The Giver was one of the first books I truly loved. It opened my eyes to so much, it broke my heart, and it changed me for the better. What a trip to hear from Lois Lowry all these years later, and how wonderful to hear that she is happy, healthy, and thriving! All I can say is thank you, Lois, you're a true gem. And thank you, Debbie, for asking these incredible questions and knocking another Q&A with a [b]old woman out of the park!
I don’t know Lois’s work but loved her warmth, honesty and sense of perspective. Understanding how others live their lives is helpful in the living of my own as each day becomes more precious. As for a dog in one’s 80s, I knew a widow who brought her last pup home to a condo when she was in her late 80s. She was able to housetrain the puppy and involved her niece in his care so that she could take over when the time came. Joan got to continue loving a dog, and the dog was assured of a loving home after her death.
What a delightful interview! I first started reading her books as a child, then shared her books with my students throughout my teaching career. Now, as a writer, her perspectives on writing and life inspire me. Thank you so much, both of you! ❤️❤️
I loved this interview with Lois Lowry, particularly her down-to-earth appraisal of her fame and the love she has for her friends and family. Thank you for this open-hearted slice of life.
Oh, I just loved this interview! I was the perfect age for A Summer to Die (12), and then I was a teacher for The Giver and Number the Stars. My daughter loved Lowry's books, and a highlight from her childhood was meeting her to get a book signed when she was about 10. So grateful for all that Lowry and her work has contributed to my life.
A Summer to Die was one of the most memorable books from my youth. I reread it as an adult and was astonished at how many details I had remembered, how closely it stuck with me.
One thing I took away from this interview was, Life is full of changes; you just have to roll with them.
Jenn, you are reminding me to re-read A Summer to Die. Pretty sure I read it years ago but have forgotten the details, other than the book being inspired by her own sister’s death.
oh, I just loved The Giver. And I read Number the Stars with my students who had never been exposed to Language Arts before. They loved reading it as a coming of age story, of passing from childhood into adulthood. I thought about that book when I was on the other side of the world, outside Tivoli Gardens, last year. I love how a good work of literature can make connections between people and places scattered across the world (and over time).
Wonderful interview. The Giver was required reading for so many of us and in every generation. I was thrilled when my kids were required to read it in elementary school.
CK, incredible, isn’t it, that Lois’s story of “not belonging” (and of things not being what they appear to be) continues to resonate after so many years?!
What a great tribute to a great writer. I can tell you put your best writing hat on to create this piece. Lois Lowry sounds like the kind of person that matches the vibe of the Gifted Professionals and Communicators community. Most are over 40 because that's when wisdom kicks in. All carry intelligent conversations and ask questions that make the conversation even better.
Debbie, what a great piece about Lois Lowry and loaded with insight and information. Thank you for putting it into the world and the inspiration I gained from reading it. Grateful, Terry author of Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Revised Edition) https://bit.ly/bpts-free
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb939748d-5d80-4d0f-867c-2ed252ac633c_1344x256.png)
The Giver was one of the first books I truly loved. It opened my eyes to so much, it broke my heart, and it changed me for the better. What a trip to hear from Lois Lowry all these years later, and how wonderful to hear that she is happy, healthy, and thriving! All I can say is thank you, Lois, you're a true gem. And thank you, Debbie, for asking these incredible questions and knocking another Q&A with a [b]old woman out of the park!
Thank you Erin! It’s been fascinating to hear from those who’ve read Lois’s books. She really is a legend and a model of calm intelligence.
I don’t know Lois’s work but loved her warmth, honesty and sense of perspective. Understanding how others live their lives is helpful in the living of my own as each day becomes more precious. As for a dog in one’s 80s, I knew a widow who brought her last pup home to a condo when she was in her late 80s. She was able to housetrain the puppy and involved her niece in his care so that she could take over when the time came. Joan got to continue loving a dog, and the dog was assured of a loving home after her death.
Rona, wonderful puppy story!
What a delightful interview! I first started reading her books as a child, then shared her books with my students throughout my teaching career. Now, as a writer, her perspectives on writing and life inspire me. Thank you so much, both of you! ❤️❤️
C. Dawn, likewise! I found Lois’s words so inspiring.
I loved this interview with Lois Lowry, particularly her down-to-earth appraisal of her fame and the love she has for her friends and family. Thank you for this open-hearted slice of life.
Marcia, I also found her appraisal of her fame to be very inspiring. And thanks for the “open-hearted” - love that!
Fantastic interview I only now had a chance to read and savor. I laughed at her answer to the question of regret: getting a pasta machine!
Jill, I did too. It seems trivial but then so are many of the things that bug us or that we have regrets about. 😭
Oh, I just loved this interview! I was the perfect age for A Summer to Die (12), and then I was a teacher for The Giver and Number the Stars. My daughter loved Lowry's books, and a highlight from her childhood was meeting her to get a book signed when she was about 10. So grateful for all that Lowry and her work has contributed to my life.
Rita, tell us more about teaching Number the Stars and The Giver!
A Summer to Die was one of the most memorable books from my youth. I reread it as an adult and was astonished at how many details I had remembered, how closely it stuck with me.
One thing I took away from this interview was, Life is full of changes; you just have to roll with them.
Jenn, you are reminding me to re-read A Summer to Die. Pretty sure I read it years ago but have forgotten the details, other than the book being inspired by her own sister’s death.
oh, I just loved The Giver. And I read Number the Stars with my students who had never been exposed to Language Arts before. They loved reading it as a coming of age story, of passing from childhood into adulthood. I thought about that book when I was on the other side of the world, outside Tivoli Gardens, last year. I love how a good work of literature can make connections between people and places scattered across the world (and over time).
Leah, what a great observation: “connections between people and places scattered across the world (and over time)”
Wonderful interview. The Giver was required reading for so many of us and in every generation. I was thrilled when my kids were required to read it in elementary school.
CK, incredible, isn’t it, that Lois’s story of “not belonging” (and of things not being what they appear to be) continues to resonate after so many years?!
What a great tribute to a great writer. I can tell you put your best writing hat on to create this piece. Lois Lowry sounds like the kind of person that matches the vibe of the Gifted Professionals and Communicators community. Most are over 40 because that's when wisdom kicks in. All carry intelligent conversations and ask questions that make the conversation even better.
A terrific read. Thanks so much.
Debbie, what a great piece about Lois Lowry and loaded with insight and information. Thank you for putting it into the world and the inspiration I gained from reading it. Grateful, Terry author of Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Revised Edition) https://bit.ly/bpts-free
thank you Terry!
thank you Terry!
A great read. Thank you. 🙂