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See what other readers like you
have to say about

Pope Joan

 

UPDATED:  January 14, 2013

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From:  Joan Grindley
Location:  North Fort Myers, Florida
Date:  January 14, 2013

Just a note to say thank you and tell you how very much our book group enjoyed our speakerphone chat this morning at our Continental Book Club. You were enlightening and  a delight to listen to!!!  We all learned so much and were charmed in the process with your wonderful sense of humor and brutal candor.

I checked back and did some research and it appears that I got the 1972 film--the wrong one--from Netflix. There are copies available of the 2009 one on Amazon but, as you mentioned, they all say "cannot play on a USA DVD player" so I guess we will have to wait a bit longer.  

Again, many thanks and I will continue to pass the word along on how good a read Pope Joan is!!!!!! I absolutely loved the book and have re-read it twice already just for the pure joy of it.

AUTHOR NOTE: Readers may be able to see the 2009 movie based on my novel streaming at hulu.com.   Sign up for my newsletter on the home page, and I'll notify you when the DVD is released.



Name : Becky Naples
Location : Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Date:  January 2, 2013

Our book club chooses books that are well written, inspiring, and thought provoking.  There are more than 50 women in this group and Pope Joan was overwhelmingly "voted in"!  We'd love to have you join us!  I'll have to figure out how to pour you a glass of wine via the telephone 

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Jeanne Ondyak
Location : Naperville, IL
GroupName : River Woods Book Club
Date:  December 20, 2012

Our book group very much enjoys historical drama and we were curious to learn more about the legend of the female pope. We would love to talk with you by speakerphone about how you came up with the idea for the book and your research into the history of this time period, as well as the character of Joan and how the roles of women have changed (and not changed) in society.
Thank you, Jeanne



Name : Debra Latimer
Location:  Bradenton, FL
Date:  December 3, 2012

Thank you so much for "joining" our book group discussion by speakerphone this morning.  We all thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful sense of humor. We also enjoyed learning more about you and what it took to write "Pope Joan".  We are looking forward to your next book.  We have a guess who that heroine will be, but we will have to wait and see. Thanks again for talking to us.  It was a thrill that we won't soon forget.



Name : Peyton Daley
Location : Chicago, IL
Date:  November 27, 2012

I am a Chicago actress who, only a few weeks ago was asked by a friend
director to step into the role of Pope Joan for a community theatre
production of the play, Top Girls.  I have been busying myself learning
Latin and as much as possible regarding Pope Joan.  I just finished your book, in a matter of two days (mind you); and I have found it invaluable research for character development as well as a very engaging and interesting read.  I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your book.  I have been hard pressed to find very much information regarding her in libraries.  So, Thank You!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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From:  Bev Cameron
Location:  Tucson, Arizona
Date: November 14, 2012

Thank you so much for your call and very interesting chat with our Tucson book club. We really appreciated you taking the time to talk to us about Pope Joan, your research, and your life. We all agreed that it was a very interesting and enjoyable book club session because of your call. Hopefully it works out for you to come to the University of Arizona book fair. I'm sure that Deejay (Fenton) will be in touch with you about the book fair.



Name : Patty Prather
Location : Lafayette,LA
Date: October 12, 2012

My book club is composed of approximately 12-15 women ranging in age from late fifties to mid-seventies. We are predominately Catholics.  We vote on our books for the year in May and Pope Joan was a recommendation from another book club.  Our group is composed of English teachers, nurses, math teachers, etc. I loved the book and volunteered to do the research and discussion. I have a masters in Theology and love studying about all religions and mythology. I can not speak for the group but I would say we are like all groups some have their minds made up before they read it and others are open to the mystery.  I think this is so cool that you offer to talk by speakerphone to different groups. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world!



Name : Lauren Millard
Location : Cranford, NJ 
GroupName : Bibliofemmes
Date:  October 1, 2012

Hi Donna, Our group is composed of strong women with professions in education,  business and healthcare. As this months host for book club, I selected this book because it would generate conversation about women and history. Including early Catholicism  (many of our members are not Christian) and the early struggles of women (members about 50is in age and worked through the women's movement breaking glass ceilings etc.).


Name:  Ann Boltz
Location:  Coldwater, Michigan
Date: September 21, 2012

Thank you for all you do.  Your book is one of the best written books I have read in a long while. We are a group of United Methodist women who have formed a book club.  One of our members had read your book and suggested it for study. At least one of our members was a Catholic at one time and was educated by the religious. We are retired from education,nursing,secretarial and administration professions. The book has been most intriguing and it would be great to have the author's input.  Thank you for your consideration.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Holly Haupt
Location : Harvard IL
GroupName : DiggIn' Books
Date:  August 17, 2012

Our book club chooses our books democratically. Each member gets to nominate a title and tell the group why they think it would be a good choice for book discussion. The titles are then voted on, and Pope Joan won enough votes to be our November reading selection. Most of us feel we learn much more history from reading historical fiction than any textbook!


Name:    Patricia Pereira
Location:   Jamestown, RI
GroupName : Jamestown Ladies Book Club
Date: August 2, 2012

Our book club choose Pope Joan because of the subject matter.  Most of the ladies had not heard of Pope Joan - even the Catholic members! Thank you for taking the time to speak with our book club.  We all loved the book and your passion added to our excitement.  We can’t wait to read your next book!


Name : Diego
Location : Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Date: July 20, 2012

Today I finished reading Pope Joan. It was an amazing book. Thank you for writing such a great piece of literature.
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name : Julie Cooper
Location : Anacortes WA
GroupName : Skyline Book Club
Date: July 15, 2012

A heartfelt thank you from each of us at the Skyline Book Club. It made our meeting very special to be able to speak with you. Attached you will find a photo of our group with the various editions of your book. Liz obtained a hardback copy of your book from the library that had a completely different cover than the two discussed. Perhaps you can see it in the photo! Anacortes Library will be hosting a book club meeting later this month at which various book clubs attend and share their picks for good reads. Pope Joan will certainly be one that our group will be recommending. Again, thank you for your generous contribution to our meeting.


Name : Beverly Cameron
Location : Tucson, AZ
GroupName : La Cholla Hills Book Club
Date: July 10, 2012

We are drawn to reading Pope Joan because it deals with a woman's struggle for an education, women's lives in the Dark Ages, an interest in the perverse history of the Catholic Church, and an interest in historical fiction. We are a group of women in our 60s and 70s living in Tucson, AZ who have been together for three years as a book club. I searched the internet for books to nominate for our 2012/13 reading list and found Pope Joan. I decided to read the book myself after seeing the wonderful reviews, whether the book club picked Pope Joan or not. But as it turns out the group was unanimous in picking Pope Joan for our Nov. 13 meeting. Would like to chat with the author by speakerphone if possible.


Name: Simran Bhatia Rutherford
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: June 24, 2012

On behalf of our entire book club I would like to thank you for a lively and insightful discussion last night. It almost felt like you were in the room with us! Thank You! We look forward to reading your next book when it comes out.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Julie Cooper
Location : Anacortes WA
GroupName : Skyline Book Club
Date: June 20, 2012

Each member of the group chooses a selection once a year. I selected your book because of the inspiring story and how the women in our group would enjoy the challenges presented to Joan and the use of herbs in the medicine Joan practiced.


Name : Cesia Leon
Location : England
Date: June 14, 2012

Hello. My name is Cesia Leon, a third year Literature student at London Metropolitan University, and I am contacting you to say hello (so, hi) and also to tell you that I am studying the fictional representation of Pope Joan as my dissertation project. Your novel is the centrepiece of my essay because your Joan is the most well rounded, true, heroic, human version of her character I have found, and a far better one than I thought I would meet. Your skill at storytelling and frankly amazing research has brought me into the story on a very personal level. Would it be alright if I asked you a few questions? It would help enormously with my project. Thanks for your time, Cesia.


Name : Nina Scarpa
Location : Cherry Hill, NJ
GroupName : Unitarian Universalist in Cherry Hill, NJ
Date: June 2, 2012

We are a book discussion group that is part of liberal religious church community. Our church has a significant population active in social justice issues and a Womyn and Religion group. A number of members of our Friday Book Discussion Group had heard good things about your book Pope Joan. This years topic for our group is books with a strong female lead character.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Imogen Elliot
Location : Sydney, Australia.
Date: May 31, 2012

Hello there. I am in Year 11 and as part of my preliminary assessment for modern history i decided to research Pope Joan. However, i'm finding it hard to find solid factual information, I'm wary to base an assessment on speculation. Your book is the most reliable source of info i've come across. Where did you do your research, what is fact and what is legend??? Any tips? Thank you!


Name : Eva Gold
Location : Charlotte, NC
Date: May 29, 2012

We have a wonderful neighborhood book club--but we have never had an author present or speak. We are an eclectic group of educated, diverse women. Since it is my month to choose the book, I started looking and found your book, and it sounds intriguing. We have several Catholics, one Jewish woman (me), a couple of agnostics and some I don't know what they are, but we tend to shy away from religious discussions. The group has always enjoyed historical fiction. I think it would be really awesome if you could be part of our discussion!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name : Dawn Anderson
Location : Boulder CO
Date: May 12, 2012

I heard about this book from a friend who read it on the airport and could not put it down.
We would love to know all about the research for the book. Where you went, who you spoke with, what you reviewed. What parts really happened, what was fiction.


Name : Simran Bhatia Rutherford
Location : Canada
Date: May 10, 2012

One of our members had heard very good reviews of your book. We use a very democratic system of picking our books. This book was her selection in our "pick a chit from the bowl"! It got picked last night as our next selection. The members of the club are all women who met when their children went to pre-school together. Our kids are now 7-9 years old and go to grade 1-2....but our common love of reading has kept us together. The reading interests of everyone are quite varied....but by giving everyone a chance to choose a selection, we all end up reading books we may not otherwise gravitate towards. Your book is a perfect example for me, I am not a big historical fiction reader, but now that I have looked into the reviews and read a bit about this book on your site, my interest is peaking! I really hope you will be able to speak us at our next meeting where we will be discussing your book!


Name: Judy Lyttle
West Hills, California
Date: May 6, 2012

I can't thank you enough for joining our Book Club discussion by speakerphone last week. You are so generous to share your knowledge and expertise with us. We love your sense of humor! Everyone in my book club loves your work! I will continue to recommend Pope Joan to all my friends.


Name : mary ann collins
Location : roswell,georgia
Date: May 2, 2012

My daughter Kim,read Pope Joan in her bookclub and raved about it. She said I must read it too.I selected it for our book club. We are a small club,but dedicated! It is so exciting to think we could possibly have you communicate with us by speakerphone on the night of our meeting! We usually have about 8 or 10 members attending.Thank you in advance for considering us.
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


From: Susan O'Connell
Location: San Diego, CA
Date: April 28, 2012

Our book group LOVED talking with you by speakerphone and discussing
Pope Joan. It was sooo much fun. The best book club meeting we have
had!!

You were so generous to discuss all our questions and share your
ideas and preparations for writing such a great book. You pulled in the
reader right from the start and we enjoyed your writing style throughout
the book. And we also learned about that time era and what amazing
things one woman can accomplish!

I love books that are exciting yet I can still learn from, they are my favorites!

The discussion time with you will truly keep Pope Joan on our
"extra-special-book" list forever! You have such an intelligent and
uplifting personality which made the phone call very engaging for us
all.

Thank you, Thank you!!! We all look forward to your new book when it comes out!!!!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : michelle
Location : Berlin, Germany
Date: April 28, 2012

i would like to buy the book in a korean language version. where can i find out if this version is available and how/where would i be able to purchase it?

AUTHOR NOTE: The Korean language edition will be published soon. Keep checking this website for details.


Name : Loretta Johnson
Location : Seattle, WA
Date: April 12, 2012

My sister in Mt Crested Butte, Colorado recommended the book. She and her group enjoyed Pope Joan very much and had you participate in a book chat by speakerphone. We would also like to chat with you by speakerphone. We only have one evening that will work for us, posted on the book chat request form, so I hope it works out. I've already heard from three group members that they are really enjoying it ("a real page turner"!).


Name : Evan Pollock
Location : Phoenixville, PA
GroupName : River's Bend Book Club
Date: March 24, 2012

Pope Joan was recommended to our book-club by Mary at Town Book Center and Cafe (formerly Trappe Book Store) and our book group selected it because we felt discussion topics would be plentiful. Our book-club reads a wide variety of books covering most any topic. We would love to chat by speakerphone with the author if she is available!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Judie Mayer
Location : Richfield Springs, NY
Date: March 4, 2012

Yeah for "Pope Joan" yeah for Donna Woolfolk Cross, yeah for your wonderful historical novel and yeah for women  (and their wonderful power) everywhere! Thank you so much for enlightening all of us with such an exquisite reading experience.


Name: Kathy Powers
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Date:  February 26, 2012

Is there any way to purchase the movie? Our Book Club would be ever so grateful! Thank you!

Author reply: No DVD is available yet. I strongly recommend tuning in to the REELZ Channel screening on either March 3 or 4, 2012, which includes an additional 25 minutes not included in the theatrical version. For information, go to http://www.reelz.com/popejoan/

Missed the movie on TV?  Then sign up for notices - when it comes out on DVD, we'll let you know.


Name: Lolita Wiesner
Location: Mesa, AZ
Date: February 24, 2012

Just finished the book and I'm enjoying the afterword almost as much. Thank you for writing this book!

Author reply: Thanks, Lolita! I hope you have the new edition, published by Broadway/Three Rivers Press in 2009, for it's really much better!

I'd like to encourage everyone to purchase the 2009 Three Rivers Press (Broadway) edition of Pope Joan, instead of previous editions. Yes, you might save a few dollars by purchasing an earlier edition, but you will miss a lot, because:

1. This is not just a reprint of the novel; it's a whole new edition. I was able to make changes and additions to the text (every writer's dream--to make the book better AFTER publication!) AND I explain these changes and additions in the Author's Note at the end.

2. The Three Rivers Press (Broadway) edition of Pope Joan has larger print. Previous editions have teeny-weeny print that's hard on the eyes. Many readers complained about this, so I made sure the print was enlarged for this new edition.

3. The Three Rivers/Broadway edition includes new information about Joan's historicalexistence that emerged after my novel was first published. You might be surprised!

4. The Three Rivers Press/Broadway edition has a list of "Best of the Best" Reading Group questions, garnered from my many years chatting by speakerphone with reading groups all over the U.S. and Canada. Guaranteed, through the test of time, to spark interesting and lively conversation!


Name: Judy Lyttle
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date: February 23, 2012

My synagogue book club at my synagogue will be discussing Pope Joan at our meeting next month. Everyone in my current book group LOVES your book!! Pope Joan is on my list of my all-time favorites. My husband is also a big fan of yours! I hope you are available to chat with us by speakerphone.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Lauret C.
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Date: February 20, 2012

Our book club absolutely LOVED the book!


Name: Carolle Cox
Location: Frederick, MD
Date: February 19, 2012

Donna! Boy, a lot has happened since I bought my copy of Pope Joan! Just saw the movie, and was quite happy with it. No glamorization or triteness allowed! I don't want to part with my autographed copy, but I'll get the new one by Broadway Press just to see the additional research you've done.


Name: Lindy Hanley
Location: Sandy, OR
Date: February 7, 2012

My sister's book club read Pope and LOVED the conversation they had by speakerphone with Donna. Really hope that she can join us by speakerphone as well!


Name: Lindsey Moffat
Location: Draper, UT
Date: February 5, 2012

I read your book many years ago and loved it. When our book club met to calendar our upcoming year, a number of women in our group had heard that your book was an excellent one. We choose to read and discuss it for our March meeting. We are a group of about 15 women who love to read and have been meeting as a book club for about 2 years. It would be a very exciting opportunity to include you in our discussion by speakerphone and ask you questions if your schedule permits. Thank you.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Paul Geary
Location : Beacon Falls, CT
Date:  February 1, 2012

I am a faculty advisor for my high school's book club. I read Pope Joan several years ago, but several of our student leaders chose this book to read for Book Club. They liked the historical fiction aspect, as well as the female protagonist. I can tell you that the English Department faculty and our students will be thrilled to hear from you! Thanks again for giving us this great opportunity to chat with you by speakerphone.
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name : Willy Pouderoyen
Location : Homosassa
Date: January 28, 2012

A friend of mine discussed Pope Joan at her book club, and everybody thought it the best choice of the year! That was a good reason for me to read the novel and also to pick it as my choice for our March discussion.
Personally I liked the historical setting and how life was at the time of Pope Joan. Hope you can join us by speakerphone!


Sally Jordan
Dallas, Texas
Date:  January 20, 2012

My goodness! Thank you for a delightful evening! Not only was it an unusual book
club meeting, but it was far and away one of the most successful. Due, of course,
to you -- your book and your presence by speakerphone. It is rare to have everyone like the book, as we all did
with Pope Joan. It appealed to those who like story-telling and also to those who value accuracy through research. I'd say you were a smash hit. And now we will do our part and talk the book up with friends, other book clubs, etc. I believe Pope Joan is one of those books that has broad appeal. And the mini-series will support the book. And, if you'll allow, we all pretty much decided that none of us would kick Gerold/David Wenham out of our beds. My, my, my! Once again, thank you for your time and your generosity.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Silke Feltz
Location : Kerrville, TX
GroupName : Monday Night Fiction
Date:  January 14, 2012

I teach English and German at Schreiner University, a small private liberal arts college in the Hill Country in Texas (about an hour west of San Antonio). I am also the coordinator for Monday night Fiction (MNF), our university book club. Once a month, a professor presents a novel and both community members and students join the discussion. I have been presenting for two years now and decided to pick Pope Joan this year (in March). This book nicely correlates with my German book club (we read a book by a German author once a semester) because it takes place, in part, in Germany.

Pretty much everybody I know in Germany has read Die Paepstin. In fact, my very best friend, Ingrid, still claims to this day that your novel is the best book she has ever read in her life. I also am acquainted with the movie and will integrate it into my other German class activities/ events in the spring semester.

MNF members enjoy reading historic fiction immensely (we had a lively discussion about Patrick Sueskind's Perfume two years ago) and your novel raises great questions for discussion (feminism, women's rights, history, the institution church, sacrifices, etc). I am more than thrilled to learn that you join book clubs and hope so very much you could join our discussion by speakerphone on the above given date. We are a nice little mix of students, community members who love to read, and professors. I wish every author was as accessible as you are. Your willingness to create a bridge between the reader and the writer is a privilege to all of us. Greetings from Kerrville, TX. Silke


Name : Sherry Monger
Location: London, ON, Canada
Date:  January 12, 2012

Thanks for the invigorating and impassioned discussion of Pope Joan by speakerphone last night! Our book club was delighted that you would spend your time illuminating an already exciting and thought-provoking novel!


Name : Debra Reich
Location : Crested butte, CO
Date:  January 10, 2012

I am the town librarian, and the word of everyone who reads the book is a strong thumbs up!
Our book club consists of around 20 to 30 mature strong women, who live in a small ski town in Colorado. I believe our group would be most interested in the role of women in the historical setting along with the history of Catholic church.


Name : Robert Barcenas Jr.
Location: Harlingen, TX
Date: January 6, 2012

I have not read the novel, but I've watched the film. It's an incredible and affecting movie. It reminds me of the old Hollywood epics like Ben Hur and Cleopatra . Pope Joan is a hero/heroine for us today, a true champion of the people, whether she existed or not (I'd like to believe so). Very inspiring and powerful story. I will read the novel!.


Name : Tammy Parks
Location : Winter Haven, FL
GroupName : Wine, Women and Words
Date:  January 6, 2012

We are a book group of seven who split off from a larger book club because we desired to discuss our reading in greater detail. We meet monthly at each other’s homes and try to gear the entire evening around our reading selection. We try to read books “out of our comfort zone.” We come by most of our selections by recommendation from other book lovers, which is how we came across “Pope Joan.” We have not yet had our formal discussion (which we hope Donna can join us for by speakerphone) but I can already tell by the email chatter that “Pope Joan” is going to be high on our list of favorites! I enjoyed the Author’s Note, “Was There a Pope Joan?” as much as I enjoyed the book itself. I was fascinated by the argument for and against the possibility of Joan’s papacy. I am very excited for what I know is going to be a terrific discussion about strong women, religion, faith, love, truth and sacrifice. I hope that the author can join our discussion by speakerphone!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Patricia
Location: El Paso, TX
Date:  January 6, 2012

I read POPE JOAN in one day. I could not put it down; it was that intriguing and well-written. I recommend it to everyone; especially to my fellow Catholics. I watched the first part of the mini-series tonight, and I was not disappointed. It was perfectly cast, superbly-acted, and true to the book. I cannot wait to see the rest!


Name: Barbara Bickford
Location: Fayetteville, New York
Date:  January 4, 2012

I loved seeing the movie! I have spread the word across the country... one friend in Florida read the book quickly and loved it, so was going to watch the movie, another had read it in Spokane, WA with her book club. I cannot imagine your publisher not promoting Pope Joan... the movie, as I have told everyone, is outstanding and as good as the book (or almost). Many of us feel it is one of the best movies we have seen. So the publisher must be blind and their ears stuffed with cotton if they haven't heard this type of feedback!


Name : Rob Nowlin
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Date:  January 4, 2012

Donna, I heard your presentation when you were in Little Rock recently and have since gotten your novel. I saw both parts of the movie and was just thrilled how well it was produced!!!! Bravo for a job phenomenally done! Rob


Name : Sally Jordan
Location : Dallas, TX
GroupName : nicknamed 'little book club' as many of us are in more than one
Date:  January 4, 2012

I am the reviewer for our book club this month and Pope Joan was one of three books I proposed. This one won the vote! I remember seeing what I would call a 'proving chair' in a museum meant to display the 'necessaries' of a pope-in-waiting before confirmation. Not too long ago a PBS special had Jeremy Irons sitting in a like chair. I also have a very good professor friend who is a retired Medievalist and I plan to pick his brain to punch up the review. However, the voice of the author would be sublime, so I hope you can join us by speakerphone. I am reading the book now and enjoying it!


 Name : Jackie Joy
Location: Reno, NV
Date:  January 3, 2012

Just read your novel and found the movie on Reelz by accident today (got a bad cold so I'm watching a lot of TV). Really happy to have made the connection. Loved the book!


Name : Ginger
Location : Hinsdale, IL
GroupName : Newcomers and neighbors book club
Date:  January 3,2012

One of our book group read Pope Joan and recommended it highly. Our group loves history and finds the story fascinating. And maybe how and why the catholic church kept it hidden. Hope the author can join us by speakerphone for our discussion.


Name : Kathy
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Date:  January 2, 2012

Pope Joan has been a book that has stuck in my mind since I read it years ago in a book club I was in. The plight of a woman in a man's world and the strength, courage, and wisdom of how she overcomes it to the benefit of all.


Name : Maria De La Sierra
Location : Macon, FA
GroupName : Literary Lunatics
Date:  December 30, 2011

Our book club decided to have a movie extravaganza with the REELZ screening here! Yours is the only book ever selected by our group to read for the second time. I haven't told the ladies, but I think it would be great if you could call and chat by speakerphone for a few before our "Pope Joan premiere".


Name : Marie Beach-Jeter
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Date:  December 29, 2011

I read your novel and enjoyed it very much. Isn't it amazing how the Church has covered this story up but it is documented in History? Male chuavinism is still very much alive and well. Between the phony "religions" who still make women/girls slaves and the reluctance of the male ego (not all males) to give up control of females, we are still in the Dark Ages. I would love to buy the DVD but have not been able to find it. Thank you again for an excellent read!


Name: Abbie Winskowicz
Date:  December 27, 2011

I am sooo excited and happy about the airing of the movie on REELZ! A much deserved event for sure!! I can't wait to watch it!!! I gave a copy of your novel to every woman I know - I gave a copy to my son's girlfriend recently and to a close friend who was hesitant to read it (she's a devout Catholic) - both women loved it, of course!!! I am forwarding this newsletter to all my friends right now. Our book group will have a Pope Joan party, I guarantee, and we will have at least one glass of wine to honor you. You Go, Girl!!


Name: George Miller
Location: Central New York
Date:  December 26, 2011

Yea! Thanks, Donna, for the notice about the movie. We can see it on Time Warner Cable 163 so I'll be sure to DVR it if I can't watch live! I will let all our book clubs at the library know about it also!


Name: Carol Tess
Locaton: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Date:  December 24, 2011

OMG! I am so excited – I can’t tell you how much your stick-to-it-ness (word I made up) means to me.. I did a fwd to every one in my 3 book clubs. We all loved it so much and your talk here in Green Bay, WI is still a topic of conversation (you must know, of course, that The Packers with an 11 – zero record is also talked about here) . Never fear, I am out and about every day and I do not hesitate to tell people about one of my top 10 reads of all time. I love you for your talent, your friendliness, your grit, and for introducing me to Grey Goose vodka martinis!


Name: Barbara Bickford
Date:  December 24, 2011

Hot dawg!!! I have been wondering when the movie would come out in the US. I think it was one of the best movies I have ever seen, and my friends feel that way too. I am so happy for you and for the US to be able to see it. We will talk about this at our next Tuesday Book Club gathering. I'll send this on to friends and my children on the West coast.
C'est merveilllleux!!


Name: Janet Treer
Date:  December 23, 2011

Congratulations! I am so excited to be able to watch the movie! And the timing will not be a problem for me. My book club is meeting this coming week, so in addition to sharing your newsletter with all of them, I also will make sure to personally give them the air times. I’ll also follow your suggestions re Facebook, etc. and share the news with my network.


Name: Grace
Date: December 23, 2011

Great to hear about the movie screening on REELZ! I have forwarded your newsletter to everyone in my book club. I'm hoping someone will be able to tape it, so we all can watch it later together.


Name: Joan Kucher, PhD
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Date:  December 22, 2011

Congratulations on the "birth" of the Pope Joan mini series on REELZ TV!. I immediately sent out the details to my book group who you met when we chatted by speakerphone a while ago. They were delighted that the book has been brought to life on the screen. Unfortunately the date that it was aired, I was out of town without access to the necessary cable channels. Is there a DVD available or coming soon?

Author note:
The mini-series will re-air on December 31st/January 1st on REELZ TV
.
Go to http://www.reelz.com/popejoan/ for details.

As for the DVD: There's no U.S. release yet--and thank heavens for that! The moment a DVD becomes available, all hope of further screenings of the mini-series, or of a theatrical release, ceases. To keep apprised of developments, sign up to receive my monthly newsletter.


Name: Jim Graham
Location: Upstate New York
Date:  December 22, 2011

Just wanted to tell you Helen and I loved the movie .. I have not got a clue why it hasn't been a Major Film being advertised all over the country like others.. I thought it followed the book and was SO WELL DONE!!!


Name: Mary Link [mailto:[email protected]]
Location: West Point, Iowa
Date:  December 21, 2011

Our book club watched "Pope Joan" together Sunday and Monday nights. We all enjoyed it and realized we had forgotten some things since we first read the novel. It was an enjoyable two evenings! We also talked how fun it was to talk with you by speakerphone about the book. Congratulations on your hard work.


Name: Diane Giombetti Clue
Location:
Date: December 21, 2011

Thank you for sending these emails about the Pope Joan film on REELZ. I ordered the channel just so I could watch Pope Joan! I co-founded a book club with my sister, and the first book we ever read as a group was Pope Joan – some of our members watched the REELZ miniseries the past two nights, and the rest will come to my house in the new year and watch it with me via DVR.

I wish I could tell you how much your wonderful book means to me, and how passionate I am about it. My husband watched the miniseries with me and absolutely loved it. Thank you for writing Pope Joan, thank you for inspiring countless women, and thank you for sticking to your guns and making sure this film turned out to be the beautiful masterpiece that it deserved to be (and is!).


Name: STEVEN AND KIM WARD
Location: Pleasant Hill,, Oregon
Date: December 20, 2011

Our book group all loved talking with you by speakerphone about Pope Joan a few months back. We are equally excited about the movie. The 12 of us are gathering at a member's home on December 18th to watch Pope Joan. (We sure had to search for someone who got the station).

Just wanted you to know we are so proud of what you've been able to do.....first with the book and now the movie. We remember you saying how tough it was getting the movie made and distributed. Best of luck with it's success!


Name : Laurie Bertera
Location: Agawam, MA
Date:  December 20, 2011

You must be very gratified by the 2-part movie that was aired on Reelz. I just finished watching it and thought it was very faithful to the book, with only minor exceptions. Also, the production values and casting were of the highest quality. I spoke with you briefly a few months ago at our Book Club and had asked you at the time about the status of the movie. Again, I really enjoyed both the book and movie and wanted to let you know. Happy Holidays to you and your family and all the best for the New Year.


Name : Patricia
Location: El Paso, TX
Date: December 19, 2011

I read POPE JOAN in one day. I could not put it down; it was that intriguing and well-written. I recommend it to everyone; especially to my fellow Catholics. I watched the first part of the mini-series tonight and I was not disappointed. It was perfectly cast, superbly-acted, and true to the book. I cannot wait to see the rest tomorrow!


Name : Amy G. Schwartz
Location : Hallettsville, TX
Date:  November 14, 2011

Well..... I can't even begin to tell you how much fun our book group had and how much we learned from our speakerphone chat with you. There was such a free flow of conversation and you answered all of our questions intelligently, candidly, and with your unique enthusiasm. We laughed, shared contrasting views and ideas - and all came away more informed.

It was such a pleasure to meet you - even over the phone-- and we had such a great time. I consider you a friend now - you are now officially a member of our BBC Book Club!

We are all very eager to see the movie. Take care and thank you for taking the time to talk with us and share your time with our Book Club.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Carol Abdelnour
Location: Canton, MI
Date:  November 14, 2011

I truly loved the book (POPE JOAN) and anxiously await the movie.


Name: Kelly
Date:  November 14, 2011

How can I get a DVD of the Pope Joan film (2009) to watch in the USA?


Name : Gretchen Jeffers
Location: zionsville, Indiana
Date:  November 10, 2011

Thank you so much for the fascinating speakerphone conversation we enjoyed with you on Wednesday morning. After we rang off the phone, the members of our book group looked at each other and said, "Wow!"

Your comments gave us insight into your journey with Joan...your research using original sources in foreign languages, your brave forays into merging multiple languages into totally comprehensible sentences, your struggles in creating the movie, the challenges of transforming a long work of historical fiction into a screenplay, the talented actors who depict your characters, your anecdotes about chatting with various book, literary and religious groups, including those primarily Roman Catholic in make-up...it all made for an enriching and memorable morning for the Wednesday Morning Book Club which meets at the spectacular Hussey-Mayfield Library in Zionsville, Indiana. We still want Gerold's phone number! We'll be watching for the film!


Name: kelly catanese
Location: charlotte, North_Carolina
Date:  November 9, 2011

I loved your book and would like to know where I can get the DVD. Is it out in the US yet?
 
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Name : Ann Sassano
Location : Downers Grove, IL
Date:  November 6, 2011

I first heard about Pope Joan on Goodreads-and presented it at the first meeting of our book group. We are all high school teachers, a few are Social Studies teachers. One of the English teachers said she had read Pope Joan, and it was the best book she had ever read! That convinced us that we had to read it. We hope you will consider chatting with our group by speakerphone. LOVING the book! Thank you for writing it.


Name : Joan
Location: London, England
Date:  November 6, 2011

I've read "Pope Joan" several times and really enjoyed the book. Did you see "The Borgias"? When the cardinals wanted to check that Pope Alexander VI (Jeremy Irons character) was male, the chair with the hole in the seat was there and he sat on it. This was brilliant that this scene was included in the production as this provides credible support that Pope Joan actually did exist.


Name : Anne Holliday Abbott
Location: Portland, Maine
Date:  November 3, 2011

I'm requesting a speakerphone chat with our book group. We are an international woman's organization which focuses on raising money to help women with their educational expenses. We found out about Pope Joan from another book club in the area. We have LOVED the novel and would be so excited to have a conversation with Donna!


Name: Meg Needler
Date:  November 3, 2011

Any progress on "Pope Joan" (movie) being released in the United States? (Either at the theater or on DVD--US format.)


Sandra Worth
Houston, Texas
Date: October 30, 2011

I just finished POPE JOAN this morning and I am in awe of what you've done! What a STUPENDOUS book you're written! It's an amazing, incredible, magnificent piece of work. Every page - every scene - every character - heaves with life. You took dry-as-dust historical events and make them live. As for Joan, I completely identify with her and will never forget her. She echoes my own beliefs and my philosophy of life in a way I could never have expected in a book about a religious character. You've brought her out of the darkness into the light and given her an immortality she didn't have before. People will be discovering Pope Joan through your story for generations to come.
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name : Grace Becker
Location : Doylestown, PA
GroupName : Deer Run Book Club
Date:  October 28, 2011

I read Absolute Monarchs by J Norwich and was intrigued when he had a small chapter on Joan.
After searching the internet I found your Joan and enjoyed it very much.I feel there is some truth to her existence and wondered if you found any info in ancient texts in libraries in parts of Europe other than in Italy or in the Vatican. Also the lives of women in that time when we had no voice at all was informative. I read non stop - I'm the old lady of the group but read constantly. I picked it for the group because I enjoyed your novel about the lives of people centuries ago - especially the women and how hard life was in that time per


Name: Grace Becker
Location : Eugene, OR
Date:  October 27, 2011

We're a group of strong women and enjoy reading about other strong women. A friend suggested Pope Joan so I checked your novel out and knew immediately that it would be a hit with our group. Everyone is very much enjoying reading it. We usually meet at 7pm pacific time but are gathering at 6pm pacific time to hopefully chat with you by speakerphone. Thanks so much. Kim

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Ednalyn Corpuz
Location Manila, 000 Philippines
Date:  October 23, 2011

I have just watched the movie "POPE JOAN" and I can say that, now I finally found the greatest movie I've ever seen.. I really love it, and it inspired me.. Hope I can have the book version of it..
Congrats to Ms. Donna!


Name: Janet Singer
Location: Kings Park, New York
Date:  October 23, 2011

Our book group had a fabulous meeting last night, digressing many times from discussion of Pope Joan to other aspects of the subjugation of women through the ages. We had print outs from US News and World Reports, Wikipedia, and the Catholic Encyclopedia, plus of course the great Reader's Guide at the end of the novel. In the end, to discuss the book, we concluded it mattered not at all whether we believed Pope Joan existed. It stirred some great thinking and discussion!

Keep writing. We look forward to your next novel!


Name : carol
Location: Whittier, CA
Date:  October 22, 2011

I am reading Pope Joan for the 6th time! I love the novel and and want to own the dvd of the movie. When will it be released?


Name : Karen Renger
Location: Central Texas
Date: October 19, 2011

I am sitting in the waiting room as my husband is having hand surgery. I googled Donna Cross and found this site and immediately filled out the form for a speakerphone chat with the author. I am so excited about the possibility of us visiting as a group. ( our club has 6 members) I know the date is close and send apologies....

I was planning a mission trip to Peru, I contacted a travel agent and as women often do we talked about things other than my trip. Somehow we brought up the subject of Book Clubs! She was so excited about Pope Joan and shared with me how very much her book club had enjoyed Pope Joan. I ran out and bought the book and I too have shared it with several as well as my BBC group. This is truly one of my best reads ever! Thank you and and anxiously waiting to hear.... Karen Renger. FYI we are from a small town (3000) in central Texas and this would be a really BIG DEAL for us to visit with you!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name : Melinda Rising
Location: Mt. Holyoke, MA
Date: October 17, 2011

I was at the Red Carpet Event in the spring to support the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation and my friend Sally Roesch Wagner. I met you briefly at the movie theater in Syracuse, along with so many others. Some academic friends and I are planning an event to be held in late spring 2012 at Mt. holyoke College in Mass. Our title is "Evolution of the Holy Grail, Groundbreaking Women Who Changed Our World." We would like to include your movie and hopefully your commentaries if possible. Could we please have a conversation about the possibility? The audience will include participants from around the country. Karen Ralls from Oxford will be one of the presenters.


Name: Themaricafe (comment on You Tube)
Location: Brasil
Date:  October 12, 2011

I've finished the book today!!! It's really good!!
Very well described and written. When i heard there was a movie, i decided to look for it!
I hope i comes to Brasil!


Name : Grace Cooper
Location : Goodyear, AZ
Date:  October 12, 2011

Some members of our club had read Pope Joan prior to our club reading and discussing it. Everyone enjoyed the book, and we had one of our best discussions ever when we talked about it! Would like to schedule speakerphone discussion with the author.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Gretchen Jeffers
Location : Zionsville, IN
Date:  October 10, 2011

I was also a member of the Paperback Book Club and Donna did a speakerphone chat with us that we really enjoyed.. So I am sharing Pope Joan with my book clubs out here in Zionsville IN. Please let me know if any the dates I submitted in the chat request form work out.Yes, in case you are wondering, we are on EST, the furthest state west to do so. Makes for dark mornings but brighter afternoons.


Name : natalie
Location: Germany
Date:  October 4, 2011

Hello, my name is Natalie burghart and I'm from germany. It's my last year at school and soon I will do my ''abitur". Each pupil has to present a book and I've chosen Pope Joan, because I liked it much. I also have to give my teacher some details about you, about your life, curriculum vitae etc. I'll be happy, if you could help me :) Thank you very much and respect for your wonderful novel. I cried at the last pages :)


Name : Judy Tjiattas
Location : Cherry Hill, NJ
Date:  October 2, 2011

Years ago, my sister in law introduced this book to my mother and I. Our book club often reads about issues related to women around the world. We had just finished reading The Infidel and I recommended that everyone read Pope Joan. It was so very well received. When looking up the discussion notes I saw that you sometimes chat with book clubs.Our group meetings are in NJ, but most of us have met through working or studying at Penn. Two of us are graduates in the Masters of Organization Dynamics program. Several of us work at Penn and ride the train together most days. We select and discuss a lot of our books on the train. It would be wonderful to chat with you. We understand you must be very busy, but thought we would see if any of our times match up with yours. If they don't, then we could try to match up in October or November. Thanks again for writing such a fascinating story.


Name: kelly catanese
Location: charlotte, North Carolina
Date: September 30, 2011

I loved your book and would like to know where I can get the DVD. Is it out in the US yet?


Name: Janet Singer
Location: Kings Park, New York
Date:  September 28, 2011

Our book group had a fabulous meeting last night, digressing many times from discussion of Pope Joan to other aspects of the subjugation of women through the ages. We had print outs from US News and World Reports, Wikipedia, and the Catholic Encyclopedia, plus of course the great Reader's Guide at the end. We did spent some time on the partial interview of you also reprinted at the back of some editions, comparing your expressed thoughts with those of articles and the Church. In the end, to discuss the book, we concluded it mattered not at all whether we believed she existed. It stirred some great thinking and discussion! Keep writing. We look forward to your next novel!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : carol
Location: whittier, CA
Date: September 24, 2011

I am reading Pope Joan for the 6th time! I love the novel and and want to own the dvd of the movie. When will it be released?
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name Ednalyn Corpuz
Location Manila, 000 Philippines
Date: September 21, 2011

I have just watched the movie "POPE JOAN" and I can say that, now I finally found the greatest movie i've ever seen.. I really love it, and it inspired me.. Hope I can have the book version of it. Congrats to Ms. Donna!


Name : Karen Renger
Location : Hallettsville, TX
GroupName : BBC
Date:  September 18, 2011

I am sitting in the waiting room as my husband is having hand surgery. I googled Donna Cross and found this site and immediately filled out the form for a speakerphone chat with the author. I am so excited about the possibility of us visiting as a group. ( our club has 6 members) I know the date is close and send apologies....

I was planning a mission trip to Peru, I contacted a travel agent and as women often do we talked about things other than my trip. Somehow we brought up the subject of Book Clubs! She was so excited about Pope Joan and shared with me how very much her book club had enjoyed Pope Joan. I ran out and bought the book and I too have shared it with several as well as my BBC group. This is truly one of my best reads ever! Thank you and and anxiously waiting to hear.... Karen Renger. FYI we are from a small town (3000) in central Texas and this would be a really BIG DEAL for us to visit with you!


Name: shannon
Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Country
Date: September 14, 2011

Where can I buy the movie on DVD?
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name : Melinda Rising
Location: Wallingford, CT
Date: September 9, 2011

I was at the Red Carpet Event in the spring to support the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation with my friend Sally Roesch Wagner. I met you briefly at the movie theater in Syracuse, along with so many others. Some academic friends and I are planning an event to be held in late spring 2012 at Mt. holyoke College in Mass. Our title is "Evolution of the Holy Grail, Groundbreaking Women Who Changed Our World." We would like to include your movie and hopefully your commentaries if possible. Could we please have a conversation about the possibility? The audience will include participants from around the country. Karen Ralls from Oxford will be one of the presenters.  Thank you for your consideration!


Name: Themaricafe
via You Tube  (see the Pope Joan movie trailer on YouTube)
Date: September 8, 2011

I've finished the book today!!! It's really good!! Very well described and written. When i heard there was a movie, i decided to look for it!  I hope it comes to Brasil!


Name : Grace Cooper
Location : Goodyear, AZ
Date:  August 29, 2011

Some members of our club had read Pope Joan prior to our club reading and discussing it. Everyone enjoyed the book, and we had one of our best discussions ever when we talked about it! Would like to schedule speakerphone discussion with the author.


Name : Gretchen Jeffers
Location : Zionsville, IN
GroupName : Wednesday Morning Book Club
Date: August 22, 2011

I was also a member of the Paperback Book Club and Donna did a speakerphone chat with us that we really enjoyed.. So I am sharing Pope Joan with my book clubs out here in Zionsville IN. Please let me know if any the dates I submitted in the chat request form work out. Yes, in case you are wondering, we are on EST, the furthest state west to do so. Makes for dark mornings but brighter afternoons.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name : Natalie
Location: Germany
GroupName : Die Päpstin, Pope Joan
Date: August 19, 2011

Hello, my name is Natalie burghart and I'm from germany. It's my last year at school and soon I will do my ''abitur". Each pupil has to present a book and I've chosen Pope Joan, because I liked it much. I also have to give my teacher some details about you, about your life, curriculum vitae etc. I'll be happy, if you could help me :) Thank you very much and respect for your wonderful novel. I cried at the last pages :)


Name : Judy Tjiattas
Location : Cherry Hill, NJ
Date:  August 11, 2011

My sister in law introduced this book to my mother and I.

Our book club often reads about issues related to women around the world. We had just finished reading The Infidel and then I recommended that everyone read Pope Joan. It was so very well received! When looking up the discussion notes I saw that you sometimes chat with book clubs. Our group meetings are in NJ, but most of us have met through working or studying at Penn. We select and discuss a lot of our books on the train. It would be wonderful to chat with you. We understand you must be very busy, but thought we would see if any of our times match up with
yours. If they don't, then we could try to match up in October or November. Thanks again for writing such a fascinating story.


Name: : kelly catanese
Location: charlotte, North_Carolina USA
Date: August 4, 2011

I loved Pope Joan and would like to know where I can get the DVD of the movie. Is it out in the US yet?
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name: Patti Steflik
Location: Jacksonville, FL 32225
Date: August 2, 2011

I was in a book club in Provo, Utah some years ago and we read Pope Joan. I will always remember the speakerphone call you made. What a great time we had that night, learning about your writing process! Now I live in Jacksonville, Florida and have a new book club. I suggested Pope Joan, and the women in the club would love to chat with you. We are all interested in history, and I remember being impressed by the amount of research you put into the book. Another talking point could be the quality of life for women in Joan's time. Some have asked about the movie as well. Thanks for your consideration, and we love your book!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name:  Stephanie Mikow
Date:  August 1, 2011
Location: Fresno, CA

Great book, and i would love to see this movie get picked up and shown in Fresno!


Name: Kristine Powers
Location: Macomb, MI 48042
Date: July 28, 2011
Group Name: St. John Vianney Mommy Book Club

We selected Pope Joan based on a high recommendation from a family member. Since we are a church based book club we incorporate several religious themed books throughout the year.

I understand this is short notice, but unfortunately just found out we can make the request to have the author join us by speakerphone. If you are not able to accomoDate: I completely understand.


Name: Linda Weiss
Date:   July 24, 2011
Location: Freehold, NJ

I read the book and have recomended it to everyone I talk to! I would LOVE to see the movie and would have many friends who would love to see it as well. Please bring this film to my neighborhood soon.


Name: Patty Harden
Location: Oakland, California USA
Date: July 22, 2011

Congratulations on your wonderful book, which I discovered through a book group. It is an awesome accomplishment, and I have now recommended it to a second book group I'm a member of. My second book group is discussing Pope Joan on June 15th, if you happen to be available for Skype or a concall? The book is a dazzling accomplishment!


Name: First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth - Sue Kage
Location: Plymouth, MI USA
Date: July 20, 2011
Group Name: First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth

We entertain Book Discussions for the women of our church and guests quarterly and chose books that challenge us to think about our faith. Your book was recommended by several women and upon reading it found it to be compelling and worthy of our discussion. We hope you can join us for our discussion as we have always found conversations with authors to be most enlightening. Thanks for considering our request.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Carolyn Brink
Location: Denver, CO USA
Date: July 15, 2011
Group Name: Bookies

We learned about Pope Joan from another book group. Our group consists of 9 Denver women and we read a variety of books. I have recommended your wonderful novel to two other book clubs I am in. We are very interested in your background research, if you truly believe there was a Pope Joan, and all the info you can share! Hope that you can join us for a speakperhone chat on one of our suggested Date: s~


Name: Wendy Davenport
From: Syracuse, NY
Date: June 11, 2011

Thank you so much for your lively talk by speakerphone with our OASIS class this morning! I had lots of positive feedback, and class members want to go on your website. We at OASIS sincerely appreciate your time and enthusiasm in sharing your ideas and knowledge with us.


Name: Carolyn Brink
From: Denver, CO
Date: June 5, 2011

We learned about Pope Joan from another book group. Our group consists of 9 Denver women and we read a variety of books. I have recommended this book to two book clubs I am in. We are interested in your background research, if you truly believe there was a Pope Joan and all the info you can share! Hope the author chan join us by speakerphone.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Barbara Bickford
From: Fayetteville ,New York
Date: June 3, 2011

Donna: I gathered several Tuesday Book Club members to see the premiere of Pope Joan in Syracuse in April.. and I just wanted to say that the movie was excellent. It followed the key points beautifully, almost as good as the book. From the script, direction, actors, settings, it was outstanding, worthy of the Academy Awards. Thank you for all your hard work bringing the movie to us. Will it be distributed across the US? Hope so. C'etait magnifique!! Barbara Bickford


Name: Terri Noyes
Location: Longboat Key, Florida Country
Date: May 31, 2011

Our book club recently discussed Pope Joan-We read only highly rated, well written historical fiction. Pope Joan was our favorite book of the year-We thoroughly enjoyed it-Pope Joan is a fascinating account of the 9th century-the Dark Ages-where life truly was "brutal and short". The story of Pope Joan-in a period of enormous misogyny is extremely interesting. This is a "Must Read" for anyone who loves historical fiction! Donna Woolfolk Cross, the author, was very gracious and called into our book club-This event was definitely the highlight of our bookclub! She was incredibly informative and answered all of our questions-We highly recommend this for book clubs; we were all thrilled and are still talking about it!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Holly Boice Scherzi
Location: Central New York
Date: May 30, 2011

"The movie was spectacular!. I read the book last summer and loved it.... hoped the movie would do it justice.... it did in my opinion. Truly enjoyed hearing the author's journey. Her experience with Hollywood was not unlike Pope Joan's experience with the church. A must read everyone...."


Name: Emily Kavourias
Location: Manhasset, New York
Date: May 28, 2011

Just want to thank you SOOO much for a wonderful speakerphone chat with our book group. I cannot tell you how grateful we all were for you to take the time to call us. It was one of the best book club meetings we've ever had!! Thank you again, and best of luck with the movie !Can't wait to see it!)


Name: HaleyRae
Location: Texas, U.S.
Date:  May 25, 2011

I first wrote to you when I was 12, in the 6th grade, and had read Pope Joan for the first time. I wrote that her story had inspired me, motivated me.

Four years later I wrote to you about my excitement over the news of a movie and spoke about how, even all those years, Pope Joan had remained my favorite and most treasured book that I'd come across.

Today I write because I have just seen my favorite story come to life inthe movie version.

And wow.

I absolutely adored the film. The actors looked as if they were made for
the roles. They fit my imagination's creations perfectly. (except
Aesculapius. I pictured him having a Dumbledore beard. XD)

The magic the movie created has impacted me greatly. How, I am currently
unsure. But I have that feeling of being in a cross roads. The feeling
of being stuck because I know something has changed, I just haven't
figured out what that something is.

But I know it’s a great, wondrous change.

Joan’s story will live on. Whether it’ll be in the aged copy with the
frayed page edges that sits on my bookshelf or whether it’ll be or whether it’ll be in my memory,
in my actions, in the motivation of my daily life, Johanna (And Gerold! Oh Lord they did a
great job casting him!) will never be forgotten.

I thank you for the chance to read (and watch) Joan's story come to life.


Name: shutterbugmellie
Comment on YouTube trailer:

I was just telling a friend of mine today that she should read Pope Joan. I look it up on the internet and was so surprised to see that there is a movie. I had no idea. Now I am dying to see it. One of the best books EVER!!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name: Jack Bizot
Location: Oak Park, IL US
Date: May 24, 2011

I just came across this web page. My book group is reading Pope Joan (several people have already commented via email that they love it). I can't remember who chose the book, or why, exactly. I think it came out of a general interest in biography, and some of the women expressing a desire to not read another biography of a man. (Our group is somewhat unusual, perhaps, in having both women and men as members.) We would love it if you could join us by speakerphone!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: joan adis
Location: canton, Michigan U.S.A.
Date: May 22, 2011

I pray this movie will come to Michigan. I have read the book several times. WILL THE MOVIE COME HERE?


Name:  giacomo piano
Location:  ARICCIA, ITALY
Date:  May 20, 2011

I'd like only thank Mrs Donna for the pleasure she's given me by her wonderful book Pope Joan. I've purchased 7 copies for me & friends. Many thanks.


Name: Robert Baber
Location: Middletown, Ohio
Date:  April 19, 2011

My daughter gave me the book as a gift. I enjoyed it as much as any book I have read. My daughter also read it. She really enjoyed it too. Is it possible to buy an autographed copy of the book? What is the charge? Thanks...


Name: Maria Scaravillo
Location: Syracuse, New York
Date: April 15, 2011

I attended the sold-out performance of the movie at the Palace Theater in Syracuse NY. First....WOW! Next... I was amazed and excited to be a part of the audience, where the energy was incredible. I read the book some time ago,but had forgotten the intensity of the story. I can not get the movie out of my mind....it was so moving. I can't wait to see it again, and bring my college age daughters.


Name Jennifer Marx
Location: Geneva, Illinois United States
GroupName: Checked Out
Date:  April 14, 2011

Pope Joan is my favorite book of all time--right in front of Pillars of the Earth, and The Good Earth. I have a major in English Lit. and a minor in medieval history and read pope joan in a book club of history teachers around eight years ago. I have recently moved to illinois and joined this very diverse book club as far as age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and family dynamic. NONE of them had read the book, and I picked it for my first addition to their list. We have mormons, Catholics, atheists, Jews, and protestants in the group--should make for an interesting discussion. The club reads all kinds of genre, but I think it might the first "medieval historical fiction" for many of them. I know they will love it.
 
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Name: Tiffany Loris
Location: Melbourne, FL USA
Date:  April 12, 2011

I chose Pope Joan for our book club because I read the reviews on Amazon and thought it sounded fascinating. Our book club is a small group of moms who are also professionals. Some of us still work, and some of us stay home with our kids. I thought our group would like Pope Joan because some of our favorites we've read so far have been historical fiction. I have just finished reading Pope Joan and loved it!


Name: Karen Olivier
Location: Lincoln, CA 95648
Date: April 8, 2011

I heard about Pope Joan from a friend when I asked people to list the best books they have ever read. Our book club takes turns picking books. I read Pope Joan and enjoyed it so I picked it for the club.
There were many reasons why I picked this novel and find it very interesting: These include
- the role of women throughout history
- history of religion
- medieval period

Hope the author can join us by speakerphone.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Cheryl McHugh
Location: Antioch, CA USA
GroupName: Reading Moms Book Club
Date: April 6, 2011

Our group heard of Pope Joan from me. I've been interested in this subject for some time, and our group is now too. They thought that this would make for a great discussion. Our group respects strong female characters....and one that has tread upon a male-dominated role piqued our interest. We like the idea that this legend just might be true....

If it works out that you are able to speak with our book group on our requested date, that would be wonderful, but we understand that your schedule comes first.


Name: Judith
Location: Central New York
Date: April 5, 2011

I was able to view the second screening of the movie in Syracuse on Sunday, April 3, and was very impressed. FANTASTIC movie!!! I had read the book many years ago, and given it to a friend in CT. If I had been alone, I would have purchased another book, and have the author sign it. I will forever regret the opportunity.


Name: Marcia
Location: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Date: March 27, 2011

Hi Donna. I was one of the fortunate book club members who got to chat with you by speakerphone recently. Wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing your time with us -- such a treat and a most enjoyable discussion. We loved your book and having the opportunity to talk with you. Thanks again!


Name: Elizabeth Hansen
Location: Cranford, NJ Country USA
Date: March 15, 2011

Our book club has been meeting for over seven years. We research on the Internet for ideas for new books, and are constantly looking for new topics not covered before. Pope Joan is unique and this all-woman book club of age 50ish women thinks the topic of a female pope in medieval times, and how women were treated by the Church in the long past, near past and present is very intriguing! Hope the author can join us by speakerphone on one of our listed dates.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Julie Caswell
Location: Australia
Date:  March 12, 2011

PLEASE can you remove geographical restrictions so Pope Joan is available in kindle form to Australia, i know of so many people here that want to buy it!!!!!


Name: Teresita
Location: Katonah, New_York
Date: March 9, 2011

I read your book some time ago. Glad to see that some one with vision pick the story up and make a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise - and would love to see more of the research references. When will a NYC or southern NY/CT premiere occur? I know of the Central, NY event; but would rather have something closer to home and invite local friends to see it.


Name: Gail Wyer
Location: Longboat Key, Florida Country
Date:  March 8, 2011

Donna: Thank you for joining us in our Book Club discussion. Having you with us and answering our questions made the book a truly interesting story. I enjoyed the history in the book and look forward to your next.


Name Lisa Becker
Location: Eden Prairie, MN USA
Date: March 4, 2011

My reader group is a "couples" group. All have been married for 25 years or more and are close friends. I read Pope Joan years ago and it was one of the best books I had ever read. I selected it for our group because I think it's a book men don't often choose to read and I really wanted my husband to read it. Half of the group is Catholic which will make it interesting to hear what they think about "religion" in history. The focus of our discussion will be on religion and corruption and womens' power or lack there of in the world. If you can join us by speakerphone, we would love it!


Name: Wendy Preston
Location: Park City, Utah
Date: March 2, 2011

I saw the movie at the Moondance Film Festival in Boulder last fall. What can I say? I'm still overwhelmed. I can't get it out of my head. I had built it up in my head to such a degree I was a little worried that I might be disappointed. Can I tell you that it lived up to every expectation I had and then some?! I was completely swept away by it all. I burst into tears at the scene where Brother Benjamin tells Joan that she must leave immediately. The little man that played Benjamin was brilliantly cast - he portrayed such love and compassion in his eyes alone. I LOVED that scene. It's perfect. It was so powerful. He was probably the only person that had ever shown Joan true compassion in her entire life. By the end of the movie I was practically sobbing and couldn't wipe the tears away fast enough. When I came out, my eyes were all swollen up!

I liked the script very much. David Wenham is GORGEOUS--and perfect in the part of Gerold. In fact, I loved all the casting. I loved Joanna - and John Goodman. What a brilliant dramatic actor! I''m so glad to learn that the movie won an award for Best Feature Film at this festival.

What can we do to help this wonderful film gain nation-wide distribution? I and my book group would really like to help!

Author's Reply: Pleased you liked the film. You can help spread the word about events like the upcoming Red Carpet Premiere in Central New York. Also, be sure to add your name and email addresses to my newsletter list because we will have more information about how fans and readers can help very soon!


Name: Richard George
Location: Eugene, Oregon USA
Date: February 28, 2011

I just want to take a moment to congratulate you on your novel, "Pope Joan." Your effective use of
the metaphor and other descriptive phrases is brilliant! This week, we're going to discuss the novel at our monthly book club meeting. Just wanted to let you know that this was one of the was one of the
finest books I've ever read. I couldn't put it down!
 
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YouTube ID: nancyappleton has made a comment on Pope Joan - the Original Trailer (in English)

The movie trailer looks wonderful--just like the book reads. The whole idea is fascinating and I look forward to seeing the whole film!


Name: Christine Hoffman
Location: Hamilton, NY
Date: February 26, 2011

Exciting to hear about the April 2nd premiere of the movie in Syracuse! I've passed this on to the Women's Studies, Religion, and Medieval Studies department chairs at Colgate (all friends of mine). Hope to see you in April!

• Learn more about the Red Carpet Premiere April 2, 2011 in Central New York.


Name: Susie Cambell
Location: Tabusintac, NB, Canada
Date:  February 26, 2011

I know you will remember me, Susie Cambell, from Tabusintac, New Brunswick, Canada.
You know I am one of your biggest fans. I am spending a few months down
here in Key Largo, FL and of course, I continue to promote your book!!! I
started a book club yesterday, and since I got first pick, Pope Joan is
number one. I am hoping you still do your wonderful speakerphone chats.

We have a lot of people here from Upstate New York, and a couple of gals
were really excited, though they have not read the book yet. Would you be
available to do a chat in a couple of weeks?


Name: anne Ferree
Location: San Isidro, Costa Rica
Date:  February 25, 2011

Hi, I am sure you have heard this a million times, but here goes one more time--"I loved Pope Joan!" I am an English teacher (10th, 11th, 12th grades) in Costa Rica. In 12th grade we study British literature and in doing so, I always introduce the culture and times in ancient England. Your book fit in perfectly and has led to some wonderful discussions and thought-provoking ideas. I thank you for writing Pope Joan and making that era come alive for my students. It is a great way to become acquainted with history and literature.


Name: Yvette Wright
Date:  February 25, 2011

I just wanted to thank you for calling in to our book club back in December. We were all so thrilled to discuss Pope Joan with you! We wish you much luck in getting the movie released in the US.


Name: Sharon Stamziano
Date:  February 25, 2011

I must let you know your novel "Pope Joan," is the best book I have ever read, so says my husband as well. I suggested your book for our book club and every one had great things to say about it, so I am telling every one I know to read the book All of us are hoping to see the movie and we are also looking forward to your next novel. Thank you so much for the most exciting and provocative read of the century!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Karen Tate
Location: California
Date: February 25, 2011

Pope Joan is a subject close to my heart. I've had Roy Bourgeois and the Roman Catholic Womanpriests on my radio show," Voices of the Sacred Feminine". Always important to bring attention to what they're doing to expose the misogynists! I'm really happy for your success!


Name: Kim Reinisch
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Date: February 24, 2011

I absolutely loved this book! And Donna Woolfolk Cross is amazing! This is just another reason why I distrust the whole organized religion system. Wiping away traces of the amazing women in history is unforgivable. Thank you, Donna, for bringing Pope Joan's story back! I can't wait to see the movie when it shows in Minneapolis!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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YouTubeID: greteldog1 has made a comment on Pope Joan - the Original Trailer (in English)

This is probably one of the best books I've ever read. I cannot wait to see this film! It needs to be in wide release in the U.S. Everyone needs to see this! Very powerful tale that needs to be seen!!!
You can reply to this comment by visiting the comments page.


Name: Debbie McCratic
Date: February 24, 2011

You were kind enough to call our Sava book club and have a detailed discussion with us by speakerphone.
We truly enjoyed the time you shared with us! I have recommended Pope Joan to other book clubs looking for that perfect book that would allow for an intelligent discussion.
The email informative email update that I received yesterday from you has been forwarded to several of my family, friends and acquaintances. Since we last talked "Pillars of the Earth" was aired on HBO Starz. It was spectacular. Just wondering if that was an avenue you might consider.
I wish you the best of luck on the movie circuit. I will continue to promote your book and movie. I believe in you.


YouTubeID: 874baron has made a comment on Pope Joan - the Original Trailer (in English)

My book club read this magnificent book and we have been waiting a very long time for the movie to come to Montreal, Canada.


Name: Claudia Langsdorf
Location: Mukwonago, WI USA
Date: February 22, 2011

One of our book group members recommended this book. Her mother's book club enjoyed chatting with you by speakerphone and suggested that we try
to schedule a chat with you too. I apologize for such short notice but hope you can join us!


Name: Kim
Date: February 21, 2011
Location: Apple Valley, MN

I LOVED this book and have recommended it to several friends who have also loved it!!! We are all so excited to see the movie version. Please bring the movie to Minneapolis as soon as possible. There are SO MANY OF US waiting to see it!

     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name: joyce hershenson
Date: February 17, 2011
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, Ca

Pope Joan was our greatest book club read ever. We had the opportunity to speak to Donna and also to meet with her personally when she came to San Diego. Pope Joan has meant a great deal to all of our readers and we are looking forward to seeing the movie!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Bob Dwyer
Date:  February 15, 2011
Location: Liverpool, NY

I read this fascinating book. I'd love for this movie to come to the U.S. I can't tell you how many folks feel the same as I.


Name: Angela Ho
Date:  February 13, 2011
Location: Enzesfeld-Lindabrunn, Austria

I have just finished reading your book (in a very good German translation) and was absolutely drawn into the world and life of Pope
Joan. What an extraordinary novel! It is an absolute pleasure to experience this inspirational story, and I will recommend the book to
everyone. Thank you so much!


Name: Sandra Beermann
Date:  February 5, 2011
Location: Milwaukee, WI

How do we get the film to be shown in the theaters?. I would really love to see the movie!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name: Kathy McIntee
Date:  February 5, 2011
Location: Manhasset, NY US

Several friends enjoyed and highly recommended Pope Joan, and we find the subject matter very intriguing. Our book group has been together for about ten years - 7 women, educated professionals, half the group Catholic and half Protestant, located on Long Island. We always enjoy historical fiction and will be interested to hear what first sparked your interest in the topic and how you researched it. We are excited to chat with you by speakerphone about the book!


Name: Kathy Noether
Date:  February 2, 2011
Location: SAN JOSE, CA

I hope we will have the honor of seeing 'Pope Joan' soon in San Jose, CA. This story brings hope to women in our plight of respect and honor as leaders in the Church and becoming priests in a time when this is so desperately needed.


Name: Gabrielle Rogers
Date:  January 31, 2011
Location: Marblehead, MA US

Pope Joan was recommended by a friend. We haven't discussed the book yet, but the treatment of women, and Joan's courage and choice to not accept the ways of the time interest me! Our group has been meeting for 6 years, reading one book each month. What a fantastic book this is! I wish I had some more date possibilities for a speakerphone chat with the author, but this is when we meet. I hope it can work out! Thank you.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Rose Marie
Date:  January 25, 2011
Location: Montreal, Canada

My book club read this magnificent book and we have been waiting for the movie eagerly! We saw the trailer on youtube so I know its
been made but when can we finally go watch it?!


Name: Leslie Garner
Date:  January 23, 2011
Location: Chesterfield , MO

Our book group has been meeting for more than 10 years. We choose a wide variety of books that lend to a good discussion and allow us to learn something that we didn't know. I am the discussion leader for this book. It was recommended to me by my sister-in- law who read it for her book group. She loved Pope Joan, and her book group had a great discussion about it! I am really looking forward to reading it! I'm hoping your schedule might allow you to call in and join our discussion by speakerphone - we would love to hear your insights and thoughts!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
Link here to be added to Donna's once-per-month (or so) newsletter list.


Name: Marsha A
Date:  January 21, 2011
Location: Peekskill, NY

I loved the book and I am so disappointed that I haven't been able to see the movie. If it ever gets to Westchester, I will throw a wine
and cheese party and round up all my friends and neighbors to go see it together. Please make it happen!


Name: Judie Stuart
Date:  January 15, 2011
Location: Saratoga, CA

I heard about this book from relative in Ohio. She loved Pope Joan, and I thought it to be a great book for discussion. I hope the author can join us for a chat by speakerphone!

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name:Kat Griffith
Date:  January 14, 2011
Location: Rock Island, IL Country

This is definitely one of my top ten books. Can't wait to see the movie!


Name: terry
Date:  January 11, 2011
Location: manahawkin, NJ

Our book club loved Pope Joan and we are anxiously awaiting the release of the film here in the US. We have been waiting a long time!


Name: eleanor bradley
Date:  January 10, 2011
Location: old tappan, new jersey

Last year our book club used a theme for the year. It became an interesting and educational process. The topic chosen was World War II and we read related novels including Gurnsey Literary Society, Sarah's Key and Tall Grass. This afforded us a broad perspective of the historical event. After that successful season, we decided to use the theme of strong women this year. Subsequently a little research provided us with the wonderful discovery of a novel that embodies our entire theme. Therefore, Pope Joan will be our perfect first choice!


Name: Lauren Douglas
Date:  January 7, 2011
Location: Houston, TX

I loved this book and would love to see the movie!!!!!!!
 
     Want movie and book updates from Donna? 
Updated information about movie openings in your area?
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Name: Janet Treer
Date:  January 4, 2011
Location: Manheim, PA
Group Name: Bonser Vook Club

Pope Joan was recommended by a member of our reading group. We select books based on consensus of the group and seek a variety of serious topics. Our group is comprised of executive level busness women, bound together by a common love of literature, intelligent and thoughtful discussion and friendship. We are hoping that one of our dates will match your schedule for a speakerphone chat.

Want to request a chat with the author for your group?  Link here.


Name: Steve Crago
Date:  January 4, 2011
Location: Copperas Cove, TX

This is a fantastic book and I really hope that the movie will be available in Texas!



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