I appreciate the reflection on San Francisco and the gift it gave you (and us who visit) hopefully of the diversity of people and cultures. It is indeed a place to build a bridge of understanding, perhaps a as Tony Bennet's signing of I left my Heart... inspires a feeling of love, perhaps a "Golden Gate" bridge of love. Thank you.
Really nice to receive your feedback, Keith. And to know you found here a few thoughts worth thinking about. Thanks for taking the time to read and weigh in. I really appreciate your kind and generous words. Much appreciated!
Someone just bought me a coffee and left this message:
“Thank you Andrew. Your writing aways adds to my days. I loved reading your coming-of-age story in connection with your connection to Tony Bennett and your life in San Francisco. And ... the Copa as a college sophomore -- Very Impressive! Thank you too for reminding me how much I loved Cutting for Stone and why. Such good news there is a new novel to seek”
Thank you! I was so engrossed in Cutting for Stone that I switched to the audiobook when I wasn’t able to read. The narrator was excellent. Hope you won’t be disappointed.
I knew you would write about Milan Kundera. I wasn't expecting such a moving tribute to all three great artists. You've given me a lot to think about. Thank again for another important essay.
You’re right. Kundera’s passing was something I had to write about. When I came across the PBS tweet about Bennett, I saw a connection that seemed worth exploring. I’m so glad you were able to read it. And very grateful for your comments. Thank you!
The best tribute to the wonderful Tony Bennett I’ve read - you got to the essence of what made him timeless. Your narration, as always, adds another dimension to your work. I’m going to read and listen a second time just to soak in the good feelings this piece gave me. Well-done, Andrew!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed my efforts here and the narration. It’s very encouraging. Of course, Tony Bennett was the wellspring of inspiration here. His legacy will probably last even longer than his remarkable life. Thanks again for reading and listening!
Interesting connections made in this piece and a touching tribute to Mr. Bennett. Is the 24/7 news cycle and the 5 minute/second rule making us stupid? Just look at the political mess we're in for conclusive evidence! Well done as always, Andrew.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, Jim. Maybe I should finally watch “Dumb and Dumber.” Perhaps it’s meant as satirical commentary on our times! But then again, maybe not.
As always, I’m very grateful for your encouragement and support.
Great piece Andrew. Thoughtful as always. Your roommate was also thoughtful and one of the funniest guys at MC at that time so going to see Tony Bennett together must have been a really memorable night. Thanks for sharing.
I can tell from your description that the roommate you’re thinking of —thoughtful and funny—was from my freshman year, not sophomore. A wonderful guy and an iconic figure during those years. And in a way, because of our friendship, he was always my roommate no matter what.
Now I wonder what it would have been like to see Tony Bennett with him. In fact, you’ve given me an idea for a short story in which the two of us actually run into gangsters at the Copacabana and wind up chasing them all the way to Fordham!
Thanks for reading and responding. I really appreciate your encouragement and support.
I never would have expected you could compare Tony Bennett and Milan Kundera, but you've done a great job in doing so!
Thanks so much, William, for taking the time and sharing your reaction. Much appreciated!
I appreciate the reflection on San Francisco and the gift it gave you (and us who visit) hopefully of the diversity of people and cultures. It is indeed a place to build a bridge of understanding, perhaps a as Tony Bennet's signing of I left my Heart... inspires a feeling of love, perhaps a "Golden Gate" bridge of love. Thank you.
And I appreciate your taking time to read and share your thoughts. Love your beautiful Golden Gate reference. Thank you!
Thank you Andrew for giving us the time and space for reflection! Brilliant as always!! And yes, I am biased but also honest about your work. 🙂
Really nice to receive your feedback, Keith. And to know you found here a few thoughts worth thinking about. Thanks for taking the time to read and weigh in. I really appreciate your kind and generous words. Much appreciated!
Someone just bought me a coffee and left this message:
“Thank you Andrew. Your writing aways adds to my days. I loved reading your coming-of-age story in connection with your connection to Tony Bennett and your life in San Francisco. And ... the Copa as a college sophomore -- Very Impressive! Thank you too for reminding me how much I loved Cutting for Stone and why. Such good news there is a new novel to seek”
Enjoyed the article very much! I will have to check out the 1st book that you mentioned.
Thank you! I was so engrossed in Cutting for Stone that I switched to the audiobook when I wasn’t able to read. The narrator was excellent. Hope you won’t be disappointed.
I knew you would write about Milan Kundera. I wasn't expecting such a moving tribute to all three great artists. You've given me a lot to think about. Thank again for another important essay.
You’re right. Kundera’s passing was something I had to write about. When I came across the PBS tweet about Bennett, I saw a connection that seemed worth exploring. I’m so glad you were able to read it. And very grateful for your comments. Thank you!
The best tribute to the wonderful Tony Bennett I’ve read - you got to the essence of what made him timeless. Your narration, as always, adds another dimension to your work. I’m going to read and listen a second time just to soak in the good feelings this piece gave me. Well-done, Andrew!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed my efforts here and the narration. It’s very encouraging. Of course, Tony Bennett was the wellspring of inspiration here. His legacy will probably last even longer than his remarkable life. Thanks again for reading and listening!
Interesting connections made in this piece and a touching tribute to Mr. Bennett. Is the 24/7 news cycle and the 5 minute/second rule making us stupid? Just look at the political mess we're in for conclusive evidence! Well done as always, Andrew.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, Jim. Maybe I should finally watch “Dumb and Dumber.” Perhaps it’s meant as satirical commentary on our times! But then again, maybe not.
As always, I’m very grateful for your encouragement and support.
Great piece Andrew. Thoughtful as always. Your roommate was also thoughtful and one of the funniest guys at MC at that time so going to see Tony Bennett together must have been a really memorable night. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks, Biz. Glad you enjoyed it.
I can tell from your description that the roommate you’re thinking of —thoughtful and funny—was from my freshman year, not sophomore. A wonderful guy and an iconic figure during those years. And in a way, because of our friendship, he was always my roommate no matter what.
Now I wonder what it would have been like to see Tony Bennett with him. In fact, you’ve given me an idea for a short story in which the two of us actually run into gangsters at the Copacabana and wind up chasing them all the way to Fordham!
Thanks for reading and responding. I really appreciate your encouragement and support.
Well done sir. Heartfelt and authentic as always
What a nice surprise to hear from you, Michael! Thank you for reading and sharing your encouraging response. I really appreciate it.