World-renowned author draws hundreds to Pawleys Island for book signing
Last Updated on 3/17/2010
Published on 9/13/2009
By Kelly Marshall Fuller
Kfuller@gtowntimes.com
A full house greeted Southern writer Pat Conroy as he signed hundreds of books Saturday afternoon.
Conroy smiled and chatted with readers who carried copies of "South of Broad," his latest novel.
At least 300 books were sold at Litchfield Books before Conroy arrived and more people crowded into the store to buy books throughout the day.
Many of the fans said they had been reading Pat Conroy for at least two decades.
Conroy wrote his first best seller, "The Great Santini,'' in 1976.
"I've enjoyed all of his books,'' said Ronny Smith, who waited in line for her turn to speak with Conroy. "He's a very nice man.''
Conroy's latest novel is set in Charleston and follows several friends throughout years of turmoil.
The novel has already reached the best-seller list and has sold at least 700,000 copies, according to Conroy's publicist.
Saturday's book signing drew a bigger crowd than when Conroy wrote, "My Losing Season,'' a book about his time playing basketball at The Citadel.
At least 700 people appeared for that book signing, about 14 years ago.
Saturday's crowd was bigger than that, according to a book store employee.
Many people carried multiple copies of "South of Broad'' to the small table where Conroy sat for several hours.
"I've been following Pat since I went to the school where he taught on Daufuskie Island,'' said Hazel Winstead. "We are big Conroy fans. I have a book for me and my daughter.''
Litchfield Books owner Tom Warner said he has known Conroy since 2001.
Conroy visited the Litchfield Bookstore after publishing "My Losing Season." He also attended a luncheon in Pawleys Island after writing "Pat Conroy's Cookbook."
"He has always been very supportive of all the independent book stores in South Carolina,'' Warner said before Saturday's event. He is doing 10 events in the whole country and this is one of them."
Conroy's tour has taken Conroy through New York, Atlanta, Birmingham, Savannah, Mount Pleasant and Beaufort.
He has also been to Highlands, Asheville, and Charlotte, N.C.
"South of Broad'' is Conroy's first novel in 14 years.
"I've always wanted to meet him,'' said Kathryn Stevenson. "I loved the "Prince of Tides.''
