the writers (including me) on this platform. The slam is called Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! and it features feminist writers who have publications on Substack. Being a source for links to their published work benefits them and helps raise a little money for my endeavor.And, once a bookseller, always a bookseller!
Abby's work is timeless and unique. I'm grateful I can return to her writing as much as I like, and I delight in the new writing she gifts us with here. xo
I’ve found that some platforms don’t allow outside links. Seems dumb and arbitrary but I am sure someone has a good reason for such. I preferred, in this thread, to share about Bookshop and then, later, ask for forgiveness if I violated a rule.
Thanks much for sharing further and also for reminding us about Wham! Bam! Thank you! Slam! I attended the ERA slam and loved it. I look forward to continuing to support your work there as well as many small-shop booksellers as I can.
Abby’s wisdom is timeless and unique. I continue to return to her writing because I still have so much to learn.
I hope you come to more of them, even if Abby isn't in all of them! As far as link sharing goes, I think there are times when it is appropriate and times when it's not as appropriate. I shared a link that had to do with supporting Abby's work. But, if I'd shared a link to something I wrote (especially without the author's consent, it is her stack, after all, then in my mind, it's breaking etiquette. Case by case. The platforms that limit outside links are Meta (Insta and FB). They don't want to limit their advertising revenue, so drawing attention away from their sites is them losing eyes on their content. I think it's greedy, but hey, I don't own Meta. The great world spins. xo
Safekeeping is one of my very favourite books of life. I have given it to my kindred spirits. I found in it - in you - a kindred spirit. Please keep posting from it and other books of yours. Such heartfelt writing. I couldn’t love it more. ❤️
Thank you so much, Michelle.
I agree.
Thank you, Bar.
"Nothing new is showing up these days. "
If it did, how would you know it and what does it feel like there is still wanting expression? I am struggling in this place at 88 years old and still feeling I should be sharing some of what I experience in those 70+ years during which people think we will just fade away.
I never know until something shows up what it will be, if it will be. Of course you should be sharing whatever you feel like sharing ay ANY TIME OF NIGHT OR DAY! Those caps were a mistake but I like them there. We aren't fading anywhere anytime soon. But if we do, let's leave some tracks.
I'm 84, going on 85, and as gabby as ever. I still feel that people want to hear about whatever it is I'm experiencing right now, however grand or minute, because they are either having the same experience right now -- or will be in a decade or two -- and it's reassuring to know that one is not alone.
Very reassuring to know we wren't alone.Plus, so many things are interesting! I'm going on 85 too, hooray for us.
Of course you will “get away” with tossing your pearls out the side window of despair
You are very funny, Susan. I am trying to stop smoking, and can almost draw a complete breath.
Gosh, whatever will you do with a full lung—dance, prance, preen, sing, whisper, shout, all of the above? I was so happy and charmed to be able to whistle again.
I love your stories and I've learned so much from you.
Plus my commonplace book is filled with quotes from your essays because I'm so in love with your words.
I think it's time to re-read all of your books. Especially Three Dog Life which I adored and have already read twice.
Mira, thank you. So extremely nice of you to say, and for me to read..
For the past twelve years, that old book SAFEKEEPING is a student favorite, enlightening a vision of a new way to write a memoir. I also read it every year and always find something new that strikes me. There's nothing better than a book that never stops speaking to us.
I love knowing that, thank you. I'm glad it's still hanging around out there. Every publisher in New York turned it down. Roobin Desser found it interesting. I owe a lot to her.
This book is the model for so many memoir-writers. The structure a bit of a breakthrough and the writing, well. Abby, the word I hear about your work most often is "love." And not just about your work, but "Oh Abigail Thomas, I love her." Thank you.
Oh, how very nice of you to say. Thank you. I loved that. Really loved that.
Abigail, I read all of your books over and over, it's always wonderful to hear your voice and feel the heart of every word written on the page. You are simply THE BEST. GOAT
What you said.
That's right! GOAT!! Thank you, thank you.
You haven't lost anything, only set it apart for a while. Pen to paper and write. You'll find all you've ever had with the luxury of what you know now
Thank you. Sometimes I want the next thing right this minute. But something did occur to me this morning. Luckily.
I love your book. A writing teacher suggested I read it when I first started working on my memoir! So glad to see you here.
Thank you. And I a glad to meet you here, too.
I just finished it for only the second or maybe the third time. Won’t be the last
Thank you. I hadn't looked at it in a long time until a day or two ago. I'm so glad you liked it.
I have to tell you, Safekeeping is one of nine or ten books I keep on a special shelf of favorites and I go back to it again and again. Thank you so much for writing it, Abigail!
Thank you, Kathy. I love knowing that, thank you.
I’m so glad you were right about getting in that car, even back then. I would call you lucky every time. No one can deny your talent to take a person right along with you. The way you weave each line I feel as if I am walking that street along side you, wearing the same clothing as you, have the same conversation. You transport my mind and I can escape for the brief moments it takes to realize I’m just reading. It’s no wonder your books sold and your Substack grows. I want more “archive” as soon as possible!
Kathy, thank you so much. It feels like cheating to do that, but it also feels good. Maybe I will. Most of that book is pretty short. Anyway, thank you very much. As for that ride, I've never forgotten it. Never.
I'm a big fan. I've read (most) all of your books. And I passed one along to a writer friend because she is writing memoir in third person and I thought she might learn something from you. I'd love to know why you switched back and forth from first to third. What was going on in your mind? Please write about that -- we'd love to hear more from you.
Sometimes the third person knows more than I do. It's interresting to fool around with person, especially when you're writing something hard. Try it both ways, see what you learn. And sometimes the first person feels like bragging, even over the smallest thing, so I switch. A million reasons. Fool around with it. And thank you.
OK. Really helpful:
"Sometimes the third person knows more than I do." Very interesting. That's a good reason to give third person a try, which I have never done.
"Sometimes the first person feels like bragging." Hmmm. I've written a heck of a lot of first-person sentences, and I've never felt like I was bragging. Oh, dear. Does that mean I've been doing a lot of bragging and never noticed it? lol.
This passage leaves me gasping for air, a fish on a bank. Looking back at a then, then being when I looked forwards. Now, whatever I write shows me what I mean. As does whatever you write, Abigail (I am not the sick stalker I sound ...!!)
Looking forward to what you've written, Cherry. Thank you.
it’s on its way … emailing the waves - thank you xx
Fantastic
Love you Abby
Love you, Prajna.