In Substack Notes, I scrolled to a reference by Tara to her article “She Wrote a Classic in the Laundry Room”. I haven’t kept up with genuine reading. I’m guilty of the social media trap. But the timing of the post intrigued me. I’ve been thinking of ‘getting off the grid’. Tara’s article about the life of Alice Munro inspired me to turn my focus back to books I’ve missed and put social media aside.
I know nothing about where to begin in fiction. Except I want to start with one of Alice’s. What titles do you all suggest?
Tom, I'm so delighted that this Munro project is moving you back toward books. I feel the same way.
I asked Munro's biographer where someone should start, and he and I both agreed that her collection called "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" contains strong, unique stories that appeal to many readers. Each of these stories is separate from the others. As an alternative, he recommended sampling Munro chronologically through her collected volumes, Selected Stories, then Family Furnishings (in chronological order).
From this memorial post, you might have a look at the short Note by David Roberts and the post by Peter C. Meilaender (both in the upper section called "Never Heard of Munro? First-Time Readers Say"). Both of those contributors picked up their first Alice Munro story after her death and had good things to say about two different starting points. They'll tell you what they liked.
Some people take to Alice Munro right away; others don't. For those who wonder what the hullaballoo is all about, the next section of this memorial is just the ticket. Kim Van Bruggen writes about changing her opinion with a rereading, and my "What's So Great About Alice Munro?" addresses problems that might put some readers off.
Later this summer, I'll write about Percival Everett's *James*, which is another great choice to draw our scrolling eyeballs back to the printed page. Happy reading! If you decide to write about your Munro reading, tag me if you like, and maybe we'll get a few memorial contributors into a conversation about whatever you choose.
This is such a wonderful tribute to the magnificent Alice Munro and a fabulous resource I'll return to. I'm honored to have my Munro portrait in the post and preview! Thanks, Tara!
You are my favorite candy-ass. Ha! Thanks for the close read of my contribution and for gathering all of these together. I’ll be coming back to read more all week!
Best compliment of the week! 😂 Thank you for reading to the bottom of the memorial. I'm not sure how many folks will get there. It's easy to get pulled away - and that's fine! :-) I loved your post for wide-ranging absorption of Munro and so much personal meaning. Your mother! Oh, bless mothers everywhere.
I feel that way, too, having returned to it now for days myself. And I haven't finished yet. I'm glad I waited to read Part I of your story, as Part II is now up! Here it is: https://substack.com/home/post/p-145569902.
What a lovely tribute to an incredible author! I spent the better half of my morning reading about Alice Munro and fell instantly in love with her story, and stories. It only takes a person with a great heart to write such a great tribute, so I thank you again and again for this wonderful series of posts and for introducing more people (I being one of them) to the wonderful Alice Munro!
Watched the video of Alice Munro being interviewed by the Swedish reporter. Marvellous! What an interesting and fulfilled life she lead, and what a gift she gave to others. And herself. Maybe that is one of her lessons. That she wrote first and foremost for herself and as it turned out, the world loved it.
Wow, I am blown away by the content in this memorial. Well done Tara. I did not submit anything because time did not permit me to write anything that would be worthy of Munro but I look forward to diving into what is here.
Thank you, Donna. I've decided to continue to accept posts after today - Why not? - although I appreciate the convergence of many posts on the same day to help people "see" each other. I'll send this page to my subscribers as the regular post next Monday. After that, I expect new links will not get much traffic, but there's no reason not to add them as tributes to Munro. If you feel moved, you can always drop me a line later. You know where to find me. ;-)
I think I might write about Munro in a future post on my Substack, which is about writing (a memoir in my case). I've noted some of her wonderful quotes for later reference. As a fellow Canadian, I am very proud of her.
Please feel free to tag me if you decide to write the post. Her fellow Canadians in media rallied around her and helped her find her way. One can be proud not only of her but of others who supported her in the interest of Canadian literature, though their names are not as well known.
It’s a privilege to do it! I’m getting a good crash course, too. I love that some folks chose to focus on a particular story or book (like you). For those who’ve read one or two books, it’s wonderful to see how someone else responds to a different one.
I'm reading the posts as they arrive, and they're all wonderful! So glad you made time to add your insightful one. The memorial was just updated, so refresh your page for the latest. :-)
Agree completely with the decision to leave the page up. FWIW.
Thank you, Peter. I’m looking forward to reading your latest today. I’ll add a link to it beside your original. More in a bit ….
In Substack Notes, I scrolled to a reference by Tara to her article “She Wrote a Classic in the Laundry Room”. I haven’t kept up with genuine reading. I’m guilty of the social media trap. But the timing of the post intrigued me. I’ve been thinking of ‘getting off the grid’. Tara’s article about the life of Alice Munro inspired me to turn my focus back to books I’ve missed and put social media aside.
I know nothing about where to begin in fiction. Except I want to start with one of Alice’s. What titles do you all suggest?
Tom, I'm so delighted that this Munro project is moving you back toward books. I feel the same way.
I asked Munro's biographer where someone should start, and he and I both agreed that her collection called "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" contains strong, unique stories that appeal to many readers. Each of these stories is separate from the others. As an alternative, he recommended sampling Munro chronologically through her collected volumes, Selected Stories, then Family Furnishings (in chronological order).
From this memorial post, you might have a look at the short Note by David Roberts and the post by Peter C. Meilaender (both in the upper section called "Never Heard of Munro? First-Time Readers Say"). Both of those contributors picked up their first Alice Munro story after her death and had good things to say about two different starting points. They'll tell you what they liked.
Some people take to Alice Munro right away; others don't. For those who wonder what the hullaballoo is all about, the next section of this memorial is just the ticket. Kim Van Bruggen writes about changing her opinion with a rereading, and my "What's So Great About Alice Munro?" addresses problems that might put some readers off.
Later this summer, I'll write about Percival Everett's *James*, which is another great choice to draw our scrolling eyeballs back to the printed page. Happy reading! If you decide to write about your Munro reading, tag me if you like, and maybe we'll get a few memorial contributors into a conversation about whatever you choose.
Appreciate the curation of this memorial to Alice Munro.
Thank you, Jill. It felt right to take more than a day, a week, or a post to honor her remarkable career.
She will long be remembered as one of the world's masters of short fiction.
It’s nice to be reading her together with this group, each with unique memories and favorites.
This is such a wonderful tribute to the magnificent Alice Munro and a fabulous resource I'll return to. I'm honored to have my Munro portrait in the post and preview! Thanks, Tara!
Thank you, Kelcey! You came at just the right time for the final touch. :-)
Thanks, Tara--I'm glad you didn't allow yourself to be scotched!
Haha! I try to think twice before taking advice from a character in a book. ;-)
You are my favorite candy-ass. Ha! Thanks for the close read of my contribution and for gathering all of these together. I’ll be coming back to read more all week!
Best compliment of the week! 😂 Thank you for reading to the bottom of the memorial. I'm not sure how many folks will get there. It's easy to get pulled away - and that's fine! :-) I loved your post for wide-ranging absorption of Munro and so much personal meaning. Your mother! Oh, bless mothers everywhere.
Yes, bless mothers. We need it!
🎯!
What a fabulous collection, to return to again and again. Thank you, Tara, for this offering.
I feel that way, too, having returned to it now for days myself. And I haven't finished yet. I'm glad I waited to read Part I of your story, as Part II is now up! Here it is: https://substack.com/home/post/p-145569902.
Yaayy!! Believe it or not, it kind of surprised me this morning. (I have a lot on my mind...)
Dear Mind, Go easy on Julie. ❤️
What a lovely tribute to an incredible author! I spent the better half of my morning reading about Alice Munro and fell instantly in love with her story, and stories. It only takes a person with a great heart to write such a great tribute, so I thank you again and again for this wonderful series of posts and for introducing more people (I being one of them) to the wonderful Alice Munro!
Grateful to have you here, my fellow Scholar. 🙏
Watched the video of Alice Munro being interviewed by the Swedish reporter. Marvellous! What an interesting and fulfilled life she lead, and what a gift she gave to others. And herself. Maybe that is one of her lessons. That she wrote first and foremost for herself and as it turned out, the world loved it.
I think you're right. She really did need to listen to her needs and honor them in order to write as much as she did.
Saving this to go through properly and go to the articles — I love the whole concept and what a fitting tribute!
This is a really wonderful way to bring people together ☺️☺️☺️ lovey work, Tara!
Thank you, Kate! I know you'll find essays to enjoy and admire in the compilation. I hope the one-line excerpts help you decide where to begin.
Wow, I am blown away by the content in this memorial. Well done Tara. I did not submit anything because time did not permit me to write anything that would be worthy of Munro but I look forward to diving into what is here.
Thank you!
Thank you, Donna. I've decided to continue to accept posts after today - Why not? - although I appreciate the convergence of many posts on the same day to help people "see" each other. I'll send this page to my subscribers as the regular post next Monday. After that, I expect new links will not get much traffic, but there's no reason not to add them as tributes to Munro. If you feel moved, you can always drop me a line later. You know where to find me. ;-)
I think I might write about Munro in a future post on my Substack, which is about writing (a memoir in my case). I've noted some of her wonderful quotes for later reference. As a fellow Canadian, I am very proud of her.
Please feel free to tag me if you decide to write the post. Her fellow Canadians in media rallied around her and helped her find her way. One can be proud not only of her but of others who supported her in the interest of Canadian literature, though their names are not as well known.
That's a great idea.
Tara, thanks for pulling all of this together. It is becoming a one-day education about Alice Munro.
It’s a privilege to do it! I’m getting a good crash course, too. I love that some folks chose to focus on a particular story or book (like you). For those who’ve read one or two books, it’s wonderful to see how someone else responds to a different one.
So cool to see the curated list. Excited to dig into what other's have to say, and I loved your post earlier this week, Tara.
I'm reading the posts as they arrive, and they're all wonderful! So glad you made time to add your insightful one. The memorial was just updated, so refresh your page for the latest. :-)
I will!!