| Pope Joan Guestbook Entries: 2001 |
Name: Renee' Havener
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Georgetown, Ny USA
Date: Monday, December 31, 2001 at
21:49:14
Comments:
Hi Donna! I love the comments of my fellow readers! I'm so glad that everyone who picks up Pope Joan loves it as much as I do. I have loaned my cherished copy to my new boss. He and his wife absolutely love it! Happy New Year!!! Renee
Name: Marta Miedziewska
Email:[email protected]
Poland
Date: Sunday, December 30, 2001 at 12:53:39
Comments:
I never read something like this... I'm only sixteen... "Pope Joan" is my favourite book. I'm going to read this book many times. What else can I say?:)Wonderful story, beautiful love... I really love it!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Date:
Friday, December 28, 2001 at 09:38:57
Comments:
One of my book discussion ladies, recommended Pope Joan to me to read. I loved it and now the Aurelius Library Book Discussion Group will be discussing Pope Joan on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 3:00 pm. I know you are having a phone connection with the Holt Library and wonder if it would be possible to connect with us too? Thank you very much and I enjoyed the book. Sicerely, Eileen Droscha, Head Librarian at Aurelius Library.
Name: Jennifer Price
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Rock Hill, SC
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at
09:21:20
Comments:
Dear Donna: Thank you for taking the time to chat by speakerphone with my book club. We all enjoyed your input and perspectives, and it added greatly to our discussions later in the evening! Once again, consensus is that "Pope Joan" is the best book we've read to date...we're looking forward to your next book! Happy Holidays! Warm regards, Jen Price
Name: Karen Cole
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Baltimore, Md USA
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at
08:08:20
Comments:
Our bookclub is reviewing Pope Joan on January 14. We'd love to have you join us by speaker phone!
Name: Linda Miles
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bloomington, NY 12411
Date: Monday, December 24, 2001 at
09:20:55
Comments:
Dear Donna, I really enjoyed our conversation by speakerphone at the Sarabrae book club discussion. Thank you for your generosity with your time. I am looking forward to your next offering. Sincerely, Linda Miles
Name: Jill Niehaus
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Shrewsbury, NJ USA
Date: Sunday, December 23, 2001 at
08:31:41
Comments:
Dear Donna, I heard you speak in Colt's Neck, NJ and as a result my Book Club read your book. Everyone loved it and welcomes the opportunity to chat with you! We would like to take advantage of your offer to answer questions via speaker telephone... in January? We hope you will be available Sunday afternoon (1/13/02) or Tuesday evening (1/15/02). Please e-mail me so that we can make arrangements. Your involvement in our discussion will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Jill
Name: Gail Shoemaker
Email:[email protected]
Location:
McFarland, WI
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2001 at
08:34:46
Comments:
Donna, Thank you so much once again for joining our book reading group by speakerphone last evening. It was a thrill for the entire group. Everyone raved as they left last evening, and I'm sure THIS meeting will be considered the highlight of the Book Club for a long time to come. The only problem is now, they told me as they left, they expect the same level of excitement every time I host the club. I don't think I can follow this one with anything more, except possibly when I get my own book published. It was so interesting to hear you tell of all that went into making this such a special book. I was especially interested to hear how it had changed you. I think any writing is a process we grow with, but Pope Joan has obviously deeply affected your life. Good luck on your future projects. We are all eager to see Pope Joan on the big screen and to read your next book when it comes out. Thank you once again. I admire you greatly as a writer and this was an especially rewarding experience for me. Gail Shoemaker
Name:Millenia
Black
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Ft. Lauderdale , Florida USA
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2001 at
00:45:16
Comments:
Hello Ms. Cross: Our reading group, The Reading Meadow, has recently selected your novel, *Pope Joan* as an upcoming Pick. You may visit our home on the web at the URL listed. It would be wonderful if we could coordinate a chat with you sometime soon about this great story! We are having Trivia on the story Saturday, February 16th and would love to have an on-line chat with you around that time. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you, Millenia Black
Name:Peter
Beckstrand
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Viroqua, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at
22:00:00
Comments:
Our Lutheran Church reading group is reading your book and we are wondering about a date to talk with you about the book in mid to late January or early in February. We usually meet on a Sunday afternoon.
Name:Roland
Hoeffener
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Webster Groves, MO United States
Date: Monday, December 17, 2001 at
20:59:30
Comments:
Thirty years ago I read a Papal cronology in which was mentioned Pope Joan. Today someone has written a book. For thirty years I have often wondered what must have taken place, what were the times like. I will definitly read your book and am looking forward to the experience.
Name: Victoria Picinich
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bloomfield, NJ USA
Date: Friday, December 14, 2001 at
09:54:18
Comments:
Dear Mrs. Cross, My name is Victoria Picinich. I was one of the students you spoke to at Mount Saint Dominic Academy on Monday, 12/10/01. I just wanted to thank you personally for speaking to my classmates and I and also thank you for writing one of the best books I have ever read. It was the first time in my academic life, that I looked forward to reading a book for school. I was the first one in my class to finish it. Like yourself, I am a writer. I have no where near your talent or accomplishments, but I still take pleasure in writing. I have had about 7 of my poems published in amatuer magazines and my father and I used to put together a Poetry magazine until we ran out of funds and time to do it. I used to be really focused on my work, but have now since dwaddled. Talking to you inspired me to keep writing and enter a poetry contest where I am presently a semi-finalist. So, thank you for inspiring me and countless other and I can't wait until your next book comes out! Sincerely, Victoria
Name: Sara
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cicero, NY
Date: Thursday, December 13, 2001 at
14:16:13
Comments:
All i can say is wow.I'm only 15 years old yet i was seriously impressed with this.A friend recomended it to me, she told me that i was a lot like Joan. So i decided i should see for myself. Honestly in my short years of living, this was by far the best book i have ever read. I cried when Gerald died and Joan had the baby. I thought it was beautiful. I couldn't put the book down. It took me only about 2 days to read. After the first hour of reading it, i had a sudden burst of creativity and wrote the best piece of poerty i have ever written.I just wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to a world of beautiful words, and feelings. Oh i loved the way you expressed each characters feelings. Especially Joan's mother. Thanks.
Name: Lindsay Jordan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Ulverston, Cumbria United Kingdom
Date: Thursday, December 13, 2001
at 02:53:55
Comments:
Dear Donna, I look after a book review and sales site for a company in the English Lake District. I was told about you and your book by an American gentleman on a book talk group. Having read his glowing review and seen this site, I would like to feature Pope Joan on our website. I have made the book available for sale at 20% off and I wondered if you would like to include this information as a link on your site to allow British readers to obtain the book from their own country :-) I can give you or your webmaster the URL to link to if you contact me by e-mail :-) Thanks, and congratulations on picking such a fantastic subject for a novel. Lindsay
Name: Mary Curtin
Email:[email protected]
Location: Madison,
WI USA
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at
18:33:21
Comments:
Dear Donna, My sister leant me the book to read and I couldn't put it down. Several mothers at my son's basketball game came over to ask what I was reading. Some didn't even bother to ask, they just looked at the title.(I was reading it before the game, not during) We will be reading it for our book club in March and would love to hear from you. This would be the first time that I am leading the discussion. Our date is set for Tuesday, March 19th at noon. Thanks so much, Mary
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Date:
Friday, December 7, 2001 at 23:39:55
Comments:
Was there truly a Pope Joan? I can tell you most definitely there was. I do not say this from speculation, but merely repeat what was secretly gossiped in my family for decades. My name is Charlotte, after my maternal grandmother (nee Charlotte Duhaye). She in turn was the daughter of Eugenie Roncalli, the wife of the cousin of Angelo Guiseppi. The family farm which catholics speak of as the birth place of Pope John the 23ird was also the birth place of my great grandfather who shared the farm with his entire family and helped to rear the would be pope until the age of 15 when he left for the seminary. You can most certainly locate birth records which verify what I say. My grandmother was given a catholic rite of funery (in France) when she passed that was attended by Angello himself. (I believe my mother has saved news clipping concerning the event.) My great grandfather, being very close to the Pope was privy to much information that was in turn passed down my family tree and I now house. Angello informed my grandfather that there was indeed a Pope Joan and the time in which Leo died was recanted to line up his sucession with Benedict. If you care to continue this discussion you can do so via e-mail. I am also willing to give further verification. Sincerely, Charlotte
Name: Gail Shoemaker
Email:[email protected]
Location:
McFarland, WI US
Date: Friday, December 7, 2001 at
11:42:17
Comments:
Dear Donna, I heard you interviewed on our local public radio station, wnet out, got the book immediately and loved it. I suggested it to our book club and we will be discussing it Thursday, Dec. 20. I am also a writer, have had a few short stories published, and am currently working on my 1st novel. I loved your comments during the interview about your experiences out there promoting your book - every author's nightmare. I admire your determination to get your book out there without jumping through the traditional hoops - it worked! Congratulations on your overwhelming success and your latest coup of having your book made into a movie! I would love to talk to you. Thank you for Pope Joan.
Name: Lotta
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Srockholm, Sweden
Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at
04:50:23
Comments:
Dear Donna Woolfolks Cross, I got this book (Pope Joan) as a gift on my birthday this year and left it on a shelf of my bookcase. That was until four days ago.... When I started to read your book I got caught in a spellbound that I seldom have experienced! It has been Wonderful, tremendously exciting, thrilling and has given a lot of joy and moments of affection. Every once in a while a new outlook and enlightening view takes place, that make sense of our history and you have done a wonderful thing, open up our eyes to a solution to the women's anonymity through hundreds and hundreds of years. I'm filled with happiness and strength after reading your book and I would like to thank your father William Woolfolks as well since you give his encouragment as the reason that your book came through. Thank you Donna for a rare wonderful moment and an important message. Lotta: In Sweden
Name: Kari Schriever
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Reston, VA
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at
20:20:20
Comments:
Donna, Thank you so much for calling in to our book group meeting last Friday. Everyone in the group really enjoyed the book and learned so much history in the process. You were so funny and forthcoming in our discussion and we really appreciated your time and energy! We forgot to mention that we were dining on a meal of pork roast, beetroot, and pungent bread and cheese (as found on page 30) by firelight. We do our best to be authentic! (Of course we took the liberty of adding some pound cake with raspberry sauce for dessert!) Anyway, thank you so much for writing a fantastic book and gracing us with your (voice)presence! Good luck with upcoming projects and have a great holiday season! Kari & Group
Name: Kim Kelley
Email:[email protected]
Location:
northville, mi North America
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at
18:16:48
Comments:
I absolutely loved you book. I am now a senior at Plymouth Salem and i honestly can say Pope Joan is the best book i have read. I have a humanities class and i have to dress up as a historical women figure. I have to study about this figure and become her. Since I already read your book i picked to dress up as Pope Joan. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some ideas, as what i should wear. Thank you Kim
Name: Karen Steiner
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mogadore, OH USA
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at
16:14:09
Comments:
Our book discussion group at the Mogadore branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library has selected Pope Joan as one of our books for 2002. When I discovered that you do speakerphone discussions, I thought it would be a wonderful experience for the group. We will be discussing Pope Joan on either Wednesday, July 3 or July 31st at 6:30 EST. If you are not available on either of those evenings, we could delay until the 1st Wednesday evening of Sept, Oct, Nov. or Dec. Hope we will be able to set up a time with you. Sincerely, Karen Steiner
Name: Elva
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Redmond, WA USA
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at
12:18:23
Comments:
I loved the book and chose it to discuss in our next book club meeting. We will be meeting at 7:30 this coming thursday(Dec 6), I would love it if we could all speak to you at that time. My phone number is (425)885-9891. I have a feeling this book will create a very interested discussion. Elva
Name: Aimee
Email:[email protected]
Surrey England
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2001 at 07:22:05
Comments:
Donna: Thank you for a wonderful book discussion by speakerphone. Our book reading group really enjoyed our talk with you (and have no doubt that you were a hilarious guest on the Johnny Carson show!), as well as our discussion of the book before you joined us. I purchased your book after reading a very good review of if in the London Times, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I too am a lover of historical fiction and agree that it is a painless way to learn history. Michner, Vidal and Uris have been staples for me for the last 25 years. Good luck to you on your new book. We look forward to that and the Pope Joan movie (for which I will break my rule of never seeing the movie if I've read the book and vice versa). Aimee
Name: Grey Watson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Chattanooga, TN U.S.A.
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2001 at
10:55:04
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross- My name is Grey Watson, and I recently read your book "Pope Joan" in my French 3 class. I want to thank you for writing such a well written book. When I picked up your book and read the first 100 pages, I knew I must continue. Your book was not only well written, but had a wonderful plot that was always exciting. From beginning to end, you filled my mind with vivid images and excitement. I also think that you kept the plot moving. Things were always changing, even Joan herself! The ending of your novel was the best ending I have ever read. In all honesty, I shed a tear. The ending was amazing. Shocking, the only way to describe it. Thank you for putting this book on the shelf for others, like myself, to read and enjoy. Thanks Again, Grey
Name: Ashlee Bibee
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Chattanooga, TN United States
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2001 at
10:12:02
Comments:
Ms. Cross, I am a student of Mrs. Harris at The Baylor School. She recommended Pope Joan as an outside reading assignment. I absolutely loved it. Once I began reading it, I just couldn't put it down. I read it non-stop for about two days. It had so many twists and turns, and it never got boring. There was always some event going on that held my absolute attention. Not to mention the dramatic and totally unexpected ending. In fact, I called a friend of mine after reading it because she had told me that she really enjoyed it. We discussed it for about an hour. We both concluded that it is one of our favorite books. She said that it sits out on her dresser even when she is not reading it. There are a few questions that I would like to ask you. What made you want to write about Pope Joan? It truly is a very interesting story. What do you think about the truth to the story? Are there rumors of her falling in love with Gerold, or did you add that in? (I thought that to be a wonderful addition to the story. It made the ending that much more dramatic.) I would love to read other books of yours. What are some others? Thank you so much for your time. Mrs. Harris informed me that you visited Baylor once. It would be wonderful if you got the chance to come back. I would love to meet you. Thank you again. Ashlee
Name: Daphne Lee
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Plano, TX USA
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at
14:06:36
Comments:
After your visit to Collin County Community College, an audience member purchased (and had you sign a book) the book for me to read. I read it over the recent Thanksgiving Holiday and was just enthralled. It is one of only a handful of books that I couldn't put down. It was a great book to read from several view points: historical, women's studies and adventure. Good luck with the book sales; it really was a great book and I so enjoyed it.
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Cincinnati, Ohio U.S.A.
Date: Monday, November 26, 2001 at
17:18:54
Comments:
Dear Donna, I am from Germany and I am a great fan of historical novels. Over the years, I read quite a lot of them - including your book "Pope Joan" two years ago. Your book touched me in a special way. I do believe the legend of a woman on the papal throne is true. Even though the catholic church tried everything to hide and deny Pope Joan, today people read about her and need to acknowledge what a remarkable woman she must have been. It is fascinating to see what your book has started: your book is constantly in the bestseller lists, many bookclubs are reading and discussing it (as this website shows), even a movie is planned. I came to Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband who was transferred with his company. Many of the "international spouses" have formed all sorts of groups - including an international bookclub. We come from countries like Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, Germany, U.S. and others and our discussions are always exciting. Since it was my turn to suggest a book (for March 2002), I immediately decided to suggest your book Pope Joan. We plan to meet on March 8th, 2002 from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. EST. It would be wonderful and we would certainly appreciate it very much if you could join us over the telephone to discuss your book. Is the above date and time convenient for you? I would love to hear from you. Best regards, Barbara Braeuer
Name: Terry Handel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Hampstead, NH usa
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2001 at
10:07:23
Comments:
Hello, thanks very much for your offer to converse with book groups. We will be reading Pope Joan in late spring and would like to have the opportunity to speak with you. We meet the first Tuesday of every month, at 7:00 EST. Could you let us know if this is convenient for you, and if so, which month? Thanks very much, Terry
Name: Mary Ann D'Urso (on behalf of MSDA Junior Brit Lit
class)
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bloomfield, NJ USA
Date: Friday, November 23, 2001 at
17:03:12
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, We wanted to write and tell you how moved and inspired we are by your novel. It has left our junior Brit Lit class wanting more. Please join our class (about 50 girls) and lead us in a book group discussion and talk with us about your writing process. Your loyal readers, Kate, Jill, Kim, Amanda, Katie, Meg, Heather, Sarah, Taryn, Katie, Vanessa, Vicki, Laura, Kristen, Laura, Sara (who speak for many more at Mount St. Dominic Academy)
Name: Mary Heyward Harper
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Beaufort, SC United States
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at
11:01:59
Comments:
I am a member of a book club in Beaufort, SC. We are reading Pope Joan for the month of November and would like to set up a phone interview with you. Our club meets Thursday, November 29th, 2001 at 7:00pm. I realize that this is very short notice but we would like to talk with you at some point that night, maybe around 7:45pm. Pope Joan is a great read - I was disappointed when it ended. I look forward to the discussion your book will generate. Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Name: Nathalie
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Toronto, Canada
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001 at
21:56:52
Comments:
Mrs. Cross, I just want to thank you for your book. I read it twice already, and I will probably read it a third time. It is really interesting. It is my forth year in Translation at University, and last week we compared your English book and the French translation done by Hubert Tezenas. The teacher, students and I were very very impressed by the translation. We think that Hubert Tezenas is an exceptionnal Translator. The book in French couldn't have been better written. He kept everything you wrote originally and he certainly did a lot of research to be able to provide the same langage level that you used to write the book. Bravo ā M. Tezenas and Congratulaitons to you, Donna!
Name: Peggy DuPont
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Warfield, UK
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001 at
17:42:21
Comments:
Hi Donna! On behalf of our Book Club group , I want to thank you for your gracious, informative, and enthusiastic speakerphone chat this afternoon. Your novel did generate much meaningful discussion and hearing your comments was a very special experience for each of us! (There were 25 in attendance today!) We really enjoyed Pope Joan and your insights into writing it. We look forward to your next book on a 17th century woman. Could it be Marie le Jars de Gournay? Thanks again, Peggy DuPont
Name: Laura Rando
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Monday, November 19, 2001 at 16:04:36
Comments:
Ms. Cross, I started reading Pope Joan as part of an English assignment and fell in love with it before I'd even finished reading the first page. The content and the imagery are amazing, but what really awes me is the ease of your style. An aspiring author three years into her first novel, I often struggle with my own writing. Reading your book (including the author's note) has inspired me to keep struggling, both as a woman and as a writer. Thank you so much for all the hope you have given me. I understand you must have a busy schedule and receive correspondence from many fans, but if you could take the time to email me I would be much obliged. Laura
Name: Erin Zoellner
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001 at
14:45:39
Comments:
What an amazing read! Donna, my mother went to see you speak in Richardson Texas and enjoyed listening to you. She commented on how easily you spoke. Will you be coming to Canada for any speaking engagements. Secondly, are you writing anything else! I would be very interested in hearing from you. Don`t forget about your Canadian fans! Thanks Erin
Name: Roxanne King
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Monday, November 19, 2001 at 12:28:51
Comments:
Dear Donna, I enjoyed your discussion so much today with our bookclub here in London. By any chance is the heroine in your forthcoming book Madame du Geoffrin? I am really looking forward to your new book.
Name: Marion Kleinberg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Rochester, MN USA
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001 at
09:16:29
Comments:
I am reviewing "Pope Joan" for our AAUW book group on Wednesday, February 13th from 1 to 3 pm CST. While it is hard to imagine that you have time or energy to honour all the requests you surely you must be receiving, we would appreciate so much a brief phone conference with you at that time. Marion Kleinberg
Name: Jo-Ann Liddick
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Rock Hill, SC USA
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2001 at
22:27:35
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you for a witty and exciting meeting by speakerphone with our AAUW book club. The opportunity to discuss a book with the author is always a happy event for any book club but your enthusiasm and your willingness to discuss anything so openly and completely made it even more so. We were especially delighted to hear your response regarding the character of Arnaldo and the debt that was repaid. Your explanation of how and why this character was created and the rewriting it necessitated gave us more insight into the creative process. Our discussion continued long after we reluctantly said good-by to you. We wish you great success with the film and your future books. With your tenacity and verve you can't lose.
Name: Dorothy G. McLemore
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Oak Point , Tx. USA
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2001 at
15:54:41
Comments:
Hello Ms. Cross...... Thanks for coming to McKinney Tx. Sorry I could not stick around after you spoke to our class, on 06Nov2001. Did really enjoy the quality reading time provided by Pope Joan. Told my father to read it and let me know if it would be a good idea for his High School students to read. I think it would open a few eyes, to the general environment of that time in history. I will let you know if he agrees. He is always looking for different ways to open up the ole gray matter in his class room.As for me, I just really had a great time reading Pope Joan. Thank You. Good luck with your next book.
Name: Jane Knowles
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Escondido, CA
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2001 at
11:43:10
Comments:
Enjoyed your book and plan to use it for our Book Club meeting in Feb. What do I need to do to set up a phone interview for our meeting?
Name: Peggy Augustine
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Buffalo, NY USA
Date: Friday, November 16, 2001 at
09:38:21
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross: I have a book club consisting of 12 men -- about half attorneys, one Canadian, one school superintendent, one federal judge and one (myself )a member of Congress,etc. We meet in my home to discuss a book once a month. We have decided to read Pope Joan and wondered if you would be able and willing to come to facilitate our discussion personally, or, alternatively, to facilitate by telephone. We would like to discuss it at the end of January or in the first half of February. My office phone numbers are 202-225-3231 (secretary is Jane) or 716-846-4056 (administrative assistant is Peggy). Please ask for me personally, but, in my absence, either of my secretaries. Thank you. ps: My personal email is: [email protected]
Name: Cheyenne Kent
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Glendale, CA USA
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2001 at
22:33:15
Comments:
Ms. Cross-- I loved Pope Joan with a way I love few books. I must say to you that reading this book has changed my life forever. I am also a writer, on my first novel: The Indian Princess. Do you live in California? If so, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet you. Should you be in LA or the Glendale Burbank Pasadena region I would love to meet you, because I have so many questions regarding the book. CHEYENNE KENT
Name: debbie jones
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Memphis, TN USA
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2001 at
14:08:48
Comments:
This was our first book in our new book reading club. What a great choice!! We would love to have a conference call with you at your convenience. Thanks, Debbie Jones
Name: Chris Sinner
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fargo, ND
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2001 at
09:45:07
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for the wonderful book chat last night. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing from you by speakerphone and were impressed by your vivacity, insight, and humor. It felt as though you were in the room with us. It was a unique and fun opportunity to actually visit with an author of one of our book selections, and a favorite one I might add. It was a special treat and we'll remember this for a long time. We're your fans and we'll spread "the word" about "Pope Joan" ( and not the book). We eagerly await your next book and of course the movie. We're already discussing possible heroines of your next book. You'll be hearing from us. We wish you continued success and look forward to seeing you in person when you visit Fargo in May. Best regards, Chris Sinner St. John Book Club - Fargo _
Name: Rebecca Molina Zeiger
Email:[email protected]
Location: Cleveland,
OH USA
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2001 at
22:44:37
Comments:
Hello, I have to tell you my quick story. My dearest sister Joan passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2001. I was completely unprepared for her death, as she was only in her 50's and so full of life. Joan Butterfield was her name: she was an avid reader and just adored the book club that she was a member of - and they loved her right back. Joan loved to read and she was quite the knowledgeable one because she enjoyed so many genres of books. Anyway Joan had heard of your book and was looking forward to reading it - but that never came to pass. So, I have started a book club in her name: "Joan's Book Club" and am including my friends and acquiantances. We are not as sophisticated or the avid readers like the Pros in my sister's book club but we have chosen as our inaugural pick to read "Pope Joan." For obvious reasons, this is a tribute to my deceased ( I can't even stand to use that word) sister. Is there any way you could speak to us? Our meeting is going to be Thursday evening on December 13th. Somehow, this is the only way I can do something to honor my sister, to read a book that she was going to read and how appropriate that it is her namesake. My sister Joan was a very strong, worldly person, with a strong Catholic faith and she had hundreds of friends. To know Joan was to love her. Somehow, I think she will realize that we will never forget her and this book club will always be in her honor. She would have gotten such a kick out of the fact that she could actually speak to the author - Is that possible for our Book Club meeting??? It means more to me than you can imagine. Please respond. P.S. I am just beginning to read your book - that is why I cannot comment. But I have loved the website.
Name: gabriella schaffer
Email:[email protected]
Location: rochester,
ny usa
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2001 at
07:59:54
Comments:
Pope Joan was our reading group's favorite selection this year. When can we hope to see the movie and who are the main characters being portrayed by? And when will your new book be finished?
href="http://popejoan.com/Guestbook/The%20Post%20Office%20186/188%20Nottingham,%20Road">beth
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Belper, Derbyshire England
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2001 at
11:28:11
Comments:
I read your book a while ago, after hearing about Pope Joan on Radio 4. It has stayed with me. You have brought a remarkable character and age vividly to life. Thank you. When is your next book due?
Name: Evette Dombrosky
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Apex, NC USA
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at
13:32:06
Comments:
Hello! Our book group has interest in arranging a telephone interview. How far out on the calendar are you scheduling interviews? Thank you in advance!
Name: Carolle Cox
Email:[email protected]
Location: Flower
Mound, TX USA
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at
08:30:32
Comments:
Just returned from your presentation at Collin County Community College - i'm the one from SCA - and had to start reading the book. But i only got to read the first three pages because husband and daughter were trying to get the thing out of my hands and start Their Reads! T'will be an interesting time getting through it. . . . Please contact me about distribution within SCA. Cannot think why 'we' haven't found the book already!
Name: Ray Gates
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Orlando, FL USA
Date: Monday, November 5, 2001 at
15:01:29
Comments:
Hi, An article that I wrote entitled - Growing Humanism: A Novel Approach - was published in the Spring '01 issue of Free Inquiry magazine http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/index_21.htm . In it, I discussed the paucity of novels that openly champion reason over faith and/or science over religion. I had not heard of your Pope Joan novel at the time that I wrote the article but a subscriber suggested that I read it. Great book! I am constructing a list of novels that champion reason/science over faith/religion to post on the Free Inquiry website. Your novel will be on it. I loved your book but one thing kind of threw me for a loop. All throughout the story, Joan doubts the existence of god. As the story evolved, it seemed as though Joan's sense of reason continually grew more sophisticated. Then at the very end, her faith in god is suddenly confirmed. She rejects her questioning nature and unquestioningly believes in god. Her "revelation" ran contrary to one of the most important themes of the novel - that everything should be subject to question until proven. What do you think? Embracing Reason, Ray Gates
Name: Maggy Herbelin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Eureka , CA USA
Date: Friday, November 2, 2001 at
19:17:39
Comments:
Just to let you know that I visited the website and am looking forward to our interview for "Through the Eyes of Women". Peace Maggy
Name: Cindy Mellings
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Calgary, Canada
Date: Friday, November 2, 2001 at
10:17:50
Comments:
Wow - our whole bookclub is absolutely thrilled after our speakerphone talk with you this evening. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Besides the obvious knowledge and background you can bring regarding book writing, you have a wonderful way of making a conference call feel like a "fireside chat". Many ladies commented that it felt you were in the room with us. We were all rapt with attention as you spoke so well and eloquently, all the while informing us of a zillion things of which we knew nothing, but were eager to learn. I could go on ad nauseum, but will spare you for now and try to collect my thoughts for another day! However, I could not go to bed without letting you know right away how much we appreciate you taking the time with the Bow Valley Book Club tonight. Your insights truly make a great book even better for us. We can assure you that the book will be highly recommended and, in fact, one of our members belongs to yet another book club in Calgary and is keen to make arrangements for a chat with you and her club. No doubt these talks are a good bit of work for you. We are just so delighted that we were able to be a part of it, and are very grateful for your time and energies (and synergies!). Finally, my apologies again for the original mix-up regarding the time zones. I hope your discussion with the Fargo group was on time, and that you weren't too exhausted doing two chats in a row. Wishing you all the best! Cindy
Name: Wendy Andrews
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Vineyard Haven, MA USA
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2001 at
12:49:04
Comments:
Our Library book group will discuss your book on 1/17/02 at 1:30pm EST. Any chance you would be available for a speakerphone chat?
Name: Thomas Lamano
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Raleigh, NC USA
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at
03:12:52
Comments:
I had heard that Pope Joan was never mentioned in any historical document before the 13th century, though she reigned during the 9th century. Is this true? If it is not true (i.e. she was mentioned before the 13th century), could you quote me a source? What's the earliest mention of Pope Joan? I'm a little bit of a skeptic, but I certainly haven't decided either way yet :-).
Name: Lourdes Raupe
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Granbury, TX USA
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at
11:34:02
Comments:
What is the status of the movie? How soon will it be in production, and when can we expect it to be in theatres? I can't wait! Haven't read your book yet, but have it ordered. Saw a documentary of Pope Joan years ago and have been fascinated ever since. Good luck with your work!!!
Name:Samantha
McCoy
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New York, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at
08:53:16
Comments:
My name is Samantha and I am an eighth grade student at Grace Church School, in New York. For an internet research project, I am doing specific research on whether or not there was ever a female pope (named Joan?). I am personally very interested in the subject. Do you beleive there was really a pope 'Joan?" Where did you get all of your information? Is your book based on factual information? Thank you so much for your time, please write me back at this addresss if possible, I would really appresciate it.
Name:Paul
Greenberg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New York, NY USA
Date: Monday, October 29, 2001 at
11:00:20
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, Hi, I read the profile of your very admirable book marketing efforts in the New York Times last summer. I have a first novel coming out called Leaving Katya (G.P. Putnam Sons, Feb, 2002). I was particularly interested in your direct marketing to book clubs. I was wondering whether it is possible to purchase your bookclub mailing/phone contact list? I have found this information hard to find. If you don't sell your list, would it be possible for you to direct me to online resources that could help? Thanks, Paul Greenberg www.leavingkatya.com
Name: Astrid
Email:[email protected]
Location: Krems,
Austria
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2001 at
04:50:25
Comments:
I have to talk about your book in school. I had no Problems with the contents, but I couldnīt find a Biography of the author in the internet. So maybe you could help me with telling me a page in the web where I can find something about you, or, if thereīs nothing on the internet, you maybe could give me some information about yourself. I hope you can help me! Astrid Ps.: Please forgive my faults, Iīm only learning english!
Name: Marsha Delorey
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Friday, October 26, 2001 at 16:06:19
Comments:
Our bookclub consists of six people who would very much like to have a short speakerphone conversation with you on November 7th at 6:00 pm.
Name: Rosalie Emanuel
Email:[email protected]
Location: San
Francisco, CA
Date: Friday, October 26, 2001 at
07:04:18
Comments:
Dear Donna, You were awesome! Thanks for sharing your articulate thoughts and wonderful anecdotes with our group by speakerphone. Your words were so animated "through the wires", that it was almost as if you were physically "there." Who needs video conferencing? Our extended "chat" about Pope Joan will be memorable and stand out as a highlight in the annals of our book discussions. We intend to "spread the word." The movie version should be a resounding success and we can't wait for it to be released. We'll also look forward to your next historical novel. Let me know the title upon publication. I've been using your "BLAH" method today...and found that my e-mail writing went at a much quicker pace. Thanks for the tip. Good luck with all future endeavors. Warmly, Rosalie Emanuel
Name: Kari Schriever
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Reston, VA USA
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at
10:18:06
Comments:
Our book group will be reading Pope Joan this month and would be so excited and grateful if we could chat/speak with you about the book ant its creation. Some possible dates are November 29th or 30th, or December 6th or 7th in the evening. Are any of these times convenient for you? Any time you could give us would be most appreciated. Thanks!
24, 2001 at 08:21:12
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for your charming, gracious and informative chat with our book club last evening. It added so much to the experience of the book for us all. We'll be waiting for news of the film, as well as of your new book. It was such a pleasure to meet you - many, many thanks for your contribution to our book discussion. Best of luck to you - Sincerely, Marion Malcolm
Name:Ann
Simpson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Seattle, WA USA
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at
22:44:26
Comments:
I run a website that manages the administrative details needed to keep book clubs together. We do this for free in a cookie free environment and I would like to talk to you about how we can support your interest in book clubs and service our members. We are currently servicing approxiately 1200 book clubs. The site is www.generousbooks.com and I can be reached at 800 554-7742. Thank you Ann Simpson
Name: Susan Wallen
Email:[email protected]
Location:
setauket, NY US
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at
14:20:36
Comments:
So much enjoyed speaking with you last night at Fran Bogaty's house. A real delight. Will do my best to let people know about Poe Joan! In the meantime trying to figure out who will be the center for your next book re: a 17th century woman! on thumbs up the
Name: Mary McHugh
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Drummond, WI USA
Date: Monday, October 22, 2001 at
20:54:47
Comments:
Our book group is discussing Pope Joan (7 pm. Nov 15) and just wondered if you could join us by phone?
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location: New
York, NY USA
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2001 at
23:45:48
Comments:
Hi there - my book club chose your book some months ago and we have finally decided to meet to discuss it and would love if you could participate. Thanks. Shane
Name: Deborah
Email:[email protected]
PA
Date: Sunday,
October 21, 2001 at 18:02:55
Comments:
I greatly enjoyed your book. I read mostly historical fiction and this was a grand experience in the dark ages. I do have an idea I would like to submit to you privately on the return answer.
Name: Lotta Blomberg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Stockholm, Sweden
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2001 at
10:58:56
Comments:
Dear Donna, I finished reading your book today and I'm left here with this feeling of loss... It is truly an amazing legend and you have given it life in the most beautiful way. I will miss Joan and grieve for Gerold. Love, Lotta
Name: Penny Thomas
Email:[email protected]
Location: Cincinnati, OH
USA
Date: Friday, October 19, 2001 at 20:09:19
Comments:
We are having a book club meeting at my house on Sunday November 11 at 3:00 (EST). I would love to chat with you beforehand to gain some extra insight to share with the group. Please email response. Thanks, Penny
Name: Noel Beebe
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mattydale , NY United States
Date: Friday, October 19, 2001 at
14:33:46
Comments:
~*~Dear Miss Woolfolk Cross~*~ I am a 11 th grade student at Cicero-North Syracuse High School and I am reading Pope Joan at this moment for a school profect and for the mere pleasure of reading. I heard that you had gone to the high school once to give a book talk. I just want to say that I love the book it only took me a week to read, I was so enthralled. I have only read such fine work once in a while, and your is truly magnific. I would love to actually meet you and discuss how you thought of writing such a book, I heard you live around here. Love always, ~*~Nellie-Lei~*~
Name: Karen Bailey
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mendham, NJ
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2001 at
08:25:42
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for visiting with our welcome wagon book club by speakerphone. We are writing to Oprah about you! It was just terrific to get a behind the scenes look at an author's motivation, inspiration, and perspective. We all just loved it. Thanks again, Karen
Name: Victoria Breeden
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Middletown, MD USA
Date: Monday, October 15, 2001 at
20:00:00
Comments:
_Pope Joan_ is slated for our book discussion group meeting at 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2002. Would Ms. Cross be available for a speaker-phone chat with our group?
Name: Wendy Ressler
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dewitt, NY
Date: Monday, October 15, 2001 at
17:09:38
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you for the most wonderful presentation at the DeWitt Library. You are a fabulous speaker and I plan to take a course from you whenever, wherever you go back to teaching. The audience was so pleased and we're so happy to have had such a large crowd fill our room. I look forward to your new book, your movie, and the next time you are speaking in town. We'll pack the hall!! Wendy
Name: Nancy Fromnick
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kennett Square, PA
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2001 at
17:11:41
Comments:
Our book club had another meeting this Monday--we are still raving about our speakerphone conference call with you last month! Thanks so much again! How did things work out with your screenplay?
Name: Aimee Burke
Email:[email protected]
Location: Englefield
Green, England
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2001 at
14:46:25
Comments:
Ms. Cross: The American Women of Berkshire and Surrey are discussing your book at our November 19 book discussion meeting - 10:30 AM our time, 5:30 EST. Any chance you want to get up early and join our discussion by speakerphone for a few minutes? Thanks. Aimee Burke
href="mailto:[email protected]">mailto:[email protected]
Location:
Chicago, Illinois
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2001 at
14:17:09
Comments:
A bit of a belated thanks for the fun speakerphone conversation last Monday. It certainly added a great deal to this month's gathering! In fact, none of us has ever heard of any other author with this idea. We enjoyed your insights and stories very much. And not just about research and writing, but also about the movie industry! I imagine you get lots of input and satisfaction from talking to so many people who have read your book. I told my daughter that you always hate your first drafts and do lots of revision. I hope that can help her be less fussed about her own writing! Thanks so much again! Ann Wasserman
Name: Paula Jones
Email:[email protected]
Location: Wauwatosa,
WI USA
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at
13:56:20
Comments:
Hello Donna, Our Singles Book Club meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have 15-20 members that meet each month at Barnes & Noble, and we are interested in reading Pope Joan. Would you be interested in an audio chat with our group for our February meeting (February 11th)? If not, would you consider another date in 2002? Thank you for your time! Sincerely, Paula Jones Community Relations Manager Barnes & Noble Mayfair (414) 475-0386 [email protected]
Name: Margaret Martin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Durango, CO USA
Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at
20:45:47
Comments:
Donna, The Book Circle at the Women's Resource Center in Durango, CO is currently reading your book "Pope Joan". We will review your book on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 from 5:30PM to 7PM MST. Would you be available to talk with us via speakerphone? Sincerely, Margaret
Name: Aideen Briggs
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cincinnati, OH USA
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2001 at
13:38:43
Comments:
I am writing with a guess for the next book: Francoise d'Aubigne, also known as Marquis de Maintenon who lived from 1635-1719.
Name: Betty Heller
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Scarsdale, NY
Date: Friday, October 5, 2001 at
07:38:05
Comments:
Donna, Thank you again for leading the wonderful discussion by speakerphone last night. The members of my book group all agreed it was the best meeting ever! My two teenage daughters are next in line to read about Joan. I think this book should be required reading for all middle school girls, and boys! I can't wait for the movie...
Name: Kyra Kelley
Email:[email protected]
Location: Chester, nj
USA
Date: Thursday, October 4, 2001 at 17:25:05
Comments:
I absolutely loved your book. I recieved it as a present for my birthday last year. When i started it, I couldn't set it down. It was and is a great inspiration to me. I still do get the occasional remark about being a woman and not being able to do something because of that fact. But your book has showed me with determination, i can achieve almost anything that my heart desires. Once again, thank you for the wonderful book.
Name: Bonnie Wetherbee
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Aurora, CO USA
Date: Thursday, October 4, 2001 at
11:24:08
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for the wonderful book discussion by phone last night. Our group agreed that it was one of the best book club meetings we've had in the 20 years we've been together. I have already e-mailed everyone I know who is part of a book group to recommend that they read Pope Joan and contact you to set up a conference call with them. It was a fascinating and enjoyable evening. We all wish you them best with the movie, and encourage you to continue your next novel because we can't wait to read it. (We do plan to figure out the heroine of course!) We are going to contact our regional book store, the Tattered Cover which sponsors many author visits, and hope that we'll be able to meet you in person soon. Thank you again for a wonderful evening. Sincerely, Bonnie Wetherbee
Name: Alanna Loebach
Email:[email protected]
Location:
London, ON Canada
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at
20:43:52
Comments:
I loved your book, Pope Joan. It was an inspirational story and the first night I picked it up I didn't put it down until I was finished! Which was 3 o'clock in the morning! Anyway, I am doing Pope Joan for my book report for my Grade 13 english class. I am supposed to look up info on the author. I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about yourself, or just tell me where the best site is for a biography. Please let me know! First hand is the best! Thank you so much.
Name: Carol Tess
Email:[email protected]
Location:
DePere, Wisconsin
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at
14:45:48
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for the wonderful chat we had by speakerphone today. The book reading group was very impressed. We all agree that you are one strong lady and we admire that in a woman! POPE JOAN is one of my favorite books of all time. I only found it because of Amazon.com I was shopping there and felt I should buy more than 1 book so the postage would not take away the savings. Anyway, there was your book and I picked it up. It was meant to be. After our chat today someone in the group wondered if Oprah would be soon looking for you and your book. Keep up the good work! Can't wait for the next book. Carol Tess
Name: marti rutishauser
Email:[email protected]
Location:
tiburon, ca usa
Date: Monday, October 1, 2001 at
21:07:00
Comments:
Thanks for your novel. I know it will generate a lively discussion at our next book club. I certainly wish we could transport you ala "Star Trek" to the meeting October 11th. We have been reading and meeting for 27 years with about 15-20 members. I know our members would like to know when you might be out here in the San Francisco Bay area for an appearance/book signing. Any movie in the offing? I have read your interview on line and will incorporate it into the discussion. I you have any additional comments, they would be much appreciated. Thanks Marti
Name: Fran Bogaty
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Setauket, N.Y. USA
Date: Monday, October 1, 2001 at
16:36:28
Comments:
Dear Donna, It was a pleasure to meet you at the Claremont Hotel in Roslyn at the O.R.T. discussion group. It was the precise time that the World Trade Center was terrorized. We both will never forget this date. Even with all the horrible news you did go on with your lecture and did so most eloquently. It was a memorable day with two degrees of emotion. I was glad to hear that you were able to stay over that night. We did speak to set up another date for our bookclub You asked me to remind you again. I am hoping that you saved October 22, a Monday evening at about 9 P.M. for our rescheduled phone meeting. My bookclub is truly looking forward to sharing their ideas and questions with you. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Fran Bogaty
Name: Bonnie Wetherbee
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Aurora, CO USA
Date: Monday, October 1, 2001 at
15:37:52
Comments:
Dear Donna, I read your book a few months ago and chose it for our book club. Unfortuately I only found this website today and our book club meets this Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001. It would be wonderful to be able to hear your voice and ask you some questions by phone, but I recognize that it's very short notice. I wish I had know about this opportunity before. I will gather any questions the ladies have and e-mail them to you after the meeting. If by any chance you are able to call, my phone number is 303-699-4989. We meet at 7:00 MST. I enjoyed the book a great deal. Your writing is intriguing and beautiful. Thank you for a wonderful character. Sincerely, Bonnie Wetherbee
Name: Kathleen VanSistine
Email:[email protected]
Location:
DePere, WI
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2001 at
09:45:44
Comments:
Dear Donna, I loved your book....I am in 2 book clubs and both have chosen your book about Pope Joan. I had the pleasure of being in that group that you spoke to on Sept 10 at Carol Tess' amd now I am hosting the book club from our church on OCT. 8 at 3:00 CST and was wondering about the possibility of a call from you on that day. We are a new group associated with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church and the ladies just love your book. Thank you for your gift to women Sincerely Kathleen VanSistine
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at
07:36:16
Comments:
Dear Donna, Just a note to thank you for your call to our book club meeting last night. It was such a pleasure to speak with you and learn of the journey you took to make this book a reality. Our club is made up of high school educators, covering several fields, English, Mathematics, French, Spanish, Theology, Science and Business. Even Sister Evangeline (a cute little 84 year old nun who lives in our convent) was with the group last night. She is quite open minded and shared with us how she had heard of Pope Joan through the years. Of course, she does not believe it was true! We wish you well on the completion of the screenplay and anxiously await the movie and the opportunity to read your next novel. Sincerely, Trish Dianetti and the Marian High School Book Club
Name: Catherine Daniels
Email:[email protected]
Location: Holt,
MI USA
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at
15:23:12
Comments:
Dear Ms.Cross, Our library is currently planning a book discussion of your book, "Pope Joan." I was told that you would perhaps participate in our discussion. We have tentatively scheduled this discussion for December 19, 2001 at 6:30p.m. eastern standard time. We ususally have between 10 and 15 people in attendance, and I must say, it's a very lively group. I look forward to your reply, and I thank you for your consideration. Catherine Daniels Library Assistant Holt-Delhi Library [email protected] 517-694-9351
Name: Arline Broberg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Melrose, MA U.S.A.
Date: Monday, September 24, 2001 at
15:54:40
Comments:
As Program Vice-President of the American Association of University Women - Boston Branch, I would like to know if you are interested in speaking to our group. As a Catholic college graduate, I find the subject intriguing.
Name: Lisa Wuerfel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Saginaw, MI USA
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2001 at
17:27:14
Comments:
Hello. My name is Lisa Wuerfel. I attend Saginaw Valley State University. I am currently enrolled in a Women's History class. For our final project we have to compose a 15-10 page research paper on a woman from European History. Pope Joan was recommended to me by a friend. Any information and tips of adivice you could send me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time! God Bless ><> Lisa Wuerfel <><
Name: vanessa grose
Email:[email protected]
Location:
brisbane, Qld Australia
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2001 at
06:01:51
Comments:
I've read 'Pope Joan' and I loved it!!! I was so inspired by it that I am now 'becoming her for a night'!!! Before you think I'm wacked in the head let me explain: I go to Pine Rivers State High School in Queensland, Australia and at our school we have a 'Step Ahead' program for the gifted and talented. Our project for the term is to research a famous person in history that has had a positive influence on the world. We call it the 'Night of the Notables'. I've chosen to be Pope Joan because I am really interested in her.
Name: Sue Slattery
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Big Spring, TX USA
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2001 at
13:31:17
Comments:
My review club is meeting to discuss "Pope Joan" on September 26 at 3:00 pm Central Time. We would love to chat with you at that time if possible.
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Scarsdale, NY
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2001 at
07:47:50
Comments:
Dear Donna, I have tentatively scheduled my book group meeting for Thursday, October 4, subject to your availability. We usually begin discussions at 8:30PM. Everyone is very excited about your "presence". Please let me know if this time is convenient for you. Also, I hope you and those around you are all well in this sad time.
Name: Carol Geiser
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 07:20:06
Comments:
Thank you Donna Last evening's Book Club meeting was the best one we've had. It was most wonderful and superbly interesting having you join us via speakerphone. I have already passed on to someone else I know who is a member of a book club information on you and your book. Again, thank you very much for making our book club discussion the best. Carol
Name: Carol E. Pearce
Email:[email protected]
Location: Cary, NC
USA
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at
20:14:18
Comments:
Donna I was among those present at our book club "chat" with you last evening. It was wonderful! My Christmas list has very few empty spaces as I will be purchasing your book for several friends and relatives. Thanks so much for your time and insight. It was a delightful evening!!
Name: Chris Sinner
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fargo, ND USA
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at
13:15:07
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, The Saint John Book Club in Fargo, North Dakota would be delighted to talk to you via speaker phone on October 1, 2001. We meet at 7:30 CST. I hope that you are available to join us at this time and date. Providing this type of opportunity to book clubs is an extraordinary and exceptional way to meet your readers. I am very impressed by the way you're willing to give of your time and talent. We also look forward to your visit to Fargo in May for the "Town Hall Lecture Series". I hope to hear from you soon regarding a chat with my book club. Sincerely, Chris Sinner
Name: Audia Denton
Email:[email protected]
Location: Syracuse, NY
USA
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at
10:05:47
Comments:
WOW!!!I have got to get my own copy of this book. Sounds like your meeting in NYC went well; but of course! How was our face ;)?
Name: Nancy Winston
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Beaverton, Oregon US
Date: Monday, September 17, 2001 at
22:18:45
Comments:
I loved your book. I had trouble putting it down. I am doing further reading on Pope Joan thanks to reading your book. Thanks for writing it. Nancy
Name: pamela marks
Email:[email protected]
Location: Chicago,
IL USA
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at
23:37:10
Comments:
Donna, we spoke before. I would like you to conference with my church women on May21, at 11:40am. Can you commit to that? I am typing our agenda for the year, and am most excited about your book and the ensuing conversation. You said that Heartland Book Club might feature you in May. If you are IN Chicago near our date, I would be ecstatic to see you! Let's talk about that possibility if it comes to be. Please respond asap. Need to "talk it up" by week's end with my group. Thank you so much. Appreciatively, Pam Marks
Name: Iris Hengst
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Madison, WI USA
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at
23:32:01
Comments:
We are a bookclub of 10 women who will read Pope Joan within the next month and we would very much look forward to asking you all those quetions which just have to come up with such an exiting subject.I myself picked your book up between flights in Germany where I come from and read it in German. Wanting to share my excitement I talked to my bookclub about this amazing discovery and they also got hooked. I read both versions now and like both. If you could please contact me to set up a time for a speakerphone conference sometime in mid October. We usually meet in the evenings after 7:00pm Central time. Everyone is enthusiastic about the fact of you getting so directly in contact with your readers. Thank you for this invention ! We are looking forward to talking to you soon sincerely yours Iris Hengst p.s. this is my husband's website
Name: Chere K. Gruver
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mesa, AZ United States
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at
14:54:14
Comments:
I was wondering if you had any bookmarks. I collect them and would love to be able to add something autographed by you to my collection. Thank you, Chere Gruver 454 North 95th Place Mesa, AZ 85207 [email protected]
Name: Carol Tess
Date: Monday, September 10, 2001 at
21:13:53
Comments:
Thank you so much for talking to our book club via speaker phone today (Sept.10). We loved it and we love your book. Pope Joan came alive in your hands and for that we will be forever thankful. You made us all realize what a great time it is to be a woman NOW and in this country. Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. We all look forward to the movie! Carol Tess
Name:Margaret
Potter
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cazenovia, NY USA
Date: Monday, September 10, 2001 at
17:25:17
Comments:
Hi Donna! How are you? Look's like you are still globe trotting with this wonderful book! Best regards, Margaret
Name: livia sklar
Email:[email protected]
Location: Mt.
Vernon, NY USA
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2001 at
19:00:30
Comments:
Dear Donna, We greatly enjoyed chatting with you last week and hope other bookclub groups will take advantage of your offer and have the opportunity of speaking with you on speakerphone, as ours did. You added a new dimension to our reading group. We look forward to the movie version of "Pope Joan" as another chance to experience the historical breadth of your wonderful novel. Sincerely, Livia Sklar & the Group
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Baltimore, MD USA
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2001 at
11:00:41
Comments:
Hello- Our book club is currently reading Pope Joan. I read it in another book group last year and suggested it for this one. I have been pleased with the calls and emails telling me it was a great choice! Is it really possible to have a discussion with you via speakerphone at our meeting? It will be on Sunday, October 7th at 5:30 PM EST. I would love to hear from you. I loved your book! Sincerely, Marion Malcolm
Name: janet martineau
Email:[email protected]
Location:
saginaw, mi u.s.
Date: Friday, September 7, 2001 at
12:29:12
Comments:
Hi..I interviewed you when you spoke at Horizons Town Talk in Saginaw, Michigan...you asked for a tearsheet of the story....I have since lost the address you gave me. Please send it to me at this address.....sorry for the long delay. I need a secretary, badly!
Name: karen bailey
Email:[email protected]
Location:
mendham, NJ
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2001 at
07:15:26
Comments:
We are a Welcome Wagon book group with women of all ages and interests. On Thursday, October 4 we will be discussing POPE JOAN and wondered if it would be possible for you to join us via speaker phone at 10:00 AM EST. Hoping it works for you! Thanks, Karen
Name: Ann Wasserman
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Evanston, IL
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at
12:23:55
Comments:
Our book group meets Monday 9/24 at 7:30pm Chicago time to discuss your book. Would you be available to join us by speakerphone at that time? We are a group of homeschooling parents, taking a bit of time to educate ourselves! Thanks for a great read.
Name: Sandra Arntzen
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Duesseldorf, Germany
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at
05:04:45
Comments:
Dear Sirs and Madams, my name is Sandra Arntzen, I work as researcher for the bookselling house Stern Verlag in Duesseldorf, Germany. One of our clients is looking for an English Audio CD Edition of the book "Pope Joan". I could not find it. Could you please let me know if this title exists in Audio CD format or if its maybe planned? Thank you very much for your cooperation. Kindest regards BUCHHAUS STERN-VERLAG Digital Media and Information Sandra Arntzen [email protected]
Name: Concetta Maggiore
Email:[email protected]
Location: Baden-Baden,
Germany
Date: Sunday, September 2, 2001 at
14:02:22
Comments:
Dear Donna, I read your book and it was the best I ever read. I believe profoundly that this woman from Ingelheim existed in fact. I'm waiting anxiously for the film. Please, can you tell me when it will coming out? Baci, Concetta
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY USA
Date: Saturday, September 1, 2001 at
11:56:32
Comments:
We are planning a discussion for Sunday, December 16 from 2-4 p.m. at Sarabrae Women's Spirituality Center in New Windsor, NY. We would love to have a speakerphone conversation with you!
Name: Dale Lawlor
Email:[email protected]
Location: Peoria,
Illinois US
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2001 at
20:19:39
Comments:
Dear Ms Cross, May I also add my congrats to that of Kay Rafool as per her earlier message to you. It was indeed a great pleasure for our reading group to talk to you on that speakerphone conference call! As a lover of history, but not nearly as advanced as you, I may end this by saying: Fraternally, Dale Lawlor
Name:Rose
Senehi
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Pawleys Island, SC USA
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at
16:07:19
Comments:
Dear Donna, Wendy Ressler told me you're going to speak at the Dewitt Public Libarary in late September. I just published my novel and am coming to Syracuse, my home town, from September 21 to the 25. I would greatly appreciate speaking with you if at all possible. Thanks, Rose
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Peoria, Illinois
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at
20:28:30
Comments:
Dear Donna, A quote from one of our reading group members (usually one of the quietest!) last night after your call - "This was the best book group meeting we've ever had!" Obviously, your speakerphone call was a huge success, and we are so grateful to you for your time and thoughtful answers to all our questions. We all really applauded your taking the "papal bull by the horns" and going directly to readers for your marketing. What a clever lady you are! Once again, a very hearty thank you I send from all the group. Since as you must know by now, book groups also usually like to eat, I was in the kitchen preparing desserts toward the end of your call and was unable to say this personally. We all wish you much further success with this book, the upcoming film, and future books. You are building a very loyal readership. Harry Potter, look out! Sincerely, Kay
Name: Trish Dianetti
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bloomfield Hills, MI USA
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at
17:48:12
Comments:
Dear Donna, I was at a lecture you did last year at the Rochester Hills, MI library. So fascinating! Now my book club (a group of teachers in a Catholic All-Girl High School!) is reading your book and planning to meet at my home on September 25th. Would love a speakerphone chat with you! Also, reading that you recently did a radio interview. I missed it. Any way I would get a copy of that interview to play at my book club? I would be a true hero!! Loving your book - only half way through. Trish
Name: Rose Hodge
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Santa Barbara, CA USA
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at
14:02:01
Comments:
My Reading Group has chosen Pope Joan for discussion at our October 23, 2001 morning meeting. Are you available for a telephone interview on that morning??
Name: Carole Rybarczyk
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Burlington, WI USA
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at
11:02:45
Comments:
We have selected your book for next year. I have not assigned a month yet. We meet on the 4th Monday at 7:00 pm. We would like to have you present by speakerphone. Would you have a preference or should I select a month and notify you.
Name: Christine Barker
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Portland, OR 97229
Date: Monday, August 27, 2001 at
00:55:50
Comments:
Our bookclub likes to plan ahead. I am in charge of our December selection and have decided to go with Pope Joan. I was delighted to see that you are willing to call into the discussions by speakerphone. Our tentative date for our December discussion is December 11th. Would you be available? Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Name: Wendy Volz Daniels
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Campbellsport, WI USA
Date: Saturday, August 25, 2001 at
19:46:45
Comments:
I just found the reading group questions for your book which our book club will be discussing on Monday, august 27, 2001 and I just discovered that you would be available to discuss the book with us. Please let me know a date and time that would be convenient for you. I see by a previous message from a reader that you were recently on a Wisconsin Public Radio Program. I am sorry I missed the program as I am an avid listener of public radio. I will attempt to secure a copy of the interview. What a great book! Wendy
Name: Carol Tess
Email:[email protected]
Location:
DePere, WI USA
Date: Saturday, August 25, 2001 at
11:32:00
Comments:
Dear Donna, I heard you on the Jean Feraca show on Aug.22. My book reading group is meeting at my house on Sept.10. The book we choose to read back in May of this year, is Pope Joan. In fact, the second book club I belong to, is also reading Pope Joan and will meet to discuss it on Sept.27th. I just loved the book. I am sure every member of the book reading groups will too. Can you tell me how we go about setting up a speaker call to or from you? Would Sept.10 (Monday) at 1:00 PM be an agreeable time for you? Thank you for reading this AND for writing one of my favorite books of all time. Carol Tess
Name:Conrad
Giller
Email:[email protected]
Location: Leipzig,
Germany
Date: Friday, August 24, 2001 at 03:58:34
Comments:
Dear Donna - Pope Joan was using a method of counting and computing with her fingers to a much greater range than '10'. Can you please tell me more about that method or give me some sources to read? Thanks a lot for that really interesting adventure-book. Conrad
Name: Andrea
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Galena, IL USA
Date: Thursday, August 23, 2001 at
08:45:04
Comments:
Question: if I were to costume Joan as Pope -- and I need to, for the Caryl Churchill play -- what would she wear?
Name: Ken Ellis
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Brillion, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
21:43:31
Comments:
Heard your interview on WPR this morning. It was very interesting. However, I must take exception to your comment that the Protestant Reformation was over the infalliblity of the Pope. The principle isse of the Reformation was the issue of justification by faith and secondarily the church's practices of selling indulgences and pardons and other spurious practices that misrepresented the basic truths of the Gospels. I also want to mention that there were a number of women that entered monasteries as men during the first few centuries of the Church when St. Anthony 'started' the "Desert Father's' movement.
Name: Barb
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Milwaukee, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
21:31:08
Comments:
I heard your interview on WHAD this morning. Your book sounds fun. Women in the papacy might lead to world peace after all! Thanks. Barb
Name: Claire Ryan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Middleton, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
19:10:23
Comments:
Dear Donna, Was delighted to hear you on Jean Feraca's show this morning. Desperately wanted to call in and tell you how much I enjoyed your novel which I read a couple of years ago--but I was trapped en route to a meeting and couldn't get to the phone. Glad I was able to hear your admiration for this remarkable heroine. My question: how do Vatican historians account for the two years when Joan was allegedly the Pope? And is the under-the-Chair examination of the genitals of the soon- to-be-consecrated pope true? What evidence for that? Thanks for a great read and an inspirational heroine. Claire
Name: Jen Reel
Email:[email protected]
Location: Stevens
Point, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
15:55:39
Comments:
Donna, I heard you on WPR this morning and was inspired and touched by your enthusiasm. I am a Catholic school teacher who believes in ordination for woman, and I can't wait to read your book! I just ordered it online.
Name: Ruth Cotter Scharnau
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dubuque, IA USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
11:44:51
Comments:
Our book club read your book last winter. Every one of us enjoyed it thoroughly, most notably those women who were brought up in the Catholic Church. Let me add my plaudits to your work. Can't wait to read your next book!
Name: Mark Winfield
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Madison, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
11:42:26
Comments:
Just heard your interview on WPR this morning, I will be ordering the book - I loved what you had to say and just to let you know I am e-mailing this URL to to women in my MBA class, I think they'll love this story! Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. Mark
Name: Mary Durham
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Marathon , Wi USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
11:34:59
Comments:
Kust heard you on public radio this morning and enjoyed it very much. I have always said there should be women priests and this goes to show it could be possible. Thank you for writing such an intersting book, can't wait to get it.
Name: Nicole Hine-Cappa
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Madison, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
11:06:42
Comments:
I heard part of your discussion this morning on WPR. I was very interested. My background is Medieval France, both history and literature. I have only heard little rumors about this person, but have never studied her. And I took a course called the Medieval Church! Thank you for your interesting work. Nicole
Name: isaac sawle
Email:[email protected]
Location:
rushford , mn usa
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
10:45:56
Comments:
going to read the book listend on wpr myself and my father would like to know if we could arrange you talking to his book club his e-mail is [email protected] e-mail either of us and we will get back to you asap
Name: Jim
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Greendale , WI US
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
10:41:57
Comments:
Just heard you on Jean Faraca's show. What an intriguing story. Can't wait to read it.
Name: Marley
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Whitewater, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
10:30:07
Comments:
Hi Donna! Thoroughly enjoyed your interview on WPR. As a mother of 2 exploring a natural parenting style, I am faced with many societal objections. Pope Joan sound like someone I can look to for strength and courage. Looking forward to reading your book!
Name: Kenneth Jacobson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Appleton, ME USA
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at
10:15:10
Comments:
I just heard your interview on Wisc. Public Radio. I admire your persistance! On caller asked for more info on what parts of your book were"true" and what was fiction. I would appreciate the same. Best wishes. Can't wait for the film! Ken
Name:Ivo Gersdorff
Email:[email protected]
Location: Mainz,
Germany
Date: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at
12:12:30
Comments:
Hello, Iīm a german, living near Mainz and Ingelheim. I did read the book a few days ago and I was very interested in this story. There are so many Links in the internet about Johanna - wow!! The best book I ever read - for shure!!! It tells everything about the live in these days and for me there is somthing special: everyone in this time thinks about their problems and how big they are - in the 9th century the people needed to fight for there live, they needed something to eat and to drink - thatīs a problem! Not to have the problem about the color of the car someone want to buy. Write me an e-mail if you want to keep in contact. Please excause my english - isnīt perfect *g* Ivo
Name: pamela marks
Email:[email protected]
Location: Chicago,
IL USA
Date: Saturday, August 18, 2001 at
17:23:44
Comments:
Dear Donna, Our church women's group is interested in your book! Would you be coming to Chicago during 2001-2002? The Women of St. Chrysostom Episcopal Church are looking forward to a great read and can meet most any month you could make it! Looking forward to reply asap. Thank you so much!
Name: Karen Sokoloff
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Toronto, ONT Canada
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at
10:48:30
Comments:
I read Pope Joan a few months ago and have been recommending it to everyone I know who loves to read a good story. I have never written to an author but I was so impressed with your writing that I felt I had to let you know. This would make a wonderful movie and I would be curious to know who you would cast as Joan. I used to run an f2f group and I wish we would have read your book together as I'm sure it would have generated much discussion. Are you working on anything right now. Thank you again for a wonderful book, I was sorry to see it end. BTW, I loved the pictures.
Name: Barbara Bickford
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fayetteville, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at
20:16:56
Comments:
The Tuesday Book Club had the distinct pleasure of meeting you and listening to your stories of the background and research for Pope Joan two years ago. We were thrilled by your excellent talk, and personality. I wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your novel, entwined with the actual, or so we think, Pope Joan. What a great experience. Now, seeing and reading the thoughts of all your fans worldwide, I am so pleased for you. It is so rewarding. I look forward to the movie, especially because you told us you were able to write the script. It won't be "ruined" by someone else. Meilleurs voeux et beaucoup d'amitie. Barbara Bickford
Name:Mary
Pareja
Email:[email protected]
Date: Tuesday,
August 14, 2001 at 15:24:40
Comments:
Well, hmmm. When I got to the guestbook, the url was not listed. Our book club web site is located at http://www.geocities.com/online_book_club
Name:Mary
Pareja
Email:[email protected]
Date: Tuesday,
August 14, 2001 at 15:23:04
Comments:
Donna, I coordinate an online book club (url is listed above). Yours is the very first book we read (this past February 2001). We would very much like to have you join us in the group's chat room to discuss your novel. Please contact me if this might be possible. Thank you!!
Name:Annie
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 09:10:55
Comments:
Hi Donna I just wanted to thank you for joining us in the online chat room last evening. It was an honor and a privilege to have you with us! You are a delightful woman and an inspiration. For avid readers, there is nothing more exciting than having a chance to actually speak with the author of a beloved book. As founder of the MTBookClub - I wanted to let you know that your generosity has created a wonderful experience for a group of women I hold close to my heart and I greatly appreciate that! Wishing you the best of luck with this wonderful novel - and rest assured - the "bookies" will be amongst the first in line to snatch up your new one!!
Name: Pauline Fletcher
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Sacramento, CA USA
Date: Monday, August 13, 2001 at
23:25:27
Comments:
Hi Donna, Thanks for taking the time to chat with our MT BookClub tonight -- I ended up being fairly quiet in the chat (I am in the final 2 weeks of finishing my Humanities/Religious Studies B.A. at California State Univ, Sacramento and had not gotten to read Pope Joan but wanted to catch the conversation to refer to when I can choose my own books again in a couple of weeks). I will be starting an English M.A. program in the not so distant future and have a feeling my work will concentrate on some combination of women's studies, religion and literature. Again -- thanks for so graciously sharing your time with us, and I eagerly look forward to reading Pope Joan and re-reading your thoughts and answers in that context. Thanks, Pauline Fletcher
Name:Kay
Rafool
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Peoria, IL USA
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 at
23:05:02
Comments:
Hello, Donna. I spoke with you last year by phone the morning after our book group met, as on short notice, arrangements fell through. Now I've assigned the book to another book group, this one meeting on Sunday, August 26. Any chance that you would be available by speaker phone about 8:30 pm CST to talk to a group in Peoria, Illinois? Telephone is 800.552.2051. We would be very pleased if your schedule would accommodate this. Thank you, Kay Rafool
Name: Paige Tuhey
Email:[email protected]
Location:
San Francisco, CA
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 at
19:28:26
Comments:
Hi Donna- Thank you so much for your willingness and vivaciousness in talking with our reading group by speakerphone last night. We all really enjoyed it. I only wish you could have joined our feast as our members are excellent at preparing food. We will contact you if we can set up a reading/discussion with a group here in San Francisco (air fare and room included!). Take care. With Appreciation, Paige
Name:Claus
Seyfried
Email:[email protected]
Location: Stuttgart,
Deutschland
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 at
08:33:56
Comments:
Additional comment for all those in doubt about the location of Ingelheim, Fulda and so on. May be I soon add a map to my homepage, that explains all these places. URL: http://www.csey.de
Name:Claus
Seyfried
Email:[email protected]
Location: Stuttgart,
Deutschland
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 at
08:28:51
Comments:
Hi Donna, I read "Die Päpstin" a couple of years ago. I remember it as a most exciting, thrilling, fascinating book, that makes ancient time alive. As I am born and raised up just 10 miles away from Ingelheim, it is of course still more interesting for me, especially the mentioned conflict between the native germanic language of the ordinary people (Joan's mother) and the latin language of the ruling class. I knew already that Christianity was brought by monks from England and Ireland. (Bishop Bonifatius 747 !). Nowadays we are very catholic over there ! But this, of course, is no obstacle to love your book. I am catholic, nevertheless I say "Who could ever deny all the crimes committed by the catholic church ?". By the way, I would very much like to read the secret files of the Vatican ! Who gives me the key, just for some days ? I think they are hardly less interesting than those of CIA and KGB ! Yours, Claus
Name:Nicole
Petzolt
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Glen Cove, NY USA
Date: Thursday, August 9, 2001 at
20:05:17
Comments:
I am a 22 year old college student and writer, and I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. I am part of an online bookclub that is currently reading your book. I know we will be having a chat with you, but I wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are! I have battled depression and abuse my whole life, and I am now an English major in college and hoping to be published soon! I hope I can someday be an author with half of your talent!
Name: Sue Eiholzer
Email:rsue@dreamscape
Location: E.
Syracuse, NY Onondaa
Date: Thursday, August 9, 2001 at
15:09:06
Comments:
Donna, I am preparing publicity for your presentation September 29th at the DeWitt Library sponsored by the Freinds of the library. Would it be possible to get a publicty photo to include with our releases? If so, it could be mailed to me at 5750 Commons Pk, E. Syracuse, NY 13057. I am working on the releases now and would appreciate a photo as soon as convenient. Thank you for you help. Sincerely, Sue Eiholzer
Name: Kimberly C.
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Syracuse, New York United States
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at
23:40:05
Comments:
Mrs. Cross, I would just like to say that I really loved Pope Joan. I'm not an avid reader of any sort. But since I'll be going into AP English next year we were told to read two books, Pope Joan and The Catcher in the Rye. I have just finished Catcher, and I have to say I loved Pope Joan so much more. I got so caught up in every part of the book that I never wanted to set it down. I truly think you have made me want to read more now. I just need to find more books that can keep me as enthralled as you did in Pope Joan. Again, I would really just like to thank you for writing such a wonderful book!
Name: Amedy Orly
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Jerusalem, Israel
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at
16:49:30
Comments:
i study jeneral history, and i loved your book!!!! i enjoyed reading it, thank you so much for writting it!
Name: Linda Coppede
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Colts Neck, NJ USA
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at
10:44:21
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, Our town is holding a major weekend long literary event (along with a book sale) called "COLTS NECK IS BOOK COUNTRY." One plan is to have a read-a-thon and have everyone in town read the same book. We would also love the author of the book to come to the event which is scheduled October 13 and 14. "Pope Joan" would be an excellent selection and we could guarantee lots of publicity. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you. Linda
Name: Angela Lo Tufo
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Hobe, florida
Date: Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at
13:35:35
Comments:
Hi Donna! On behalf of our Book Club group , I want to thank you for your gracious, informative, and enthusiastic speakerphone chat this afternoon. Your novel did generate much meaningful discussion and hearing your comments was a very special experience for each of us! (There were 19 in attendance today!) It certainly would be great to get together when you come to Florida to speak at the Chatauqua South Conference. Wishing you the best and look forward to meeting you Feb. 27, 2001 in Florida. Sincerely, Angela
Name: Ann Elphick
Email:[email protected]
Location: NYC, NY USA
Date: Monday, August 6, 2001 at 14:31:20
Comments:
Dear Joan: I'm a freelance book publicist in NYC and one of my clients sent me the May 20 NYT copy of the article on you--Authors Go Directly to Reader With Marketing. I was wondering if you could give me some idea as to how you went about getting the names of the reading groups. Thank you so much for your time and you are to be congratulated on such inventive and energetic book promoting. If all authors were like you they're would be no need for freelance book publicists. Would love to speak if you have a minute or an email would be so appreciated. Warm regards, Ann Elphick Ann Elphick Public Relations 36 W. 76th Street - 4A New York, NY 10023 212.873.7945 [email protected]
Name: Mary Wingfield
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mitchell, SD USA
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at
19:29:55
Comments:
Ms. Cross, I am a member of a medical transcriptionist internet bookclub and I chose your book Pope Joan for our August read. Is it possible for you to join us for a discussion sometime in August. We are planning to start discussing Pope Joan on August 6th and generally our discussions run several weeks with the group leader posting a series of questions for the group members to ponder and answer. We are a group of presently working and retired medical transcriptions from all across the USA and have a long standing love affair with books. Thank you for your consideration. Mary Wingfield
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location: SF, CA
USA
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at 01:21:53
Comments:
A wonderful, wonderful book! But can't help feeling as if a whole lot more should have changed during the last 1,100 years. Women can educate themselves now (if they have the time and financial resources) -- but we very much must still live within the confines of a man's world. Too much knowledge is dangerous when the context hasn't sufficiently changed for women to use the full potential of their knowledge (i.e. "some ideas are STILL dangerous"). While we may not have our eyes gouged out, we get fired, shunned, evicted, ridiculed and/or beaten if we appear too smart. We need a Joan of the 21st century and FAST. Who has been cast as Joan for the movie? Thank you for a fine piece of work and I anxiously await your next one. Do you actually know Greek, Latin and that funny math yourself? As a hopeful someday writer myself, I'm intrigued with how knowledgeable you appeared to be re the above-referenced areas -- or, in order to come across as fluent in Latin and Greek -- perhaps you actually are?? Warm regards, Pam
Name: Nancy Doherty
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Acton, MA USA
Date: Monday, July 30, 2001 at
20:45:42
Comments:
Dear Donna, I loved your book and convinced my bookgroup(The Easy Readers)to read it. They all thought it was a great story and would love to discuss, by speakerphone, the book with you. This is short notice as we are meeting this Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at 7:30. If you can, please e-mial me and let me know if that is convenient and how to arrange the details (phone numbers, etc.). Thank you. Nancy
Name: Julie Savitch
Email:[email protected]
Location: Havertown,
PA 19083
Date: Monday, July 30, 2001 at 19:38:32
Comments:
I LOVED Pope Joan!! I read it almost a year ago, and still haven't forgotten your memorable characters. Do you have any other books coming out? I am eagerly awaiting the next one!
Name:KC
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kernersville, nc usa
Date: Saturday, July 28, 2001 at
06:51:18
Comments:
Hello, Donna! I was among the ladies who you chatted with you with this past Tues.night and wanted to tell you, again, how much I loved your book. In fact, I was the one hogging the speakerphone and had a million questions. In regards to the one question about the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, you may be interested in looking up Romans 12: 6-8 and Hymn # 503, 2nd stanza, in the Episcopal Hymnal of 1982. My Episcopal priest had no problem giving me this info and plan on reading your book. Thanks again for such an enlightening evening and taking the time to answer all our inquiries.
Name: Marilyn
Email:[email protected]
Location:
West Chester, PA USA
Date: Friday, July 27, 2001 at
17:34:13
Comments:
I am puzzled by the information you give about the person you call Pope Joan. In your interview on the web site you say: "Q. So you're convinced that Joan really existed?" "A. ... The truth of what happened in A.D. 855 may never be fully known...." And in the next Answer you say she was "Pope John VIII". My information from a Catholic list of Popes is that Pope John VIII was 872 AD to 882 AD (10 years). From 855 AD to 858 AD(3years)the Pope was Benedict III, The dates do not jive.Also neither of which is 2 years as you say. Please tell me specifically where you have found your information
Name: Larry Hagemann
Email:[email protected]
Location: durham, nc
usa
Date: Friday, July 27, 2001 at 08:25:06
Comments:
Hi Donna, Just got back from Germany and had a picture taken at a book kiosk with your German edition...still the number 6 listing in Germany after all this time. It was nearly two years ago that I stood at the same spot when Pope Joan was in the number 1 position in Germany...a spot held for over two years. If you want a copy of the photo, let me know and I will send it the usual way via Cary. Cheers, Larry
Name: Camey Hadlock
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Summit, NJ USA
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2001 at
12:25:19
Comments:
Dear Donna, If only all authors were like you! Thank you so much for speaking to our book group Tuesday night--especially at such short notice! It was the most exciting book club discussion we have ever had! We so appreciated you spending nearly an hour talking to us about the subtleties of "Pope Joan." Your comments were very enlightening and helped us better understand your wonderful novel. Thank you for sharing your insights and your delightful personality with us. We will tell all our friends about "Pope Joan" and hopefully it will reach the NY Times bestseller list soon! We can't wait to read your next book! Thanks again! Sincerely, Camey Hadlock
Name: RUSS TARBY
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Liverpool, NY USA
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2001 at
02:51:44
Comments:
My Dear Ms. Woolfolk Cross I tried to e-mail via worldnet. no dice. please advise. Absinthe Adventure in the works. I now work at THE CITIZEN, in Auburn, as night copy editor. When can we prep Pope Joan film promotion? RUSS TARBY
Name:Peter
Larkin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bayside, NY USA
Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 at
17:50:56
Comments:
Just wanted to add my name to all of those who LOVED "Pope Joan." Though it was first published in 1996, I just now finished it, and found myself slowing down to make it last longer. Ms.Cross, you have discovered one of the most interesting historical characters I have ever met, and I wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you did. Thank you and good luck with the movie. Demi Moore as Joan!! (Just kidding.)
Name: Louise Schoonover Smith
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New Providence, NJ USA
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at
22:39:00
Comments:
We were thrilled to have you join us at our book club meeting tonight. All of us hung on your every word, appreciating more information and your wonderful sense of humor. Thank you for sharing your time and for giving us the marvelous story of Pope Joan. We believe........
Name: Patricia Lyons
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Richmond, VA USA
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at
20:00:39
Comments:
Absolutely, positively loved your novel. It was recommended to our group by another group which had finished it and voted across the board that it was their all-time favorite. Early buzz among our book club is that it is our favorite as well! Word has travelled quickly in Richmond - had to go to 4 bookstores to locate Pope Joan. Our Book Club meets next Thursday, August 2, 7-10 pm eastern time. Are you by some miracle available to speak with us anytime within that small window?
Name: Nancy Goldfinch
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Oak Ridge, NC USA
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at
14:31:26
Comments:
Ms.Cross, I've just finished reading Pope Joan and must say that I was totally enthralled from page one. I love the richness of your storytelling and was engrossed the entire time I was reading it. I was sad indeed when it ended and hope you write many more novels. I'm in a new reading club that will be discussing the novel with you tonight and am looking forward to it immensly. Thank you!
Name: Camey Hadlock
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Summit, NJ USA
Date: Sunday, July 22, 2001 at
17:39:31
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I absolutely LOVED your book! I am amazed by your ability to create such a vibrant historical picture of the middle ages! Your novel was truly captivating. I am a voracious reader with a master's degree in English literature and this was one of the few books I couldn't put down! Our book club is discussing your book this Tuesday, July 24, at 8 p.m. EST and I am the discussion leader. This is the first book we've read all year that has been universally enjoyed! I realize that this is very short notice, but if you were available between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m that night--even if only for a few minutes--we would be so thrilled to hear from you. If you are unavailable on the 24th, perhaps you might consider responding to a few questions via email (I've read your published interviews in the paperback version and at amazon.com): 1) Since so little historical information is known about Joan, did you model her after someone else? 2)Does Joan's desire to learn mirror any of your own educational pursuits? 3)What is your favorite part of the book? 4)Can you tell us more about your newest novel set in France? When will it be published? Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Camey Hadlock
Name: Regina
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lancaster, PA USA
Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 at
09:44:32
Comments:
Just finished your book and thought it was wonderful! I was so caught up in the story and the action, I didn't want it to end. I would never have picked it up from the library if it wasn't recommended by a chat group I happened upon. I'm glad I did, and I am recommending it to friends. Can't wait for the movie!
Name: Carol Morrissey
Email:[email protected]
Location:
St. Helena Island, sc usa
Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 at
08:09:26
Comments:
HI! Donna, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to chat with my book club Tuesday night. It was truly enlightening to get thoughts from "the horses mouth". I was so nervous about speaking with you and for no reason. Thanks for being so sincere and approachable. You put everyone at ease and a delightful evening was shared by all. Looking forward to your next novel and wish you continued success in your endeavors. Sincerely, Carol
Name: Laurie Trimble
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Walnut Creek, CA USA
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 at
22:53:01
Comments:
Hello! My book group, Orinda 2000, has enthusiastically choosen Pope Joan as our August book. We hope it would be possible to arrange to do a live on-line chat or conference call during our meeting on the evening of August 15. Thank you providing such an excellent web site to accompany your book and enrich our book groups shared inquiry. Laurie Trimble
Name: Rita Zwicker
Email:[email protected]
Location: Yarmouth
Port, MA USA
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 at
10:57:07
Comments:
I came by your book via a friend of a friend. Although highly recommended, I just took it to be polite with no real intentions of reading it since I didn't think it was by "cup of tea." Eventually I did pick it up, read the first page and could not put it down! I was absolutely fascinated by the story, the history, and your style of writing. When you described the battle scenes -- I truly thought I was watching a film. You described them in the least amount of words resulting in a vivid, graphic pictures for me. It was one on those books that made me sad when it was over -- I miss it (do you know what I mean?). The back cover mentions you were working on a new book on 17th century France -- I looked for it and can't find it -- have you completed it yet? Thanks for making my summer!
Name: Robert Hoeffner
Email:[email protected]
Location: Tampa, Fl.
USA
Date: Monday, July 16, 2001 at 23:31:05
Comments:
I was in the process of researching the Abbey at Fulda when I came across your site. This abbey has an amazing history and Pope Joan may be another great story. One of my ancestors Johann Hoffner was a teacher in Landau in 1736 and the records show he was born in Fulda in 1709. I am speculating that he may have been educated there. Anyway, this is the first I've heard of your book and it sounds interesting to me. I also have two teenage daughters that might learn a few things. Regards, Bob
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Moscow, ID USA
Date: Thursday, July 12, 2001 at
10:43:28
Comments:
Hello Donna, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It was so wonderful and such an honor to speak with you last night. It certainly added so much to our discussion regarding 'Pope Joan'. You brought up many points and answered a lot of our questions. We talked for a few hours more about women in history and the positive women role models in our lives and now our two newest role models, Pope Joan and Donna Woolfolk Cross! Thanks again and best wishes to you in all your new adventures. The GAB Book Club
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Pewaukee, WI USA
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at
19:34:12
Comments:
Your book was recommended to me by my Mother-in-law. Her church book club had read it and really enjoyed it. Now my church book club is going to be reading it. I picked it up and can't seem to put it down. I can't wait to find out what kind of adventure Joan finds herself on next. Anyway, I saw your offer on the website to chat on speaker phone with book clubs and was wondering if you would be available to speak with ours. We meet on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening - usually around 7:00 pm. I was thinking about holding the next meeting to discuss Pope Joan at the end of August. Please let me know what you have available. I will try to be flexible. I am very excited about this opportunity! Thank you. Michelle Harms
Name: J.P.
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Seattle, WA USA
Date: Monday, July 9, 2001 at
18:06:17
Comments:
Hi there. Your website says that Pope Joan is soon to be a major motion picture. I was wondering if the screenplay had been written yet? Is this a motion picture yet? Have you sold the rights?
Name: Jan
Email:[email protected]
Location: Hannover,
Germany
Date: Monday, July 9, 2001 at 14:35:59
Comments:
Yeha!!! I just read the book in german and...wow! Iam just a little 16year old boy *smile* but i think its a really really GREAT book!
Name: Dael Carmody
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Chicago, IL
Date: Sunday, July 8, 2001 at
13:39:05
Comments:
The book "Rome Access" second edition page 156 "Pope Hadrian IV (English) - some say really Pope Joan - stoned to death while giving birth". Page 11 "the only English pope, Nicholas Breakspear, who in 1154 took the name of Hadrian IV." No mention anywhere of this Pope meeting a violent end, but then again, Richard Saul Wurman can hardly be considered the ultimate historical source.
Name: Kim
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dunedin, New Zealand
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2001 at
22:48:58
Comments:
I'm doing a research project on Pope Joan, whether she was a myth or a reality, and I was just wondering if you could give me some advice about where I could find some information on the subject? (Love the book, by the way!)
Name: Garvin
Email:mailto:ingrid.%[email protected]
Germany
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2001 at 13:53:09
Comments:
I would like to have a copy of this book (Pope Joan by "Donna Woolfork Cross")in the German language.
Name: livia sklar
Email:[email protected]
Location: Mt.
Vernon, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at
16:12:57
Comments:
Our book club is meeting on August21st in the evening. Would it be possible for you to have a phone chat with us at that time? We would be quite honored if this could happen! Please let me know by email, and I will give you the phone number of whose house will be in that night. Many thanks!
Name: paige
Email:[email protected]
Location:
san francisco, ca usa
Date: Sunday, July 1, 2001 at
22:44:34
Comments:
My reading group is currently reading Pope Joan. We meet Sunday, August 4th @ 5pm to discuss your book but if you are interested in talking with us maybe we could arrange a more suitable time. This is a wonderful offer. Thank you. Paige
href="http://www.popejoan.com/Guestbook/tired7.nahome.org">Zenia
Kim
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Seoul, South Korea
Date: Friday, June 29, 2001 at
08:07:50
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, My name is Zenia Kim, 22. I'm so happy to find this site, I'm major in English literature. One day I got a project about the play "Top girls", so I came to like Pope Joan while I was studying. After finishing last semester, I looked for about Pope Joan, so finally I found your book in its Korean translation. :) Even though it was a novel...it was very idealistic-real of women!
Name:Angela
LoTufo
Email:[email protected]
Location: Hobe
Sound , Fl. USA
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2001 at
20:49:30
Comments:
Hello, I lead the Hobe Sound Book Club which meets at our Public Library. We have selected Pope Joan for discussion at our next meeting on Monday Aug.6th at 1:00 PM. Would that time be suitable for communicating with you with regard to your book? Is a speaker phone the method of communicating? Please advise. Thank you. Angela
Name: Shirley Smith
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Portland, MI USA
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2001 at
14:35:45
Comments:
I just finished your book. It was fascinating reading.
Name: Kathy Fagan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Schenectady, NY USA
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2001 at
07:51:16
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thanks so much for joining the book Group/Club of the Capital Region!) last night. We had a great time listening to the tales of the trials and tribulations of writing about Joan, then trying to get the American public to pay attention.... They won't be able to ignore her once she hits the big screen, so here's hoping the movie's a huge success. I hear they settled on an outstanding screenwriter, so it should be great! No guesses here yet as to your next heroine. We're going to have to bone up on 17th c. France first.... Take care, thanks again for a great book and a great conversation, and it looks like there'll be two more groups reading PJ as an offshoot of our meeting!
Name: Louisa Kessel
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Wednesday, June 27, 2001 at 16:15:20
Comments:
Howdy Ms. Cross- I am a member of "Jennifer's Book Club" in Dallas, Texas, and we chatted with you by speakerphone last night about Pope Joan. Thank you for the wonderful conversation! In addition, I am delighted to learn that you will be coming to give a talk in Richardson on November 6th. I work at Collin County Community College (CCCC), and a part of my job entails bringing in lecturers. Since you will already be in the metroplex, I am hoping that we might be able to have you come to CCCC for a speaking engagement as well. I would be more than delighted to speak with the facutly about requiring the book as a part of their fall curriculum. Does this idea have any potential for discussion? I look forward to hearing from you! - Louisa Kessel
Name: Anne-Marie Cunniffe
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New York City, NY USA
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2001 at
15:23:43
Comments:
Hello! My bookgroup just chose "Pope Joan" for the month of July. We are a lively group of 10 women who would love to set up a speakerphone chat with you. We are planning to meet on Thursday, July19 at 7:30pm. Any chance that you could join us?? Would another date work better for you? Congratulations on the success of Pope Joan! Best, Anne-Marie
Name: Christine Viglietti
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Sheboygan, WI USA
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at
08:26:29
Comments:
Our Book Club has chosen Pope Joan for its October selection - not only because you might join us, but because we think it sounds fascinating. Would you be available for a speaker-phone chat on Wednesday evening, October 17th?
Name: Jo-Ann
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Sunday, June 24, 2001 at 10:02:12
Comments:
Our bookclub would love to meet with by speakerphone on November 8, 2001 at 7:30 pm. Please let me know if that date and time is available. Thank you.
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
NEW BALTIMORE, N.Y.
Date: Saturday, June 23, 2001 at
17:26:08
Comments:
Dear Donna, We loved chatting with you by speakerphone last night at Maeve's! We had such a spirited discussion after your phone call! I was so excited about my guess as to the mysterious woman of your next novel...But I did some research today and I think my timing is off...However, I'll put it out there anyway. Could it be Desiree Clary?
Name: Alana
Email:[email protected]
Location: San Diego,
CA USA
Date: Friday, June 22, 2001 at 20:51:16
Comments:
I work in the office of an authors attorney and literary agent. Since marketing is my area of interest, I was most interested in your inventive marketing approach. Were you unable to get marketing assistance from your publisher (most probably, the answer is yes!) and your agent? I learned of your efforts in the Publishers Lunch and have highlighted your efforts and put it in my marketing file. I applaud your hard work (and it IS hard work). The best of luck to you.
Name:Kathy
Wall
Email:[email protected]
Location: hilton
head island, sc usa
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2001 at
20:45:36
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, A friend forwarded the recent NY Times article about your tireless marketing efforts. I have recently published a first mystery novel, "In For a Penny", and have enjoyed a good measure of success, entirely by virtue of my own efforts. I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to continue with the dreaded marketing even though I yearn to be parked in front of the keyboard completing #3 in the series (the second is already finished). We who have been down the long, grinding road salute you! Best regards, Kathryn R. (Kathy) Wall,
Name: Virginia Gruben
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Richardson, TX USA
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2001 at
19:34:15
Comments:
The In Person Committee members of the Friends of the Richardson Library are looking forward to your talk on November 6. We are preparing our brochure for the InPerson series and plan to include this sentence: " Ms. Cross will tell how the novel was researched and written and how it's being adapted to the silver screen." Please let me know the latest news on the movie.
Name: Yvonne Torstensson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Orebro, Sweden
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2001 at
02:48:59
Comments:
Dear Donna, I have just finished reading Pope Joan and would like to thank you for this great novel. You have a wonderful way of bringing your characters to life which makes the reading a wonderful experience. Many historical writers lack this ability which make their novels rather boring even though the story is really interesting. It was also very wise of you to make it into a novel and thereby leaving it as fiction with a kernel of possible truth in it. Your research is so impressing. I loved your novel and I read it through much too quickly. My copy is a paperback Swedish translation so I will try to get a copy in English later on to read it in your original way of writing. Translations seldom do justice to the original. Love, Yvonne Torstensson
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Houston, Texas
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at
16:31:10
Comments:
Donna, on behalf of the Twin Lakes Women's Association Book Group in Houston, TX, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in our book discussion meeting last Thursday. We thoroughly enjoyed reading Pope Joan, and to have you be our guest of honor at our meeting was such a thrill and added so much to the discussion! Thank you for all your years of hard work and research to bring us such a delightful book. We especially appreciate how generous you are with your time, and your willingness to give of yourself to your fans. We will spread the good word regarding your book to our friends and neighbors. We are confident that your book will in time be a tremendous success. It truly is such a gem! We are looking forward to your next book and to seeing the Pope Joan movie you have written. Again, many thanks and best wishes from your Houston fans!
Name: Mark Andrew Battiste
Location: Gainesville, FL United
States
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at 16:11:14
Comments:
The whole idea is very intriguing! I hope she existed.
Name: Shane Mullane
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New York, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at
09:22:41
Comments:
Hi - our book club is very interested in reading your book for one of our next meetings - we meet every five weeks. Would you be available on July 24th in the evening at 8 or 9pm? Thank you - Shane
Name:Sandra Ford
Walston
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Denver, CO USA
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at
08:51:41
Comments:
My agent mailed the wonderful article about Pope Joan from the NY Times-- good for you! I write briefly about Joan in my May nonfiction hard cover release of COURAGE: THE HEART AND SPIRIT OF EVERY WOMAN/RECLAIMING THE FORGOTTEN VIRTUE. Keep hanging in there sister, and if you need some courage (original definition from Old French "corage," meaning "heart and spirit"), let me know and I will mail you a copy of my award-winning paperback. Courageously yours, Sandra Ford Walston
Name:Mary
Schongar
Email:[email protected]
Location: Troy,
NY USA
Date: Monday, June 18, 2001 at 09:57:44
Comments:
I am in a book club with several other women, we all have very different reading tastes. The last few books have been a trial for me to read but yours was a joy! I am looking forward to your call to our book club on the 27th. I believe you spoke with our "leader".
Name: peter french
Email:[email protected]
Location:
melbourne, victoria australia
Date: Monday, June 18, 2001 at
05:39:53
Comments:
Hi After reading an interview with the author I am intrigued by two matters:firstly, reference to the date 855 which papal records show was the term for Benedictiii and secondly, the reference to Joan as being John viii whose term was from 872 until 882? The dates just do not gell as you have said Joan/John served 2 years when john viii clearly served 10! I would be pleased to hear from you on this discrepancy Cheres peter french
Name: Kacie
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Albany, NY USA
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2001 at
18:36:10
Comments:
this book is excellent beyond words, i have just begun reading it and i haven't been able to get my head out of the pages! it's amazing just how women were treated and the hate they faced for wanting to be unbound by the ignorant coils that lingered throughout the society of midieval europe(even around the rest of the world as well). just the other day i thought how it would be so great for this to become a movie, and as i went on this website i saw that it will be. i think it will make an excellent film. also...was gerold a ficticious character? i really loved the romance that they had, but now i'm wondering if they will ever meet again because i feel gerold truly loved her. i love everything about this book even though i still have 100 pages to go!
Name: Molly
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Moscow, ID USA
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2001 at
15:31:35
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I just finished reading 'Pope Joan' for our reading group and thought it was wonderful. I am, however, confused with Gerold's age when he got married to Richild and had children. On page 95 it states that Gerold is 25 and Joan,13. Then on page 111 it states the Gisla is 15, less then a year older than Joan which would put Gerold at 12 when he had Gisla. This seems incredibly young. Am I guessing Gerold's age correctly or am I just confused? Thank you so much! Molly
Name: René
Email:[email protected]
Location: Denver,
CO USA
Date: Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 21:27:14
Comments:
Hi, I enjoyed the book very much. Just wanted to tell the previous poster to look for the town of Dorstadt in the German state of Lower-Saxony, Wolfenbuettel county
Name: Andreas Zimmer
Email:[email protected]
Location: Cologne,
NRW Germany
Date: Friday, June 15, 2001 at
11:38:19
Comments:
Dear Donna. It was a real pleasure for me to read your novel Pope Joan. I don't want to enter into a discussion if there once was a papacy of a woman or not. Each side has some very good arguments so I guess it's up to everyone self to believe which side ever. But this doesn't have any effect on the fact that you have written a really thrilling book. I was really sad that I got through it that fast. ;) - So I recommended it to one of my friends from US who didn't know about Pope Joan until now. Well, since this friend loves your book too and is planning to come over to Europe this summer (gosh it's not really long until then!) I thought that it would be a really fun idea to travel on the tracks of Joan ("Johanna" in the German translation). I found out about the villages, towns and cities mentioned in your book except for one. Could you please tell me where "Dorstadt" is located (I already thought that it could be Dorestad/NL but I am not sure at all)? Could you provide a more complete list of cities mentioned? And have you ever thought of setting up a prescheduled roundtrip on the tracks of Joan of Ingelheim together with a travel agency? I consider this idea to be at least worth a thought. Anyway... I hope to hear from you soon. :) Thank you for brightening my very short spare time with an extraordinarily good book. Warm regards - Andy 38-)
Name: Lise Brosseau
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec Canada
Date: Friday, June 15, 2001 at
09:49:47
Comments:
Donna, Members of our book club "The Literary Rendez-Vous" have decided to feature "Pope Joan" on our reading list for the 2001-2002 season. We are all quite excited at the idea of a speakerphone chat with you. A tentative date has been set for Thursday December 13, 2001 in the evening. Could you please let give me the specifics about you speakerphone chats and let me know if December 13th is at all possible for you Thank you, Lise Brosseau, librarian
Name: Mary Langley
Email:[email protected]
Location: Phoenix,
AZ USA
Date: Thursday, June 14, 2001 at 20:05:36
Comments:
Based on the article in the NY Times, I am reading "Pope Joan" and want to recommend it for my book group, the "Bookaholics" for our July or August selection. We will meet on July 17th and August 21st at 7 p.m. Would you be available to talk with us by speakerphone on either of those dates? Please let me know so I can report to my group. Thank you!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
SZ, NDS Germany
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at
14:21:30
Comments:
Hi Donna, I'm very impressed about this book. I was not to able to stop reading, because it was so fascinating and no chapter was boring! It always was thrilling and sometimes sad. This is a really good book !!! Greetings from Germany TINA
Name: Renske Koenders
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Leiden, Netherlands
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at
07:56:20
Comments:
Thanks for writing such a marvellous book. I couldn't put it down and was sorry as I finished it. It was nice to find out that I didn't learn Latin for nothing. Deus tecum!!
Name: Mimi Rodman
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Tuesday, June 12, 2001 at 22:24:24
Comments:
My reading group is very interested in selecting your book and having you participate in our discussion of your book. Could you let me know if you have a minimum/maximum number of participants, the length of discussion time and your availability in September or October? We are in the Central time zone. Thanks so much.
Name: Kelly
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New Baltimore, NY
Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2001 at
14:37:20
Comments:
Dear Donna, Our bookgroup finally set a date to meet and we'd love to chat with you by speakerphone...we are meeting June 22 at 6:30. Of course if you wouldn't mind the drive we'd love to have you come in person! We're discussing "Joan" over Margaritas poolside at Maeve's. We are about 30 mins. south of Albany. Hope to hear from you soon! Kelly
Name:Amy
Nislow
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Haverford, PA USA
Date: Monday, June 11, 2001 at
14:54:32
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I started a book club that has been meeting for several years now and have a list of about 100 members with about 25 showing up at each meeting. Last year we had a book club discussion around your book which we loved. I am also writing an historical ficton book with two friends. We refer to your book as inspiration. We especially loved the end where you clued us into what parts of the novel were historical and what fictional. I would love to set up a time where you could chat with us about the book and we would hold a special meeting. Sometime this fall would be great. Sincerely, Amy Nislow
Name: irae faga
Email:[email protected]
Location: san
francisco, ca united states
Date: Monday, June 11, 2001 at
01:40:19
Comments:
Great! women, looking forward to reading the book... was there ever a movie made about pope joan?.
Name:Pat
Matsen
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Brentwood, Tn USA
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2001 at
17:07:58
Comments:
I just finished the book this morning before going to my book club meeting. I really enjoyed it and found it interesting. You would have enjoyed listening to us 9 women discussing your book and applauding your writing style.
Name: joan kaminski
Email:[email protected]
Location: pittsburgh,
pa usa
Date: Saturday, June 9, 2001 at 18:57:55
Comments:
i had the honor of reading your book. it was wonderful. your characterisation, the accurate historical markers, and the drama were fantastic. I agree that jodie foster would be ideal for the role.ms. paltrow would be a second choice for consideration. i will eagerly await the production and premier.
Name:Arlene K.
Bloomer
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Skaneateles, NY USA
Date: Saturday, June 9, 2001 at
13:12:32
Comments:
Donna, Would you be willing to come in person to our next meeting, July 12 at 7:30 at my home on the lake? We serve refreshments, too. Or, speak to us via speakerphone! Bring extra books for signing, please! Arlene
Name: Jessica Konopa
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Friday, June 8, 2001 at 13:40:18
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I'm very interested in speaking with you regarding a possible interview for my newspaper, Digital Industry. Thanks for your time in advance. I look forward to speaking with you. Jessica Konopa
Name: Meave M. Tooher
Email:[email protected]
Location: New
Baltimore, NY Greene
Date: Thursday, June 7, 2001 at
20:15:26
Comments:
Our book group will be discussing POPE JOAN on June 22, 2001 from 7:00 p.m. on ...WE would love to do a speaker phone chat. Please let me know if that's possible. Thanks. P.S. I am loving the book!!
Name: John Young
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Philadelphia, PA USA
Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2001 at
19:57:21
Comments:
I truly hope that Pope Joan was real, but no matter, I for one believe that "all men and women, humankind, are created equal"!
Name: Kathy Fagan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Schenectady, NY USA
Date: Monday, June 4, 2001 at
09:10:21
Comments:
Hi Donna! My husband and I were on a cruise ship in the Caribbean where we got a daily mini version of the NYT. Lo and behold, an article about Pope Joan was included in our first issue, which I was excited to see since we had just voted to read your book for our next meeting on June 19th. Is there any way you could join us that evening by speakerphone? We could consider rescheduling as well. We generally start at 7:30 p.m. Thanks so much and congratulations on your success!
Name: Karen Miller
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Syracuse, NY USA
Date: Friday, June 1, 2001 at
17:26:33
Comments:
Dear Donna, I loved Pope Joan! Now, I am anxious to know when the movie will be finished and released. Also, may I ask, when can I expect another novel from you? I read constantly. But, I haven't been so totally caught up in any other story since Pope Joan, which I could not put down. I was totally hooked from the midwife trudging through the snow until the end of the group discussion questions. Best Wishes to you! You are an extremely talented and thorough writer and researcher.
Name: Suzanne Montalalou
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Auburn, NY USA
Date: Friday, June 1, 2001 at
11:54:24
Comments:
Dear Donna, Hi, I was wondering what is happening with the movie, and if I could arrange an interview with you for the Syracuse New Times. I know they did an article on you in the past, but I was just reading about you in the New York Times, and felt it would be a good time to do an update with you. Also, as a writer myself, I am eager to hear you thoughts on the publishing industry and what it takes to make it as an author. Thanks.
Name: Carol Morrissey
Email:[email protected]
Location:
St. Helena Island, SC USA
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2001 at
14:59:44
Comments:
My book club has selected POPE JOAN for our read/discussion in July. We would be thrilled to speak with you. The meeting date is 7/17/01. If this is not a convenient time we could try to reschedule our meeting. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Name: Judy Snudden
Email:[email protected]
Location: Eau
Claire, WI
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2001 at
08:31:07
Comments:
Dear Donna--Our book group really enjoyed chatting with you by speakerphone yesterday. Your comments certainly enhanced our understanding and pleasure in reading POPE JOAN. Thank you so much for spending time with us! Judy Snudden
Name:Alexis
Masters
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Richmond, CA USA
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at
10:55:24
Comments:
Congratulations on the great write-up in the NYT! I've been following your efforts for Pope Joan for quite a while and have drawn much inspiration and heart from your brave spirit and from your success. Please accept my heartfelt support and continued admiration. You have done a fabulous job and have set an excellent example for many of us who refuse to accept the daunting odds against reaching our readers in today's publishing world.
Name: Tomas Pereira
Email:[email protected]
Location:
rio de janeiro, rj brazil
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at
18:15:29
Comments:
Being a publisher in Brazil, just wanted to know if Portuguese rights (for Brazil only) of your book are still available. With best regards, Tomas Pereira Editora Sextante Phone 55-21-524-6760 - Fax 5521-524-6755
Name:Kate
McGahan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
NY USA
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 16:40:05
Comments:
Dear Donna - I have just returned from a week in Bruges, Belgium. My family and I befriended a woman and her husband who have a houseboat there. We joined them for dinner one night and as we got to know each other we learned that she was a member of a local bookclub. They read books that were Flemish in origin or published in Flemish. I was thrilled to hear that the book that this wonderful woman was reading was Pope Joan. "Hey" I said, "I know her!" feeling proud of the fact. I continue to wish you well in your success and ongoing promotion of a wonderful book. I hope all is well with you... and yours. Kate McGahan
Name: JD
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Berlin, Germany
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at
15:09:38
Comments:
Dear Ms Cross, as a hopeless romantic, I was greatly moved by the love story between Joan and Gerold. hence, I am writing because I cannot be at peace until I ask you one question: you mention in the end of the book that there really was a trial against the superista (gerold).so my question is, did you in your research find any suggestions that linked Joan and her superista in a love affair? how many facts, if at all any, did you find to support this wonderful love story? thank you in advance.
Name:M.J.
Rose
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 12:00:58
Comments:
Dear Donna - Congrats on the write up in the NYT, the work you have done and your sales. Could you send me some email so I can correspond with you directly regarding writing about you for wired.com? (I have a regular column there each week.)
Name: Andrea Schulz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New York, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at
10:31:27
Comments:
Donna - I don't know if you remember me from Ballantine, but I certainly remember you and was THRILLED to see the good news about POPE JOAN in the New York Times. You more than deserve all the success and attention you can get! I know just how much work you've done to earn it. Congratulations and drop me a line if you get a chance.
Name: Christine Hanson-Sakamoto
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Nagoya, Japan
Date: Monday, May 28, 2001 at
20:51:05
Comments:
I am originally from Olympia, WA but have resided in Japan for the last 10 years. It is very difficult to get good books here but thanks to the Web, the New York Times article and your website it looks like I have found a wonderful book to read! I love history and particularly about strong women! Congratulations for hanging in there, working hard and believing in what you do. Good luck! If you are ever interested in Japanese work or history I would suggest the "mythical" story of Himeko, the legendary Empress that led Japan thousands of years ago. Like Pope Joan, people dispute her existance.
Name: Joan Marmor
Email:[email protected]
Location: Somers, NY
USA
Date: Monday, May 28, 2001 at 11:45:32
Comments:
I am a co-leader of a book group at the Bedford Women's Prison....POPE JOAN would be a wonderful vehicle for us in exploring woman's issues....we are looking forward to hearing from you. Joan Marmor
Name: Richard Bradley
Location: New York, NY
Date:
Monday, May 28, 2001 at 09:22:42
Comments:
I had never heard of Pope Joan until reading the article in today's New York Times. Fascinating! I'm going to go right out and buy it. Enjoyed your website, too. It is very easy to read and navigate. You have worked hard and it is nice to know that your efforts are being rewarded. I wish you continued success.
Name: Sandra Pike
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Millersville, Maryland
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2001 at
07:14:24
Comments:
Donna, Thank you for chatting by speakerphone with our bookclub on May 18th. Speaking with you was the highlight of the year! We all enjoyed the discussion and appreciate your willingness to talk to your readers. We are all anxious to see your movie and to read your next book. My first guess as to the main character of your next book would be Olympe de Gouges. Thanks so much again! Sandra Pike
Name: Kelly
Email:[email protected]
Location:
New Baltimore, N.Y. U.S.A
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2001 at
20:40:43
Comments:
Dear Donna, Can't tell you how excited I am to read the book...years ago I saw an Austrailian Documentary on the role of the women in the church. In the program they talked about "Pope Joan" and showed the placard in Italy that marked the place where she gave birth. I always wanted to know more abt. her and never knew your book existed. Surprisingly It was the next book chosen for our book group. I hope to write back and schedule a time when my book group can chat by speakerphone! I look forward to reading the book!xo Kelly
Name: Diann Garnett
Email:[email protected]
Location: West
Plains, MO USA
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at
21:59:04
Comments:
I felt so honored that you spoke to the members of our book club last evening via speaker phone. Thank you so much for spending the time with your readers. I just wanted you to know I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book! I couldn't put it down and picked it up if only I had 5 minutes to spare. I have recommended it to many and plan to pass the word to many more. I especially look forward to discussing the book with our daughters when they finish reading it. Again, thank you for talking with our group last night. What a great way to spend the evening!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
West Plains, MO USA
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at
08:37:19
Comments:
Thanks so much for talking to our book group by speakerphone last night. I absolutely loved the book and I thank you so much for writing such a fabulous story! I am telling everyone I know about this wonderful book! I have not purchased the book yet because I got into the book group late. I would like the book in hard cover. Is it available?
Name: Susan Kohn
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Hillsborough, Ca. U.S.A.
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at
20:35:20
Comments:
Dear Donna, I have just finished reading POPE JOAN and found it an excellent read. I would like to recommend it to my book group for one of the selections for the Sept,2001-May 2002 season. I understand that you do discussions with groups via speakerphone. Could you please let me know via email how we could partake in this unique discussion? We have our annual meeting on June 4th, and would appreciate hearing from you before this date. Thank You! Sincerely, Susan Kohn
Name: Sarah
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Birmingham, West Midlands England
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at
13:02:33
Comments:
The novel was brilliant. To be able to do such detailed historic research into a topic as amazing as this must have been a real privilege. At last there is a part of history that is female!
Name: Angela
Email:[email protected]
Germany
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 12:52:50
Comments:
Hi Donna. You sent me information about your life for a paper-to-hand. Yesterday I got my mark for it. For presentation I get the best mark that's possible. All this wouldn't have been possible without your help. One time more, thank you very much! Sincerely yours, Angela Antis from Germany.
Name: Carol Geiser
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Apex, NC USA
Date: Saturday, May 19, 2001 at
09:27:20
Comments:
This was a most intriguing book. The "couldn't put it down" book. I was born and reared Catholic and that may have added to my enjoyment of it. While having heard the rumor of a female Pope, I do believe that after reading this book, there was truly a "Pope Joan". Thank you for a very good read and for enlightening me on more church history. Carol
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Old Orchard Beach, ME USA
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 at
20:42:32
Comments:
Dear Donna : Our Book Club had such a delightful chat with you this evening! We were very interested in your research history and your opinion of the most dangerous idea in the Catholic Church today. Your idea - the thought of women as priests - is exactly the same conclusion we reached. There are a dearth of female leaders to continue the female renaissance. So we need more heroines like Joan to sustain us. We are awaiting your next book with great anticipation. Thank you so very much for chatting with us; especially since I gave you very little notice. Take care and we shall chat again after your next book is published! Sincerely, Mary C. Tousignant
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Old Orchard Beach, ME USA
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 at
15:00:16
Comments:
Hello! In preparation of our Book Club meeting tonight, I was checking through Amazon's crtiques of "Pope Joan", our book selection this evening. I read that you sometimes chat with Book Clubs on a speakerphone during their meetings. I realize that this is dreadfully late notice, but if by any chance you have nothing to do for a few minutes after 7:30 p.m. (EDT)tonight, we would love to hear your perspective on some of the issues. We meet from 7:30 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. I completely understand how untimely this request is and do not worry if it doesn't work for you. Thanks kindly. Mary C. Tousignant
Name: Eileen Harrison
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Charlotte, , MI USA
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 at
10:13:23
Comments:
Enjoyed your presentation at Town Hall in Lansing, MI on May 14. This subject was new to me and it was interesting hearing about life in the 9th century. Your after-lunch question and answer was the "icing on the cake" of your talk. Also, the first time I have ever been at a table to win the bouquet of flowers which my friend won. Her birthdate 6/11. Did you pick 9 because of Pope Joan's century?
Name: Judy Snudden
Email:mailto:[email protected]
Location:
Eau Claire, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at
15:49:24
Comments:
Hi Donna, Our book club has chosen POPE JOAN to read this month. I am certainly enjoying it and feel other members of my group will also. We are a predominately Catholic group of women so we have some acquiantance with the popes. In talking to other friends I have heard that you will join the discussion when it fits your schedule. Our meeting is Thursday, May 17 at 4:30 CDT. I'm sure this is too short notice to work into your schedule at this time and I don't know when our next meeting will be as we are approaching summer. We have been meeting about the 3rd Thursday of each month. However, we would be interested in another session about POPE JOAN if you would be able to join us. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Judy
Name: R. Phillips
Email:[email protected]
Location: New
York, NY USA
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at
13:40:04
Comments:
Hello. I am an editor at a major religion website. I wonder if you would be available for an interview. Please contact me at [email protected] as soon as possible to set something up. Thank you very much.
Name: Janet
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kernersville, nc usa
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at
12:26:13
Comments:
Hi, Our book club is planning to read Pope Joan for our July discussion. May we plan a time for you to speak to us? Thanks:)
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
East Lansing, MI
Date: Monday, May 14, 2001 at
14:39:04
Comments:
It was a pleasure to introduce you for the question period at Lansing Town Hall, 5/14/01. Both your lecture and your Q&a were excellent. I'm looking forward to reading your book. Christy Nichols
Name: Shirley Smith
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Portland, MI USA
Date: Monday, May 14, 2001 at
14:00:36
Comments:
I enjoyed hearing you speak at the Lansing, MI. Town Hall.
Name: sgp
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Millersville, MD USA
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2001 at
07:24:14
Comments:
Our bookclub is meeting May 18, 2001 to discuss your wonderful and intriguing book. Is it possible to schedule a conference call for sometime close to 8:30 p.m. on that date?
Name: JB
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Savannah, GA US
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2001 at
11:08:31
Comments:
Hi! I wandered in here on a search looking for information about a female pope. Never read your book, but I will get a copy. On a Yahoo! search, your book is listed under "fiction," but this really is true? I have a friend who mentioned a female pope and I just had to look this up. She also mentioned a "peculiar" -- to say the very least -- custom that evolved as a result of this. It has to do with a specially designed chair that Papal candidates used to have to sit on, which allows for the Cardinals to determine their ... (ahem!) ... gender. It was so outlandish that my first response was "That can't be true! You're just trying to see how gullible I am! Not even in the dark ages!" I realize that this is not exactly a lofty, cerebral question and I hope I have not offended you with it, but the entire story is so fascinating, I just had to ask. Respectfully, JB
Name: Roz Ault
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bedford, MA USA
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at
20:32:12
Comments:
Hi, Donna, We'd just like to add our warm thanks to the chorus of others here who were enthralled by your speakerphone chat session. You are such an enthusiastic, articulate speaker, and it was so rewarding for all of us to be able to spend an evening with you. Thanks for writing such a marvelous book, and for your generosity in making it come even more alive for us through your personal outreach. We also especially appreciated your sharing a booklist of suggested readings in historical fiction, and we've already chosen one of your favorites for a future meeting. Hope you are finding time in your busy life to write that next book, since we're all looking forward to it! All our best to you, - Roz from the BedfordShire book group
Name: Dorothy Greenberg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Houston, TX USA
Date: Monday, May 7, 2001 at
16:04:47
Comments:
My book group will be discussing Pope Joan in June. I have recently finished reading it and was fascinated with it. Is it possible for my book group to chat with the author?
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location: Chagrin
Falls, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May 6, 2001 at 10:36:30
Comments:
Dear Donna, Many, many thanks for taking the time to join our book discussion group via our speakerphone chat on Thursday, May 3rd. It was so very enjoyable to hear your thoughts, stories, "insider information," and most importantly, your voice! You really made the evening memorable. I am a school librarian and now you've got me on a mission to discover your next central character.! We can't wait to read your next book and plan to make the movie a group activity! Enjoy your summer... Jan
Name: Debbie Whitehead
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Calgary, Alberta Canada
Date: Sunday, May 6, 2001 at
09:43:15
Comments:
Dear Donna, Chatting with you by speakerphone last week was a rare treat and I'm sure it will be one of our most memorable book club meetings. We enjoyed ourselves enormously. Your energy and your ability at putting us all at ease touched us. We forgot to ask if Gerold was based on a factual person??? We wish you success with your screenplay-you can count on us to be first in line. We sincerely appreciate the time you took with us and we look forward to passing this on to our sister book lovers and their groups when they are looking for an amazing read. Wishing you the best of the best! The Liberated Hens
Name: zulay Oszkay
Email:[email protected]
Location:
milwaukee, wi Usa
Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2001 at
17:15:14
Comments:
Please let me know if Pope Joan has been translated into spanish?? If so how can I order it?? Thankk you
Name: Heidi Halvorson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
St. Paul, MN Ramsey
Date: Monday, April 30, 2001 at
16:52:07
Comments:
Hi Donna, My entire book club was enamored by your contributions to our group discussion this past Sunday. Thank you VERY much for the additional insight that you brought to the book. I wish that we could visit with more authors, as it totally changes a person's perceptions about the book. THANK YOU for taking the time to join our group -- so sorry that you couldn't take part in the actual brunch! We will definitely spread the word about your delightful book, and all of us wish you great luck with both your movie & future books. Ciao! Heidi
Name: Betsy Archibald
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Honeoye, NY
Date: Monday, April 30, 2001 at
12:04:16
Comments:
Donna- Thanks so much!!! Everyone in our book group very much enjoyed the speakerphone conversation with you. It really was a treat for us to be able to hear from "the horses mouth". After we hung up we continued with lots of good discussion about the book. We are all anxious to read your next book (no pressure intended). We'll be recommending Pope Joan to lots of people (no loaning allowed)! Betsy Archibald
Name:Kelly
A. O'Connor-Salomon
Email:[email protected]
Location: Spearfish, SD
USA
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2001 at 11:22:58
Comments:
My book group is reading _Pope Joan_ in May (next month). I'm sure the others, as well as myself, would love a chance to chat with the author. However, given that our readers are spread all over the country, our discussion is held online. Would you be willing to join our group for the month? If not, I can maybe get some of the local members together for a phone chat. Thanks! Looking forward to starting the book! Kelly
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
California
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2001 at 08:03:39
Comments:
Hi Donna - THANK YOU so much for spending time by speakerphone with my Book Club last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with you and felt that we could have easily spent another hour with you on the phone if we had the opportunity! Your perspective on the book was so engaging and fascinating! It was by far our most exciting Book Club meeting (in the three years that we have been meeting)! I am impressed that you make the time to develop personal connections with Book Clubs and fellow book lovers across the country. You truly brought the book to life for us! Thanks again. We will all be on the look-out for the movie version of Pope Joan and your next historical fiction book (about the 17th century French heroine). I can't wait! Fondly - Holly Bellows
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Rydal, PA USA
Date: Friday, April 27, 2001 at
13:47:37
Comments:
Dear Donna, This past Wednesday night I was lucky enough to be a member of a book group that you spoke with by speakerphone. What an amazing experience! I am a locally published freelance writer and belong to a writers support group. I took notes the whole time to share with them. I know they'll find your words inspirational. The book itself was tremendous. I first heard about the legend 15 years ago from a priest. He told me to look into it, and I never thought about it again until I heard about your book. If a Pope Joan did exist,you can be sure that the church hierarchy would have done everything possible to sweep every speck away. You have done a wonderful job of resurrecting the possibility and the interest. You are a woman of great intelligence and courage to do the wonderful work that you are doing. Thank you!
Name: Frank Bellicose
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Schenectady, NY US
Date: Friday, April 27, 2001 at
11:44:51
Comments:
Dear Ms/Mrs. Cross Thank you for your reply to my post of 4/6/01. You pointed out that your book was a novel. Then reading on to your "interview" section, you quote 500 ancient manuscripts that give an account of Joan's papacy. Well, they are certainly not documents that are authorized by the Church, as anyone who is in a position of Church authority may say whatever he personally feels, however the Church's view on such a matter. This is why so many Ecumenical Councils were convened, to eliminate the error from what people were saying versus what was in fact true. I find it to be of no surprise that this book is being made into a movie by producer Harry Ufland, who also presented us with the much panned (at least by anyone who truly loved our Lord) "The Last Temptation of Christ". One can only hope "Joan" will be as quickly forgotten as "Temptation" was. The fact that your "novel" is #1 in Germany is also of no surprise. Some of the leading religious and lay "Catholic" heterodox (dissenters)of this day come from Germany(in another time they were rightly called heretics). No Ms. Cross, I sense a duality to your tone, of which I will refrain from calling deceptive. By the way, I am NOT anti-woman. My precious mom is one and I love her dearly, as I do the Blessed Mother even more.
Name: Margie Hill
Email:[email protected]
Location: Sun
Valley, Idaho
Date: Friday, April 27, 2001 at
08:59:13
Comments:
Donna, Thank you so much for calling and chatting with our book reading group by speakerphone last night. We all enjoyed it and learned so much as well! Thank you again!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Gainesville, Florida
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at
16:13:18
Comments:
Our book group had a great morning talking with you by speakerphone. Afterwards, about half of us went to lunch and the discussion continued. This is a group that really tears a book apart, and we were anxious to continue discussing in light of all that we had learned from you. We certainly appreciated your willingness to talk with us. As I knew you would, from hearing you speak at our UU conference, your insights into the research and writing process really enhanced our reading of the book! We promise to recommend "Pope Joan" at every opportunity. As a matter of fact, Priscilla and I will be leading the discussion at the UU book group. We intend to wow them, both by the research that we ordinarily do when leading a discussion with the Women's Club group, (map, time line, historical background) as well as our personal contact with you. This is a group of men and women, so it wil be interesting to see how the discussion is different. Thanks again. We're also going to delve into 17th century France to see if we can discover your next heroine. With best regards, Norma
Name: Elizabeth Grisham
Email:[email protected]
Location: West
Plains, Missouri
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at
16:04:19
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, My book club in West Plains, Missouri, is getting ready to read your book Pope Joan for our next meeting, May 22. My mother participates in a book club in another town and reports you had called during their Pope Joan discussion last year to answer any questions the group had. I was so carried away with not only your book (I'm getting ready to read it for the second time), but also the fact the group could visit with you directly, I wondered if you would be willing to do the same for our meeting at 7 p.m. on the 22nd. My e-mail address is [email protected]. If you could please contact me, and direct us further on how this all works! I'm excited! Sincerely, Elizabeth Grisham
Name: Renee Roelants
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Tempe, AZ USA
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at
10:36:29
Comments:
Our book club has just selected Pope Joan as our book for our Wednesday, June 13th meeting. We are all excited about the possibility of having you join us via speakerphone. Is there a possibility that you could join us for a discussion? We meet from 7 p.m. to usually 9 p.m. MST but we could possibly meet a little earlier if that works better for you. thank you. Renee Roelants
Name: Jan Nally
Email:[email protected]
Location: Chagrin
Falls, OH
Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 at
11:00:35
Comments:
Our book discussion group will be meeting on Thursday, May 3rd to discuss _Pope Joan_. Is there any chance that you could "join us" via speakerphone any time between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m (EST)? Joan is such a vibrant, stong character... we're guessing you are too...
Name: Sally Levick
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Plymouth Meeting, PA USA
Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 at
07:50:27
Comments:
Our book group enjoyed the book very much. We had an excellent discussion about women, popes and the middle ages. Could you tell about yourself? Or could you tell me where to find your biography on the web. You seem to be as much of an enigma as Pope Joan. Thanks.
Name: Priscilla Milliman
Email:[email protected]
Location:
gainesville, florida usa
Date: Monday, April 23, 2001 at
14:48:11
Comments:
Dear Ms Cross, Thanks very much for addressing our book group by speakerphone this morning. You were super and our group was very enthusiastic! Priscilla
Name:Juan Antonio
Munoz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Santiago, RM CHILE
Date: Monday, April 23, 2001 at
07:33:24
Comments:
Dear Donna: I prepare an article about disguised women for my newspaper here in Santiago, Chile. I pray you answer me only three questions. 1. For you, today the woman still needs to disguise herself in men's clothing and manners? 2. The world has changed really and the woman is absolutely free? 3. For you, which is the real, profound and intimate meaning of changing the personality, change the sex without to be homosexual? Thanks a lot beforehand and excuse my poor English!!!! Juan Antonio Munoz Journalist El Mercurio-Santiago Chile
Name: Susan Bartel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fresno, CA USA
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2001 at
10:31:25
Comments:
Thank you for attending our reading group meeting by speakerphone last night. We all had a great time and we loved Pope Joan. The challenge to discover the heroine of your new book kept me awake well past my bedtime. I came up with two women that would make for very good reading. The first is Catherine de Vivonne, Marquise de Rambouillet and the second is Madeleine de Souvre, Marquise de Sable. Either one would be fascinating. Thanks again!
Name: Kevin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Santa Monica, CA USA
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at
22:45:56
Comments:
dear ms. cross, was tremendously moved by your book. thank you. one question, if i may: in trying to get a sense of where this all transpired, i'm curious to know exactly where joan was born. where would frankland be today? does ingelheim still exist? again, my thanks. kevin
Name: Janet
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bel Air, MD USA
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at
08:20:31
Comments:
On behalf of my bookclub, I would like to thank you for joining our meeting via speakerphone. It is rare for our bookclub to be as unanimous in our praise for a book as we were with Pope Joan. We are still hoping for a generation of young women who will be raised in a world free from misogyny who will have difficulty relating to the struggles that Joan faces. Until that time, your book is a wonderful celebration of the women who have managed to shine even when almost everyone else in their lives want them to stay home and be good girls! We eagerly await your newest book and the movie. We fervently wish that Jodie Foster would realize that this could be an Oscar winning role! So far one bookclub in Arkansas has ordered the book for their club and we will continue spreading the word about not only what a great book it is, but what a wonderful experience it was to have you share your thoughts at our meeting! Thank you, Janet
Name: Ruth Hoppin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Daly City, CA
Date: Monday, April 16, 2001 at
22:28:56
Comments:
Dear Donna Cross, I came across and saved a paragraph about your book, Pope Joan, from the Sept 1996 issue of Glamour magazine. Have you ever heard of Joan Morris' book, "Pope John VIII-an English Woman alias Pope Joan"? Her book was published by Vrai Publishers, London in 1985. Ms Morris was a writer, lecturer, and art historian. It was my privilege to meet and become friends with her when she visited Berkeley CA on a lecture tour. If you are interested you might be able to obtain this book through interlibrary loan. Ruth Hoppin E-mail: [email protected]
Name: Tara
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kutztown, PA U.S.A
Date: Sunday, April 15, 2001 at
10:25:29
Comments:
Hello! I just wanted to say that Pope Joan was suggested to me as something different to read. I was taken back by the power of your writing and the feelings you made me have for Joan. The book took my breath away with its power and historical facts. Being a Catholic I wasn't surprised w/another hidden "fact" but it also led me to further my search for the truth. You are a splendid writer and I'm looking forward to your next book. Is there a time frame yet? I have also informed my husband that we will be one of the first people in line when the movie comes out. Do you have any further information on that, as well? I have suggested this book to others and I know my mother in law is looking forward to reading it also. We are all history buffs and a well written historical novel is a welcomed companion on our bookshelves. Thank you for stumbling across this spectacular woman and bringing her to life for all of us. This book puts you in the ranks of Irving Stone (who has written my favorite book of all times Lust For Life. Thank you for writing Pope Joan this book is #2 on my list) and I applaud you.
Name: Aideen Briggs
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Friday, April 13, 2001 at
08:31:08
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for chatting by speakerphone with our book club in Cincinnati. You added so much to our understanding of the book and it was just really exciting to be able to get the answers you can only get from the author! We have our guess for your next book: Mary Reed (unsure of spelling as I don't have the book here with me now), the woman pirate. Please let me know if we guessed correctly. It is a tribute to your storytelling ability that each of us in the club admitted to having lost sleep while reading this book. Hearing your voice was a complete pleasure. We found you to be engaging, amusing and thought-provoking and we'll never forget your taking the time to talk to your fans. We are passing the "word" around, not the book. Our book club plans a trip together to see the movie when it's released. We wish you complete success and Godspeed on your next book (we are eager to read it, but we hope we don't sound like your publisher) Thanks again, Aideen Briggs
Name: CLIVE WILSON
Email:[email protected]
Location: LOS ANGELES,
CA USA
Date: Friday, April 13, 2001 at 02:00:10
Comments:
I HAVEN'T READ YOUR BOOK, BUT WILL NOW, AND DID READ ABOUT HER IN THE PEOPLE'S ALMANAC, AND TEND NOT DOUBT. WHAT STUDIO IS DOING THE MOVIE AND WHEN WILL IT BE RELEASED?
Name: Doris E. Marsh
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, April 12, 2001 at 23:24:56
Comments:
As a devoted lover of medieval art/archaeology/etc. I am enjoying Pope Joan. Question: on pg.30, the meal served to Aesculapius includes "corn". I have always been told that it was the Pilgrims that discovered corn in America through the Indians. Europeans have always considered corn fit only for cattle feed. Question: Might your next book on the French woman of the 17th century be MiLady from The Three Muscateers by Dumas?
Name: Heidi Halvorson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
St. Paul, MN USA
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2001 at
10:32:29
Comments:
My single women's book club is discussing your book at our April 29 meeting. We would very much appreciate your comments. If possible, join us at 11:00 CDT. Thanks for an excellent book which shows how strong women can be! Peace, Heidi Halvorson
Name:susan
johnson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
glendora, ca USA
Date: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at
11:28:51
Comments:
I would like very much to schedule a speakerphone interview with you for my book club. Would May 24th or May 31st at 7:00 pm (California time) be convenient for you? Thank you for your consideration!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
DeWitt, NY
Date: Monday, April 9, 2001 at
14:59:41
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross- I am president of the Friends of the DeWitt Community Library and we would like to schedule a time that you could speak at the library about your book. Both our evening and afternoon Book Discussion groups have selected Pope Joan for the June selection. Please contact me at your earliest convenience and let me know how to contact you to discuss a possible date. Thank you very much. Wendy Ressler
Name: Valerie
Email:[email protected]
NE
Date: Monday,
April 9, 2001 at 13:52:08
Comments:
I've been in a book club for several years and Pope Joan was one of my favorite books of all we've read. I found the character of Joan to be very inspiring and I admired her resiliency in the face of many challenges. Has the cast been selected for the Pope Joan movie? If so, can you tell me who will play the lead characters? When is the movie expected to be completed? Thanks again for a wonderful novel. I look forward to reading your future work.
Name: Annemarie
Email:apschroeder1
Date: Monday, April 9,
2001 at 13:05:38
Comments:
Dear Mrs. Cross Last year I read your book Pope Joan and was really enthralled by it. I was happy to be able to buy it when you were in Saginaw. My friends and I really enjoyed your talk--it was so lively and informative--the best we have ever had! Regarding a guess at your storyline of your new novel of 17th century France, I think it could be of : MARIE DE' MEDICI, CARDINAL de RICHELIEU, the HUGUENOTS and the THIRTY YEAR WAR. (Also a turbulent century!) Sincerely, Annemarie Schroeder European-American
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Fairfax, VA USA
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2001 at
20:48:35
Comments:
Dear Donna, Finally a woman has written about Pope Joan! I look forward to reading your book. I do believe she did exist. Do you know where the street shrine to her is in Italy? You are so right about El Salvador and Nicaragua and the erasure of history and herstory. Peace, Ruth
Name: Clare Maloney
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lincoln Univ., PA USA
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2001 at
15:17:11
Comments:
Dear Donna; Our book group read your book a few years ago and spoke to you over the phone. We enjoyed your talk immensely, and your book was FABULOUS!!! It was one of the best books I have ever read!!! Our book group also attended your talk at the Hadley Memorial Lecture Series on March 19th. It was fascinating hearing you talk about the book, its evolution, and the upcoming movie. Thank you and good luck with the movie and your next book!
Name: Chris Mathis
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Deming, NM USA
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2001 at
13:29:35
Comments:
I loved this book!! Thanks for writing it!! Good historical fiction always gets me to the library to research the topic more. I believe that the evidence you found shows that there was a really good chance that there was a female pope. Thanks for the enlightenment!
Name: Frank Bellicose
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Schenectady, N.Y. U.S.A.
Date: Friday, April 6, 2001 at
10:52:19
Comments:
As a candidate in the Diaconate for the Eastern Rite Catholic Church, I muse at the thought of "Pope Joan". As in all fables, "so too this shall pass". For the record, we are officially taught there was no such person. AMEN!
Name: Sharon Hanrahan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Unionville, PA
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2001 at
17:02:03
Comments:
Dear Donna, It was a pleasure to hear you speak at Unionville H.S. Many Book Clubs from our area attended your presentation. Everyone I talked to had wonderful things to say. How refreshing to meet an author and a woman of such intelligence and humor! We stood in line to buy your book and much to our chagrin you ran out. Many attending book clubs had previously read your novel and encouraged others to do so. Thank you again for a wonderful presentation! Sharon Hanrahan
Name: Pat Crampton
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Saginaw, Mi USA
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2001 at
20:36:47
Comments:
You spoke to Horizons Town Talk Series today in Saginaw. What a delight to listen to you. I am anxious to read the book and to see the movie. Thank you for a great presentation! Pat
Name: Eleanor Artman
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lawrenceville, GA USA
Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at
18:50:01
Comments:
I LOVE this book! Please tell me the geographical location of Ingelheim and Saxony. I'm a little rusty on my history.
Name: Beth Schulz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lannon, WI USA
Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at
14:59:28
Comments:
Dear Donna, What a thrill it was for our reading group to speak with you by speakerphone! Thank you so much for taking the time to sit and chat with us. The book is so well researched and so well written. It truly gives the reader a sense of the times, as well as a personal perspective into their own life. As several members stated, it has already been recommended to other friends, relatives, and daughters! It was a joy to spend time hearing your insights. Beth Schulz PS I am considering asking our library to allow wine during our discussion groups!
Name: Michelle Shapiro
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lannon, Wisconsin
Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 at
20:39:59
Comments:
Dear Donna, Just a short note to let you know how much our book group all enjoyed the speakerphone conference. You were interesting, knowledgeable and a delight to listen to and read. You have our deepest appreciation. Thank you again! Sincerely, Michelle Shapiro
Name: Antonio Luciano
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Springfield, IL USA
Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 at
20:24:34
Comments:
Great book, in my humble opinion, and thought provoking.
Name:Milena
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Sofia, Bulgaria
Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 at
15:43:35
Comments:
Dear Ms.Cross! It`s so wonderful that,at the last pages of your book"Pope Joan",I can sit and send you my comments from so far! I came to know about the book from Yahoo Reading Room,as they discussed it some months ago.I borrowed it from the library /in English/.I didn`t expect I would like so much your Joan and the book as a whole.It is an excellent book,both readable and educational.Joan is a very powerful heroine,very convincing.As a woman,I am moved by her fate and clear power of mind.In short,I`m glad to have read it.Before,I thought it`s only a myth;now I`m more convinced she existed.And the love story with Gerold is wonderful one.So we see Joan was woman in her true sense,not a masculine trying to overpower her natural longings.I got to know about the upcoming chat with you in Yahoo on April 16th.I`m looking forward to talk to you! Wish you a very successful next book! Greetings
Name: Megan Natale
Email:[email protected]
Location:
North Syracuse, NY United States
Date: Monday, April 2, 2001 at
14:02:49
Comments:
Mrs. Cross, Thank you so much for coming to my high school, CNS, and talking to us. Everyone who went loved meeting you. I just wanted to say thank you and tell you it was not a day I will ever forget. I am also waiting for your next book... lots of people are trying to figure out who the heroine is going to be. Thanks again for coming!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location: Sun
Valley, Idaho U.S.A
Date: Friday, March 30, 2001 at
14:15:42
Comments:
Donna, thank you for a wonderful read. Our book club will gather on April 26th at 6:30 in Sun Valley,Idaho. Please let me know if we might be able to talk with you by speakerphone.
Name: Carolyn Emerson
Date: Friday, March 30, 2001 at
14:13:24
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you for chatting with our book discussion group by speakerphone and answering all of our questions about Pope Joan! It was a unique experience to hear directly from the author in detail about how the characters were conceived, how you did your research, and what your main objectives were in writing Pope Joan. We also loved getting the inside scoop on the movie! This is the first book we've read where we unanimously liked it-- and very much! Towards the end of earning an MA in French literature, I became very interested in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, especially in such women writers as Christine de Pisan, who questioned the treatment of women. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to your next novel, set in 17th century France. Many thanks, Carolyn Emerson and the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library Evening Book Discussion Group
Name: Lillian barrett
Email:[email protected]
Location:
williamsburg, va. usa
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 at
18:48:21
Comments:
Donna, Remember me? Meg and Don's friend? My book group is reading Pope Joan for a May discussion and would like to confer with you by phone. Please email me so that I can give you the number where we can be reached on a speaker phone. Love your book, like the world does! Look forward to hearing from you and thanks. Lillian
Name: Mindy Nichols
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fort Collins, CO
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 at
17:46:06
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross - Our "Brown Bag Book Club" will be meeting to discuss your book on Friday, April 20th at 12pm MST. We would love to have you join our discussion by speakerphone. If you're not available, any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Name: Sharon Bryant
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Yorba Linda, CA usa
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 at
16:10:32
Comments:
Three years ago you "teleconferenced" by speakerphone with my reading group. We have not forgotten you. Comments about Pope Joan still pop-up at meetings with the most frequent of these being "When is the movie going to be released"? Did we miss it?
Name: Charlotte Smith
Email:[email protected]
Location:
London, UK
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 at
05:40:22
Comments:
Hi Donna, I've e-mailed you before from my home address, and I asked you about information that could be used for a tv programme. I now know a little more about it, and I'd love to have a chat with you, because we're looking for potential experts to appear on the programme which will be about the Vatican City and it's secrets, including Pope Joan. The programme will be made by London Weekend Television for Discovery US and I understand that you're American, which would be brilliant for an American audience. Would you be able to e-mail me back on both addresses ([email protected] / [email protected]) with a contact number so I can call you, or you can phone me on 44 (0)208 8891 0814 or 07730 074349. Thanks Donna, I look forward to hearing from you. Charlotte Smith
Name: Joan VanWagner
Email:[email protected]
Location: Atlanta,
GA USA
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at
22:35:32
Comments:
I had gone to the internet to find famous Joans in history. I wanted to find some women who have made a dent in history. I of course knew of Joan of Arc, but I was thrilled to find not only a Saint named Joan, but also a Pope! I will be going to buy the book ASAP!!! Thanks for this introduction of yet another important woman in history.
Name: Joe Streng
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 17:59:04
Comments:
Hello Donna -- My name is Joe Streng and I'm the producer for the Yahoo! Author Series. Recently, your book "Pope Joan" was selected by a group of members in our Yahoo! Reading Room club for reading and discussion. Now, the members would like to chat with you about it! Participating in a Yahoo! Chat is very easy -- You simply dial into a conference all and we handle everything else. Most of our chats last about 45 minutes. We would like to schedule you for a chat on April 16th. I'll send more information about the chat after we confirm the time. Thanks for your attention and we look forward to chatting with you! Joe Streng - Yahoo! Live Events Senior Producer
href="http://www.popejoan.com/Guestbook/www.third-mind.de">Nicholas
Ganz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Essen, Germany
Date: Monday, March 26, 2001 at
17:07:37
Comments:
Hello, Mrs. Cross ! Hey, your book is a real good view into the world of the Middle Ages. But the best thing is the view of the position of women. Thanks a lot for this great book!! I think you have done a lot with this book, because many people are reading it, and Joan is such a great power-woman. I and a friend of mine plan and work on an internet page with topics like philosophy/religion, science, art, cultures, and women. We want to bring many people on one platform to get in contact and to talk together. We will make many chats and forums and there are links and literature to some subtopics. All the sides and matters are critical and open minded. And we thought to present an excerpt of your book, especially the first time Gudrun her mother told Joan, never to go with a man, he will lead her into misfortune. And we will make a link for your book on the side, that interested people could read it. I was really fascinated from your book and so I thought to contact you. Thanks a lot for your trouble, Yours, Nicholas
Name: Olga
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Randolph, NJ USA
Date: Monday, March 26, 2001 at
14:53:07
Comments:
Our book club is now reading Pope Joan. We plan to meet on Monday, April 23rd at my home. The phone number is 973 328 1338
Name: Kathy
Email:[email protected]
Location: Annandale,
VA USA
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 at 22:51:36
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, Just finished reading Pope Joan. It was quite an interesting and captivating novel. Would love to have you chat by speakerphone with our book group. We meet this Tuesday evening, March 27th at 9 pm. Sorry for the short timetable - I just found your web site. Would still like to correspond with you, even if you can't telephone our group this week.
Name: S.
Email:[email protected]
Location:
assen, Drente The Netherlands
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 at
12:44:05
Comments:
Hi, I'm a student from the Netherlands. I've read the wonderful story of Pope Joan. I enjoyed it very much. But my question is: Where can I find a summary of it? S.
Name: Robyn
Email:[email protected]
Location:
north miami beach, florida
Date: Friday, March 23, 2001 at
09:47:15
Comments:
Dear Donna: I read this book about a year ago and loved it so much I passed it on to my friends to enjoy.. I just had the urge to reread it and ordered myself another copy. (this one is staying with me though). I am really looking foward to reading another book by you.(hopefully it won't be too long a wait) Take care, Robyn
Name: Abby Harris
Email:WMPH
Harris
Location: West Grove, PA USA
Date: Thursday,
March 22, 2001 at 19:06:29
Comments:
I was at your talk to the Hadley Memorial Fund program on March 21, 2001 and was unable to purchase your book because they were out. I would like to purchase an autographed copy. What steps shall I take?
Name: Norma Zabel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Gainesville, FL USA
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at
21:47:44
Comments:
I was on the committee of the Florida District Unitarian Universalist Women's conference which was held in Gainesville last year and at which you were our keynote speaker. After enjoying your speech, I recommended that my University Women's club read "Pope Joan" and indeed they have scheduled the discussion on April 25. We would love to be able to talk with you by speakerphone during the discussion. We meet from 9:30 - 11:30. Two women lead the discussion (I will be one), and we usually first present information about the author and then discuss the book. We would be honored if we could arrange a call to you during the morning. I look forward to hearing from you if this is possible.
Name: Peg Merryman
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kennett Square, PA USA
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at
19:53:56
Comments:
Dear Donna, I thoroughly enjoyed your enthusiastic comments regarding your marvelous novel during your speech in Kennett Square. Is your schedule of appearances on this web site? It would be wonderful to hear additional anecdotes regarding Pope Joan. Thank you for allowing me to photograph you and Kathy Grugan at the signers table. I join throngs of others who anxiously await your next novel.
Name: Pat Ross
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lenape, PA USA
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at
08:29:30
Comments:
Thank you for coming to Unionville and tuning us in to the exciting events of the 9th century. You are a dynamic speaker who can keep an audience riveted for hours.
Name: Nancy Fromnick
Email:[email protected]
Location:
West Chester, PA USA
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at
08:19:05
Comments:
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation for the Hadley Memorial Fund last night. However, I was next in line when you ran out of copies of your book. I was very disappointed as you can imagine! How can I get a signed copy of your book?
Name: Holly Bellows
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Seattle, WA USA
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 at
18:55:59
Comments:
Hi Ms. Cross - We are in the process of reading your book for our Book Club and are very interested in seeing if you would be able to call in and speak with us for our next meeting where we will be discussing your book, "Pope Joan". A co-worker of mine read the book for their Book Club and had you call in and chat by speakerphone at their meeting - she said it was their best meeting ever! I look forward to hearing back from you! Thank you!
Name: Janet Handy
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bel Air, MD 21014
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 at
12:12:06
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I did not get much sleep last night because I could not stop reading Pope Joan. Your book is wonderful! Our book club will be meeting in April. Please let me know if there is a time when we could schedule a phone visit for our book group. Thank you for writing such an affirming and powerful book. Janet Handy
Name: Christian C. Perez
Email:[email protected]
Location: Quezon
City, PH Philippines
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 at
00:45:12
Comments:
Congratulations to author Donna Cross. I wish that in the future the book will transform from being a novel into an historical film!
Name: Pat McKeon
Email:[email protected]
Location: New
London, PA USA
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2001 at
18:40:01
Comments:
Donna, Our bookgroup read your book a couple of years ago and had a wonderful conversation with you at one of our meetings. We look forward to hearing you speak this Monday (March 19th) at Unionville High School in Pennsylvania. We were thrilled to see that the Hadley Foundation had included you in their schedule. Have a safe trip to Unionville. We can't wait to see you!
Name: wendy fog
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Friday, March 16, 2001 at 18:01:54
Comments:
Donna- Am having a great time reading Pope Joan. I first heard about her many years ago....one of those wonderful "where there is smoke there is fire" legends. I had heard the story a bit differently and was wondering where you did the research? It was my understanding that the dates of the popes preceding her and following her were changed in order to eradicate her existence altogether. Whether it was through love of knowledge or love of a fellow priest that got her involved with the hierarchy of the church (as I heard it) it is a wonderful testament to believing in oneself and one's abilities.
Name: Adriane
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Buffalo, NY USA
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2001 at
15:29:19
Comments:
Dear Mrs. Cross, Thank you so much for writing Pope Joan. It is the first "adult" book I've ever bought (I'm fourteen). It has given me a sense of reality as to who we are and how we can affect the world we live in. I am also trying my hand at literature and I would like a few tips... if you can e-mail me that will be fantastic.
Name: Beth A. Schulz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lannon, WI USA
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2001 at
14:02:05
Comments:
Dear Donna, Our local library book club group is currently reading "Pope Joan" for our next discussion. I would be highly honored if you would be free to join us via speakerphone. We will be meeting Monday, April 2 from 7-8 PM. I look forward to hearing from you. Beth Schulz [email protected]
Name: Marjorie Davanzo
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 07:42:57
Comments:
Dear Donna, THANK YOU for sharing with us by speakerphone on Monday night. Many kudos. You made it a wonderful book group meeting!!! Many were saying that this was our best meeting EVER! I have to say, it was so enlightening to have you describe the behind-the-scenes drama that goes on between author, editor and publisher. .. and now... director, producer, actor, etc. It was an eye opener to those of us who aspire to write novels or screenplays of our own. You are a clever lady to market your novel in this unique way with the telephone chats. I wish you continued success. Be assured I will tell friends in other book groups about Pope Joan! Marjorie
Name: Rita Anton
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Chicago, Illinois USA
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2001 at
06:22:22
Comments:
I cannot imagine where you picked up this fictional Pope Joan, and you will probably make a ton of money on it. But I seriously object to the idea that it is being presented as a fact---it is not a fact---it is a fairy tale told to those who despise the Catholic Church. Please let this also be known. R. Anton
Name: Cindy Foote
Email:[email protected]
Location: Orchard
Park, NY
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at
20:42:21
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with our book group last night. You answered all our questions so well, and provide so many interesting side stories and insight. You've thoroughly spoiled us for any other book - now we will always want the "horse's mouth" available to contribute to our discussions. My only concern is that you are giving so much of yourself and your time to groups such as ours that you won't have the time to write your next book - don't let that happen! Thank you, Cindy
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Date:
Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 08:25:15
Comments:
Hi Donna: We had a great nite discussing your book! Thanks so much for joining our chat by speakerphone. I believe that your novel took "first place" for amount of time we have ever spent discussing one book in one evening! (We often get side tracked into another conversation, but stayed with the book this time, even tho' one member had just returned from London, and another had just returned from her daughter's wedding in Hawaii!) We did have another question tho'...how was your book received in Italy? We forgot to mention that country when we were talking about Europe. Our final comment of the evening was "wouldn't it be fun to continue our chat with Donna over a cup of coffee....or a glass of wine!" (a glass of Die Papstin, of course!!!...where could we purchase that?) You are a great story teller...its fun just to hear you speak! Do you have any plans to visit Wisconsin? Keep us in mind if you do!!!! We all look forward to reading your next novel. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit with us! Maureen
Name: Shelley Griffel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Kfar-Yona, Israel
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at
05:19:33
Comments:
Dear Donna, I heard about Pope Joan from my mother when I was a child, but anyone that I asked did not know nothing about her. my mother could not tell me much. I was so glad to bump into your book. I can not leave it. Now I want to buy it in english or spanish so that my mother can read too. Do you know where I can find more information about Pope Joan?
Name: Cathy
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Orchard Park, NY USA
Date: Monday, March 12, 2001 at
22:00:59
Comments:
Hi Donna, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and answering our questions by speakerphone at our book group meeting tonight. We all enjoyed the discussion with you tonight! Cathy
Name: Steffi
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Hannover, Germany
Date: Monday, March 12, 2001 at
15:17:41
Comments:
Dear Donna, I have to write about your book Pope Joan in my german lesson which is no problem but I need some informations about your life--when you are born where you live and so on. Please help me! I need just a few! I am looking forward to hear from you soon. Thanks for your help!
Name: David Wallace
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Chattanooga, TN USA
Date: Friday, March 9, 2001 at
07:21:11
Comments:
I recently read your book for a class at school and I was very impressed and astounded by the entire story. I've been a Catholic all my life and have never heard of this story before your book. I was wondering, though, if you have received any new information concerning Pope Joan after the publication of your book. Thanks!
Name: Barbara Dolezal
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001 at
22:51:43
Comments:
Hey Donna, Thank you so much!!!!! Your chat by speakerphone with my book club on March 1st was fabulous. Every single woman in the club felt a great connection with you. It was great to just watch the women's faces as you spoke. They were so intent on what you were saying. All smiles and nods. I have been lucky enough to partake in 2 of your phone chats, having been to Seattle to attend one with old friends there. You add so much depth to the conversation and I'm sure it's been the all time favorite for me. I so encourage all of you out there not to miss this most awesome experience. I'm new to this area and this bookclub. I suggested this book and hosted it. I was nervous, but can I just tell you, I'm in like Flynn!!! What a fabulous opportunity this is, Donna. Thank you so very much. Can't wait til the next book! All the best, Barbara
Name:Eileen
Edmondson
Email:[email protected]
Location: Duluth,
GA USa
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001 at 16:32:32
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, Pope Joan was one of the best books that I have read in years. Growing up Catholic I found in interesting how you weaved in some of the practices of our faith into your story. I recommeded your book to my Book Club and we are going to read in for the month of April. The Shakerag Book Club told us that you are willing to call into a Book Club meeting. We meet the last Tuesday of the month. We would be honored if you could join us. I cannot wait until your next book. Thanks for considering participating in our meeting. Eileen Edmondson
Name: Daniela Gallegos-Anda
Email:dgallegos_anda
Location: Quito,
Ecuador
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001 at 13:33:37
Comments:
Dear Donna, I just read your book and my English teacher asked us if we really believed in this story, for this we need evidence to suport us. I know it's too little time, but I need it for tomorrow, please help me if you can. I really enjoyed your book and think that it's true, but I need concrete evidence. Daniela
Name: elizabeth austin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Lexington, KY
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at
16:22:21
Comments:
Enjoyed your book very much. I have a degree in clinical lab science and 22 years of medical lab experience but urine tasting is WAY before my time. I am curious. Just what urine constituent is Joan tasting to diagnose pregnancy? Is this poetic license on your part or have you found some 9th Century medical diagnosis information? A bunch of us here at the University of Kentucky Medical Center have spent some time and effort thinking about this without coming up with an answer.
Name: Michele B. Elmore
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Valley Park, MO usa
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at
15:49:45
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, I recently read your book and became totally fascinated with Joan. I grew up Catholic and never heard of her. Small wonder though, given the church's position on women in power. I do hope this gets made into a feature film. I've been trying to figure out who in "La La Land" would be able to play such a dynamic woman. I can't think of anyone famous out there who hasn't had plastic surgery. Joan, after all, can't be too "pretty" but should be a very charismatic person. It was a great read and I hope you write the screenplay! Sincerely, Michele B. Elmore
Name: Jennifer Hildman
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dallas, TX
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at
13:29:34
Comments:
Hi Donna- A friend of mine recently recommended your book "Pope Joan". My book club is excited about reading it, and we would like to know if we can set up a time for you to call in for a discussion with us. We would like to read it in the next few months (April, May, or June). Our book club meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7:30 CST. Please let me know when you will be available. Thanks! Jennifer
Name: Marjorie DaVanzo
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Orchard Park, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2001 at
20:27:32
Comments:
Dear Donna, Our book group is meeting Monday night March 12 to discuss Pope Joan. I just learned of your website and realize this is short notice to ask if you would be available for a brief speaker phone chat. But, if you happen to be free to talk with us around 8:30 or 9 PM that night, please contact me. Thank you.
Name: Virginia Levin
Email:[email protected]
Location: Kansas City,
MO USA
Date: Monday, March 5, 2001 at 16:08:20
Comments:
3/8/01 Unity of Overland Park Bkclub will discuss this fantastic book.Enthusiasm bubbled overSunday even before our meet as we greeted each other. Only today,as facilitator did I learn we could have a phone chat. Is there a time? Thank you for your energetic research and exciting page turner.
Name: Deborah Mason
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Coppell, TX USA
Date: Monday, March 5, 2001 at
08:44:52
Comments:
What a great way to start a new book club, with such a powerful novel. The group loved it and had a better appreciation of Joan's struggles and triumphs as a result of our discussion with Donna Woolfolk Cross. She not only is a gifted author but she is a lot of fun as well! We highly recommend this selection.
Name: Maureen Murphy
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Date: Monday, March 5, 2001 at
07:49:12
Comments:
Donna: I don't know if you would remember me, but I was your publicist at Ballantine back in 1998. I am currently getting my M.Phil. in creative writing at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and would like to get in touch with you regarding an essay I need to write about book publicity. If you don't mind, please e-mail me. Thanks!
Name: Jan NeVille
Email:[email protected]
Location: Bend,
OR USA
Date: Friday, March 2, 2001 at 16:12:39
Comments:
Hi Donna. I'm part of the book club you talked to last night. Thanks so much for your time and great conversation! I want you to know yours is the ONLY book that everyone REALLY liked. A few have had no adverse comments from not one of the members but they weren't overly enthusiastic ("blah"). But we all loved "Pope Joan. AS you could tell from the questions and comments last night, this is a very sharp group of ladies (one of our visitors said she'd never been in a group where all the gals were so pretty and SO intelligent (that's the young ones - there are 3 of us Grammas in there too who don't count!!) Best of luck on your new book - we're all waiting to read it. AND see the movie of "Pope Joan". Hang in there with all the hassles of the movie making!! Jan
Name: llinda costello
Email:[email protected]
Date: Thursday,
March 1, 2001 at 13:21:20
Comments:
My book club in San Diego is discussing your book on April 6,11:30-1:00 pacific time. We would love to speak with you at that time if that is possible. Thanks.
Name: Lisa Driver
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Sudbury, MA USA
Date: Thursday, March 1, 2001 at
09:35:29
Comments:
My book club loved the book! We discussed it yesterday (2/28/01) and wished we had known you were available to chat by phone. We'd like to schedule a call with you for April 4 if possible. Also, could you update us as to how the movie is progressing? Thanks for replying!
Name: Nancy Bates
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Skaneateles, NY USA
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at
16:46:10
Comments:
Donna, Russ Tarby(Citizen Newspaper)suggested I contact you. I saw that your book was in production on your website. I was interested in doing an article on the experience of book to screen and what your future plans are. I am the Skaneateles correspondent for the Citizen. I also have a film background. Thank you. Nancy Bates
Name: Rimona Morgan
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Telaviv, Israel
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at
13:06:13
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much! Our book club and Pope Joan is now the talk of the town. On behalf of the girls and myself our speakerphone discussion added much to our enjoyment understanding and appreciation of "Pope Joan". We can't wait for the movie debut!!!!!!!! You've made an absolute fan out of me and I'm looking forward to reading your new book. I've learned so much from your novel, and I'm very grateful for all the time you've shared with my reading groups. "Pope Joan" is now on my book shelf waiting for my kids to read! Sincerely, Rimona Morgan.
Name: Manfred Bartl
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Gutersloh, Germany
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at
10:03:02
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you very much for being my guest and chatting online at LYCOS Europe! Talking to you has been quite an experience and I was deeply impressed by watching your way to interact with your German readers. Considering that you were sick at the time of the chat I was really expecting you to signal an end of the chat after about 45 minutes or so, therefore completing three quarters of the announced timeframe. That you doubled this time in order to finish the discussion instead of just ending it, was a great gesture of respect to the matter and to the human beings gathered in this chat room! Your dedication, your open mind, your concise argumentation and your kindliness made at least me feel like I was chatting with Pope Joan of Ingelheim herself. I hope that she really was like you and women like her really made the difference. All the best! Yours Manfred Bartl Chat Manager LYCOS Europe GmbH
Name:Rosalie
Emanuel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Hillsborougterh, CA USA
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2001 at
23:32:59
Comments:
Dear Ms Cross, My daughter is in Melissa Beckman's Book Group in Bellvue, WA. She loved and her group loved POPE JOAN along with the the added benefit of your participation in the discussion via conference call. I live in the San Francisco area and will be discussing and reviewing your book on Monday, October 8th, 2001 at 3:00PM Pacific Time . Would this be a convenient time for you to have a conference call with our group? If not, when would be a convenient time for you? Please advise. Thank you, Rosalie Emanuel
Name:Lisa
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 20:33:05
Comments:
Dear Donna, Many people have told me how great your book is and asked me to read it for my site. Well, it really is great! Would you like to do an interview with me? It could be done by e-mail, since that would probably be the easiest way. I could send you some questions by next week. Check out the site, and let me know. Thanks!
Name: Debbie Whitehead
Email:[email protected]
Location:
calgary, alberta canada
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2001 at
16:51:42
Comments:
Dear Donna,
Name: debbie whitehead
Email:[email protected]
Location:
calgary, alberta canada
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 at
13:44:35
Comments:
Dear Donna, We have chosen Pope Joan as our book for March, and would love to chat with you by speakerphone. We were wondering if the 22nd or the 20th of March would work for you around lunch hour?(we would have to book a board room) Our bookclub has been together now for six years and we call ourselves the Liberated Hens. We look forward to hearing from you, and we are very excited about starting your book that we have heard so much about! fondly debbie whitehead
Name:Pam
O'Connell
Email:[email protected]
Location: Long
Island, NY USA
Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at
18:29:03
Comments:
Donna, I'm a reporter (see webpage for details). Would like to interview you. Look forward to hearing from you. Best, Pam
Name: Denise Koster
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Mosca, CO USA
Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at
16:26:08
Comments:
I read this book right after it came out, and I am glad to see it is enjoying continued popularity. I read extensively, and one way to tell how good this book truly is, is that years later, I still vividly remember it--plot, characters, details, background. Donna, thanks for a wonderful piece of literature! I hope you are working on another great book and not just answering our e-mail! Denise
Name: Mary Ellen Sherry
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Malibu, CA USA
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2001 at
21:07:29
Comments:
Our book club is currently reading your extraordinary book for our March 7th meeting. I'm having trouble making any headway on my income tax preparation, as I can't put Pope Joan down! I can't imagine how you can take the time to speak with every book club, and since our group has only seven members--we won't ask. However, if you find the time to send us a note or forward key discssion questions & interesting points, we would really enjoy your direction. At any rate, we will certainly raise a glass in your honor and toast your your memorable novel for womankind! Thank you, Mary Ellen Sherry
Name: Sevil Toksu
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Sunday, February 18, 2001 at 08:36:48
Comments:
Hi Donna- Last night was fabulous!!!! We enjoyed our speakerphone conversation with you tremendouly and send many thanks for the amount of quality time you spent talking with us. It was a bookclub meeting that we will be talking about for years to come-or until your next book comes out and we can speak with you again. After we finally let you go to bed, we stayed up and talked about Joan until the wee hours of the night! You have such a sparkling personality, and such a love for the work you do and it shows by the enthusiam you had in your conversation with us. I truly look forward to your next book. There are so many amazing women in this world(past and present), its inspiring to hear their stories and adapt them to our own personal lives. Thanks again for a memorable evening. I will of course be spreading the word(and not the book!)to all I know from east coast to west coast. All the Best to You, Sevil
Name: Astrid Strothmann
Email:[email protected]
Location: Lingen,
Germany
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001 at
09:31:15
Comments:
Dear Mrs Cross, I am an 18 year old student from Lingen, Germany and I am working on my term paper about your "Pope Joan" for my English advanced learners course. I just finished the novel and found it really brilliant. However, my only problem working on this book is that I have severe difficulties in finding secondary literature. Maybe there is any chance to let me know where I might find some. My explicit topic is : Pope Joan - Emancipation in disguise. I would be grateful for any help offered thanks, Astrid PS: I so know that I will enjoy working on my paper because its such an amazing book and catching histoire
Name: Betsy Archibald
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 08:12:28
Comments:
Donna, I'm the person from the Honeoye Book Club that was at Beanne's house. We would love to have you do the speakerphone interview with us. We were looking at Tuesday, April 24th for the meeting, around 8:00 p.m. Please let me know if that will work for you, or suggest other dates. Everyone in Honeoye is anxious to read the book and speak with you. Thanks! Betsy Archibald
Name: Barbara Roberts
Email:[email protected]
Location: Dayton, OH USA
Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 at 20:59:21
Comments:
I just wanted to add my warmest thanks for your wonderful book. I just started a book club and we picked it for our first read. I will continue to recommend Pope Joan to my friends, coworkers and any strangers who are looking for a good book. Thank you for giving me an additional role model at the ripe age of 50. As the lion said in the Wizard of Oz..."I _do_ believe, I do, I do, I do." Thanks again.
Name: patty ash
Email:[email protected]
Date: Tuesday,
February 13, 2001 at 20:40:02
Comments:
Dear Donna, We would be honored if you could join our book discussion via phone on February 28th between 7:30-9:30 EST. Thank you for an outstanding book.
Name: Roz Ault
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Bedford, MA USA
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at
19:14:32
Comments:
Our book group has scheduled a discussion on 'Pope Joan' for Monday evening, April 9, beginning at 7:30 pm Eastern time. We would be thrilled if Donna Cross could set up a phone chat with us. Please let me know if this is possible, or if that date doesn't work, whether an alternate date near that time would be available. Thanks for your consideration. - Roz Ault for the BedfordShire book group
Name:Manfred
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Gütersloh, Germany
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at
09:43:20
Comments:
Hallo Fans!
Wir chatten bei LYCOS Deutschland am Samstag, den 24. Februar 2001 um 19.30 Uhr im Kultur-Chatraum mit Donna Cross ueber ihren fantastischen Mega-Bestseller "Die Paepstin", ueber Donnas Leben in den USA und ihe zukuenftigen Projekte! Chatsprache ist Englisch!
Hi Fans!
At LYCOS Germany we're going to chat with Donna Cross on Saturday, February 24th at 7.30 pm MEZ (1.30 pm EST). All interested are welcome to join the chat on "Pope Joan", Donna's Life and her future projects! Language of the chat will be English of course! CU !
Name: Patty Davidson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Germantown, WI
Date: Monday, February 12, 2001 at
19:41:47
Comments:
My Book Club will be discussing Pope Joan on February 27, 2001 in the evening. It would be great if you could join us, via speakerphone, for part of our discussion. Our meeting would be 7pm - 9pm CST. Please let me know if you're available any time during that timeframe and we'll see if we can work out a time.
Name: Antis Angela
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Herrsching, Germany Bavaria
Date: Sunday, February 11, 2001 at
14:19:13
Comments:
Dear Mrs Cross I've liked it very much to read your book 'Pope Joan' because it's interesting to read about a woman like Joan, who made her way in a men's world and a subject, church's denying. I've never heard about Joan before and I was astonished about the thing, that a woman has been pope. I've also read the book of Emmanuil Roidis about the true history of Pope Joan, but it's difficult to read. Now, we have to read a paper in school on a book we like and I choose 'Pope Joan'. Can you send me a short biography for my performance, please? I'll be very glad to get answer on my E-Mail-Address: [email protected] Yours sincerely ANGELA ANTIS.
Name: Toni Risoli Rorapaugh
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Vestal, NY USA
Date: Sunday, February 11, 2001 at
12:02:59
Comments:
Dear Donna, I have sustained an interest in Pope Joan ever since you spoke to my library in Corning. Are you aware of a book entitled "Buon Appetito, Your Holiness: the Secrets of the Papal Table," by Mariangela Rinaldi and Mariangela Vicini? (Tranlated from the Italian by Adam Victor. Arcade Publishing: NY, 2000; originally published 1998, Publigold, Milano) Pope Joan is covered by one of the chapeters, which states that her "undoing was her prolonged intake of exotic, flavorsome, spicy and, according to rumor-mongers, aphrodisiac dishes. Between love affairs and theological disputes, there could be no other end for the only woman ever to be Pope." The chapter title includes this quote: "the woman who sat on the Fisherman's throne," which is attributed to "G. Bocaccio, 'Giovanna, angelica Papessa.' in Mulieribus claris." The chapter consists of a rather spirited six-page essay on Joan, followed by 5 "Oriental" recipes. I pass this on merely to add to the knowledge base about Joan. Hope all is going well with the movie. Sincerely, Toni.
Name: Claire Camoin
Email:[email protected]
Location: Durban,
South Aftica
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2001 at
05:33:41
Comments:
I am extremely fascinated with this story and this secton in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. I am in my last year of school, and I want to do my oral on the Vatican City, but most especially, Pope Joan. I have not read your book, but came across it while researching Pope Joan on the internet. I am now reading The She Pope by Peter Stanford, but would love a copy of your book. Please could you help me in trying to receive one of these books, as I would love to include your thoughts,into my oral\speech. Where would I be able to get one of your books in South Africa, would it even be possible??? I understand catholicism very well, as I am a Catholic my self.Please help me, as your help would be greatly appreciated
Name: Pam Sallengs
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Scottsville, KY USA
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2001 at
21:46:26
Comments:
Thank you for writing such a wonderful book and giving us this opportunity to tell you! I saw it mentioned on the Bookbrowser website but my local library did not have a copy. They borrowed one from another library for me. I am so glad I did not miss this entertaining, informative, and inspirational book. It is good to see young women signing your guestbook after reading Pope Joan ...maybe they won't take their educational opportunities so for granted after witnessing her dire struggle to learn. I am in awe of your research. You sent me to my encyclopedia and dictionary many times in the course of my reading!! We have a Reading Group at our local library and I am suggesting Pope Joan to them on Monday of next week...I can well imagine a lively discussion from this selection. When and what is your next book?? I look forward to it. A new fan, Pam Sallengs
Name: Joselle Parkhurst
Email:[email protected]
Location: Cicero,
NY USA
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2001 at
13:45:55
Comments:
Mrs. Cross, I am a senior at CNS High School and have just finished your book. I really enjoyed it, it had so much historical background to it. It proved to me that women back then could accomplish more than just taking care of a house. I was told by Mr. Buzz that he was trying to get you to come visit. I would really enjoy having you come and talk to us about your book. Do you have any other books out or are you at this time writing any more? Thank you for your time and I hope you think about coming to see us.
Name:Carolyn
Emerson
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Setauket, NY US
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2001 at
09:52:21
Comments:
We are the Evening Book Discussion Group of the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library. We will be reading your book in March and discussing it on the evening of March 28, 2001. If you are available, we would be interested in speaking with you by speakerphone around 8:30 p.m., toward the end of our meeting. If that is too late, I'll be happy to make it earlier. Thank you. Carolyn Emerson, Librarian
Name:Tamara
Butler
Email:[email protected]
Location:
North Conway, NH 03860
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2001 at
11:52:18
Comments:
We have chosen Pope Joan as our March reading group selection. Our group will be meeting on March 7th at 7 PM. It would be wonderful if you could join us.
Name: Rimona
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Telaviv, Israel
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2001 at
10:16:29
Comments:
Dear Donna, What a treat chatting with you by speakerphone! You have been unanimously voted favorite author-speaker of our club!!! Thank you for sharing your time, for being so insightful, entertaining, and of course for writing Pope Joan.
Name: Nita Orsack
Email:[email protected]
Location: St.
Louis, MO usa
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2001 at
20:40:51
Comments:
Our church book group has selected your book for discussion on May 13, 2001 (12:30-2:00 Central). Would you be available to join us? If the date is not convenient please advise an alternate. Thanks so much for offering this wonderful service to your readers.
Name: Ed
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Syracuse, NY
Date: Monday, February 5, 2001 at
12:48:41
Comments:
When I first picked up Pope Joan for bedtime reading, time flew, literally and figuratively. At about 3 a.m., exhausted, I finally put this book down. I returned from the Dark Ages to the present to find that I was about a third of the way through the story. I finished three days later. Well done. I can't wait to see the movie!
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Date:
Monday, February 5, 2001 at 10:54:08
Comments:
I was a member of the reading group you spoke with by speakerphone last Monday night Thank you so much for the time you spent with us! It was quite an exciting way to get our group started. I don't know if you have heard from other members, but we have passed on our enjoyment of the book and recommended it to others. We also wanted you to know that "Tower Records" here in Woodbridge has displayed it as our choice for the month. We know that once this is a movie....you will not need our attempts towards publicity of this amazing story...but in the meantime....we'll do our best! Has Winona Ryder signed yet??? Happy writing!
Name: Anna Lee
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cebu City , Philippines
Date: Sunday, February 4, 2001 at
04:35:38
Comments:
Hi. I read your book, Pope Joan (duh, guess that's why I'm here) last year. I'm sixteen right now, and I live in a very "Catholic" country, where the mere notion of a female Pope is scandalous. Alright, perhaps I exaggerate (I do have a tendency to do so) but I HAVE had a lot of people cast me peculiar looks once I get around to talking about how women and men should be equal, and about religion. Anyway, I just wanted to say that this is a GREAT book, not only because of the concept, but because of the impressive way in which you make the characters real to the audience. Fact or fiction, blasphemous or not, I really love this book :o)
Name: Gordon Munro
Email:[email protected]
Uk/Lebanon/Canada
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2001 at 14:06:36
Comments:
Whilst in Beirut, Lebanon I was fortunate to work with a fellow advertising creative who spoke of just such a story. What a fascinating idea. The themes and context for this book have tremendous power and I look forward to seeing how this is portrayed in the forthcoming feature film.
Name: Beth Hubben
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Skaneateles, NY USA
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2001 at
12:39:05
Comments:
Thank you so much for talking with our book group a few weeks ago. It was a most enjoyable evening hearing from the "horse's mouth". I have taken the challenge about attempting an educated guess about the subject of your next historical fiction. I have given it some thought and of a few choices decided that one possibility may be Marquerite Valois...Margo the French Queen married to Henry IV....could have some interesting story lines especially the preserving of the head!
Name: Tonya
Email:[email protected]
KS USA
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2001 at 12:01:06
Comments:
I finished reading Pope Joan a month ago. Thank you so much for a wonderful story. Your attention to detail and knowledge of that era was captivating. I am looking forward to more projects by you. Do you plan on writing more novels? Thank you again. Tonya
Name: Kathrin
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Coburg, Germany
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2001 at
06:32:57
Comments:
Hi, Donna, unfortunately I saw this homepage not before now, for if I had known that the possibility exists to correspondent with the author, I would have taken this opportunity much earlier. I read the book "Pope Joan" some months ago. As I did like it very much, I decided to make an essay about it for school, with the topics: author, book, historic background. From the attachment to the novel I already could get some information about your opinion to the true happenings of the past. Not such clear as this was for me the historic base of Geroldīs person (....by the way- a very likable person, almost to fell in love with... :-) I would be very happy if you could give me some information to this question. Maybe- and that would be even better- you have something you want to say to my school class. Who else of my schoolmates has the opportunity to get a personal feedback by the autor? With the authors Goethe or Shakespeare could that be quite a big problem, couldnīt it ? :-) Thank you already for your trials to help me. Unfortunately I have to have the essay up to 13th February 2001, I hope that itīs not too late, yet. And thank you one more time for the fact that you brought such a great person as Joan into public and helped this way to save a great historic person from being forgotten... Hugs, Kathrin
Name: Kim
Email:[email protected]
Location: Mpls, MN
Date: Friday, February 2, 2001 at 20:13:11
Comments:
Donna ... we met when I used to work with Eva on Evenings with Eva. I read your book during that time and absolutely LOVED it!!! I have been waiting since then for it to become a motion picture!!! Any word on that yet???
Name: Kay Martz
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Arab, AL USA
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2001 at
15:58:49
Comments:
After reading your book, I wanted to share it with as many women as possible. But........being a bookseller in a predominately Baptist southern town I am 'picking' and hand selling to the customers that I know will appreciate this truly fascinating book. Please write another!
Name:Vicki
Novak
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Phoenix, AZ USA
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at
14:30:20
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for chatting with our book reading group by speakerphone on Thursday, 1/25. We really enjoyed your book, and to be able to discuss it with you made it even better! I was particularly interested in what you said about your research and how historical fiction can be great for educating ourselves about history. History was never my favorite subject in school, but I do love to see history come alive in a good story (fiction or nonfiction). To me, the details of how people lived day-to-day are more important than memorizing dates and names. Thanks again!
Name: Janie
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Woodbridge, VA USA
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at
19:11:55
Comments:
Dear Donna, Thank you for making our first meeting fabulous. We so enjoyed talking with you. Your first comments erased all the nervousness we felt. We spent the day reliving your call with each other and those who were not able to be there. The entire school was aware of your call, we were so excited at the anticipation of it. The real thing was every bit as wonderful as we hoped. What a generous outpouring of your thoughts, experiences, and ideas. We will be avid fans forever! We've had an offer from a local book store to put out a placard with our book club picks on it, one of our member's son works there. So we will certainly post Pope Joan as our first and highly recommended read. Once again thanks for the gift of yourself and the gift of Joan. May we all use her courage as an example to persue our dreams. Janie
Name: PS
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Woodbridge, VA USA
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at
05:22:46
Comments:
My God! Imagine what Andrew Lloyd Weber could do with this story!!
Name: Gina
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Woodbridge, VA USA
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at
05:04:16
Comments:
Dear Donna, If I had a daughter I would insist that she read Pope Joan -maybe because she possesses those qualities I find so elusive - courage and compassion, persistence and acceptance, and above all, devotion to her dream. I wonder if you're aware of the phenomenal gift you've given your own daughter! Good luck with 17th century France, and thank you so much for chatting by speakerphone with our fledgling book club. We'll never be the same
Name: Louise
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Ithaca, NY USA
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2001 at
13:19:43
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross: On recommendation from an online reader posting, I picked up a copy of Pope Joan, but put it aside for a few weeks. Once, I did start reading it, I could not put it down. My emotions ran the scale; happy, sad, fear, anger. I especially liked (after Joan, of course) Gisla. Oh, what the poor girl suffered. After reading the book, I wondered to myself: "If Joan had just been a run of the mill ordinary female Pope (like when Hades freezes over), who lived out her papal term, we wouldn't have this wonderful, marvelous thought provoking novel. Because I do read from cover to cover, I thoroughly appreciated your author's notes and the picture and significance of the "sella sterocoria." That picture alone certainly makes one go 'hmmmmm'? I commend you Ms. Cross and will certainly pass along to other readers, on and off the net, that if they have not read your Pope Joan, they are missing a wonderful historical fiction(?) novel. And, I will start by recommending it to my own offline reading group (8 of us), and hopefully in the future can do the speakerphone chat with you. Thank you.
Name:Happy
McClurg
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Skaneateles, NY USA
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2001 at
06:42:14
Comments:
Donna - Thank you for speaking to "Beanne's book club" last evening. My friend from Rochester (present last night) is going back to her current, my old, book club to suggest your book. Wondering if I can get them all autographed copies as gifts, and how to go about this? Thanks again. Happy
Name: S. Bates
Email:[email protected]
MI USA
Date:
Friday, January 26, 2001 at 22:34:18
Comments:
I am writing to thank you for Pope Joan. I am a high school teacher and I have found your book to be a resounding success with reluctant readers as well as sophisticated readers, boys as well as girls. Your book also affected me personally because it fed my need for stories about strong, smart women, and the writing is wonderful. My students are all asking me when your next book will come out, and they are telling their friends about Pope Joan. My ten copies have all been borrowed, and they're clamoring for more. This is an English teacher's dream!
Name: Lisa Colcord
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Phoenix, AZ USA
Date: Friday, January 26, 2001 at
11:10:21
Comments:
Dear Ms. Cross, Last night I attended my book discussion group in which we were able to speak to you by phone. You are a very interesting speaker and a wonderful writer. I enjoyed the group last night immensely! Thank you so much for participating! Anyway, you mentioned that if we guessed who you were going to write about in your next book, you would confirm our guess. Well, my guess is Madame de La Fayette. Sincerely, Lisa Colcord
Name:Carri
Shipaila
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Wyoming, MI USA
Date: Friday, January 26, 2001 at
08:55:43
Comments:
Donna, It was wonderful to have you as our guest at the chat last night. I hope you had as much fun as we did. You will have to come back again and chat with us. I loved your book. Now I know you are as fabulous as the book itself. Keep on writing and still want to know...what's coming next from you? Hope to see you again soon, Carri
Name: Rosemarie
Email:[email protected]
Date: Thursday,
January 25, 2001 at 22:18:16
Comments:
Hi! I am the facilitator of a teenage girls' literature group that has been meeting on a monthly basis for over three years. We would like to read your book and discuss it with you on Friday, March 2, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. If that is not convenient for you, we could choose another day. We are excited about the prospect and look forward to your response!
Name: Shari
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Sugar Land, TX USA
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 at
20:12:57
Comments:
Dear Donna, What luck! I can't believe I found your website before my Book Club meeting next month. We would love to have you visit with us via phone conference if your schedule permits. We will be meeting Wednesday, February 7th between 7:30 and 9:00 CST. We would be honored to have you join us, even if it is for just a short time. I can't remember the last time that I read a book so captivating and intriguing. Thanks!
Name: Peter Stenvinkel
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Davis, CA USA
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 at
18:08:36
Comments:
I really enjoy this fascinating story a lot. Recently, when visiting the Vatican State in Roma I asked the guide to the Sixtenth Chaple about Pope Joan but he did not seem to know anything about a possible female Pope. Is it true that new Popes (after the discovery that Joan was a female) need to undergo a test to show that they are, indeed, a male?. Yours Sincerely Peter Stenvinkel Assoc Professor
Name: Storm
Email:mailto:DaStorm@ivillage.%20com
NH
USA
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 15:47:39
Comments:
Awesome book..will you really be chatting at www.ivillage.com, author chat tonight? Just watch out for my evil twin!
Name: Rimona
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Telaviv, Israel
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 at
15:13:25
Comments:
Dear Donna, What a treat! You have been unanimously voted favorite author-speaker of our book club!!! Thank you for sharing your time chatting with us by speakerphone--for being so insightful, entertaining, and of course for writing Pope Joan. Best wishes, Rimona.
Name: Emily Bows
Email:GeoffWalker/STK/RE/SNR@SNR
Location:
Rotherham, South Yorkshire England
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001
at 14:45:29
Comments:
Hi, I havent read the book, but I am interested in Pope Joan who I found out about in Caryl Churchill's feminist play 'Top Girls.' I am studying this play for part of my A Level Theatre Studies course. One of the tasks which I am commpleating at the moment is to designe a costume for Pope Joan, so if you ever get the chance your ideas on fabrics, coulors, textures and style would be fantastic. Thankyou, love Emily
Name: Sarah Domingo
Email:[email protected]
Location: San Diego, CA
USA
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 23:34:20
Comments:
My book club has selected Pope Joan for our March meeting. I loved the book and would be honored to have you participate over the telephone. We meet at 8:00pm PST, our first choice of dates is March 15, second choice March 22. I look forward to hearing from you.
Name: annette willis
Email:[email protected]
Location:
kingston, ontario canada
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at
22:32:10
Comments:
after reading 'pope joan' i am intrigued with the idea of her existence. thank you for sparking my interest in this amazing woman. and thank you for the warmth you infused the story with. it was beautifully and intelligently written.
Name: Janie
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Woodbridge, VA USA
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at
06:42:53
Comments:
Donna, We are a group of elementary school teachers who have just started a book discussion group. Our first meeting is Monday, Jan. 29th. We'd love to chat is there any possibility of that? We all love the book and are fascinated by it! We can't wait to discuss it! Thanks for an intriguing novel.
Name: Carmen Sims
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cartersville, GA USA
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at
09:48:47
Comments:
Dear Donna, The Bartow County Public Library book chat group is planning our 2001 schedule and my book suggestion is Pope Joan. I would love to schedule a phone chat with you during our discussion. We meet the third Monday of every month and as I am the one who schedules the books, I can arrange the schedule to accomodate you any time after April. I hope you will be able to join us! Carmen Sims [email protected]
Name: Judi
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Fresno, CA USA
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at
00:42:48
Comments:
Your book sounds great. Your book is scheduled for our April meeting which will be held during the evening of April 18 between 6:30-8:00 pm. We would love to be able to discuss the book with you by speakerphone. If this time slot would be available to fit your schedule, please let me know and I'll give you my phone number. If you are not available, we may be able to change our date - our book club includes a number of elementary principals, program managers, & teachers and April and May are busy times for Open Houses, testing schedules, etc., so if you could give me some other dates, I'll check with the other gals and see if we can choose an alternate date when you would be available. Thanks - hope to hear from you soon.
Name: charlotte smith
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Sunday, January 21, 2001 at 07:37:24
Comments:
I'm researching for a programme which may include Pope Joan, can you suggest any good sources, or provide me with anything yourself? I think it's grest what you've done, keep up the good work. Thank you.
Name: Amber
Email:mailto:[email protected]
Date:
Saturday, January 20, 2001 at 12:28:29
Comments:
Donna, i am 10th grader at CNS high school and i am in the middle of reading your novel Pope Joan and i must say that it is a exstordinary novel. It is very well written and the bases brings good meaning to christianity today. Mr. Buzz my english teacher has gotten about half the engish students and teachers reading the novel and it seems that no one can put it down for more than a second. we hope that u will be able to make time to come to our school and talk to us about the novel and how u came to write such a good novel. Thank you for taking the time to read our comments and questions!
Name: gbuczkow
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 12:38:45
Comments:
Donna, My students at CNS High School really are enjoying your book,Pope Joan. They are so enthused about reading, they have bought all the copies from local bookstores.Now they have in turn, given copies to the high school teachers to read. Donna,I know you are very busy, but is there any way, that sometime in March, you could visit with the students for a short while and enhance their lives somemore? I appreciate you giving some thoguht to this possibility. Thank You
Name: Betty
Email:[email protected]
Location: Fountain
Hills, AZ USA
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at
12:21:40
Comments:
Hello Donna, It has been a while since we last communicated...I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Some of our bookclub members have been doing research, trying to figure out the heroine of your next book and a name that has come up several times is Marquise du Chatelet. Could it be so? It is very interesting reading your guest book letters. You are a busy lady and it is easy to see that everyone that has the opportunity to visit with you via speaker phone has has found the experience informative as well as delightfully enchanting. Our bookclub is still talking about it. Best of luck to you in the coming year. I hope the movie is moving right along. Sincerely, Betty
Name: Lauren and Megan
Email:mailto:[email protected],%[email protected]
Location:
North Syracuse, NY USA
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at
12:04:19
Comments:
We are two 10th grade Honors English students at C-NS high school in North Syracuse, NY, and WE LOVE YOUR BOOK! We are both now huge fans and think that Pope Joan is easily the best book we have ever read. We would love if, at all possible, if you could come in to our English class and talk to us. Mr. Buzz, our English teacher, has pretty much gotten everyone in our class hooked and we actually bought out Border's AND Media Play with requests for copies of Pope Joan! We have our e-mail addresses above, so if you could, PLEASE contact either of us in regards to our visit request. Thank you so much and thank you for writing such an incredible novel!
Name: barbara
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 14:01:31
Comments:
dear donna, sorry about the address thing. i'm in the guestbook right under your request for addresses. our book club meets on march 1st at 7pm. would love to chat about the possibility of setting something up. thank you again!!
Name: Tali
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Netanya, ISRAEL
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at
07:43:55
Comments:
Thank you for a wonderful experience! I've just finished reading the book and had to thank you for the oppertunity to go back so many years and actually feel how it was like back then. The book's atmosphere is magical and the story is breathtaking. Well done!
Name: Tomislav
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Munich, Bavaria Germany
Date: Monday, January 15, 2001 at
06:10:08
Comments:
I searched the web for informations about Pope Joan. I found many men (maybie conservative man) who donīt believe this fact of Pope Joanīs beeing. Well, Iīm a man, and believe it is true, cause your arguments are really god. But iīm looking forward to get more informations about it, cause You awoke an interesst about this woman in me which i canīt shake down from my mind. Thank You for that!!
Name: Melissa Dudek
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Oxford, OH USA
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2001 at
13:47:11
Comments:
Hello, my name is Melissa Dudek and I am a junior Theatre Major at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. On Tuesday I begin rehearsals for Caryl Churchill's "Top Girls". I will be playing the character of Pope Joan. I have checked your book out of the university library, but have not yet begun to read it. I am very excited about the subject matter and cannot wait to get started in my research. I was wondering if you could refer me to any other sources that would provide even more insight on Pope Joan. I have tried, but unfortunately have not come up with anything sufficient enough to use in my creation of the character. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Sincerly, Melissa A. Dudek
Name: Briggsa
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Cincinnati, OH USA
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2001 at
11:36:17
Comments:
Anyone who is considering asking Donna Cross to speak to your book club about Pope Joan, I have some advice to you: DO IT! Donna's comments really enhanced our discussion. Some authors are only talented in their writing; Donna is also a talented speaker.
Name: Lisa Gergely
Email:[email protected]
Location: Denver, CO
Date: Friday, January 12, 2001 at 17:12:38
Comments:
WOW! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us by speakerphone. We have never spoken to an author before and it was an unqualified success. I think it's great that you reach out to your readers. We will definitely tell all our friends in other book groups about your book and you willingness to discuss it. Thanks again! Lisa
Name: Donna Woolfolk Cross
Date: Friday, January 12, 2001
at 17:09:36
Comments:
A note to my (wonderful) readers: when you leave a message on the guestbook, you MUST be sure to leave your email address, or I cannot respond! Recently, there have been several messages from book reading groups requesting speakerphone chats. I'd love to oblige, but have no way to contact you! Please leave another message with your email address and I will reply promptly! Thanks!
Name: barbara
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2001 at
10:42:22
Comments:
so anxious to read your book! it comes highly reccommended. i'll be a hero if i can pull off having you call our bookclub! what an amazing opportunity. we meet the 1st thurs. of every month. pope joan is scheduled mar 1st at 7. we would be willing to change to another month if this doesn't work for you. thank you so much!!!
Name: Maureen Munger
Email:[email protected]
Location: Eau
Claire, WI USA
Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at
20:02:41
Comments:
I e-mailed you direct on Tuesday, but believe now that I should have contacted you through guestbook. Our book club has selected your novel for a discussion on March 8, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. Hoping you would be available to chat with us. My friend in Three Lakes, WI said the meeting of their discussion was absolutely awesome! We look forward to hearing from you; I read your book last Fall and found it to be incredible. Pope Joan was determined to say the least! I look forward to hearing from you soon; what a tremendous service to your readers; a live discussion of a great book. Maureen
Name: Christy
USA
Date: Monday, January 8, 2001 at
16:31:27
Comments:
I just wanted to tell you that I loved your book; the effort you must have put into means a lot to your readers. My high school friends and I recently read your book and everyone liked it, that says a lot! Thanks!
Name: Christy
USA
Date: Monday, January 8, 2001 at
16:30:51
Comments:
I just wanted to tell you that I loved your book; the effort you must have put into means a lot to your readers. My high school friends and I recently read your book and almost everyone liked, that says a lot! Thanks!
Name: Kristin Millar
Email:[email protected]
Location:
East Lansing, MI USA
Date: Sunday, January 7, 2001 at
11:53:13
Comments:
Our reading group will meet Friday, Feb. 5 at 9:30 A.M.(EST) to discuss your book - we are looking forward to your book and would love to hear from you - by phone or e-mail. Please let us know if either of these would work for you.
Name: Kristin Millar
Email:[email protected]
Location:
East Lansing, MI USA
Date: Sunday, January 7, 2001 at
11:52:58
Comments:
Our reading group will meet Friday, Feb. 5 at 9:30 A.M.(EST) to discuss your book - we are looking forward to your book and would love to hear from you - by phone or e-mail. Please let us know if either of these would work for you.
href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]
Location:
Coppell, TX USA
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2001 at
12:26:41
Comments:
My new book club has chosen Pope Joan for our first selection. It was recommended by a friend who told me it was her favorite book of all time. We are meeting January 30, 2001.
Name: marilyn
Email:[email protected]
va usa
Date: Friday, January 5, 2001 at 23:35:29
Comments:
I read Pope Joan two years ago and like so many of your readers had a hard time putting it down. I went to work many a morning quite sleepy. I told everyone I met that they just had to do themselves a favor and read this book! I was equally excited to discover your website, which I discovered by accident. What luck. Thank you and congratulations! I hope the movie does justice to your work.
Name: Rimona
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Tel-Aviv, Israel
Date: Thursday, January 4, 2001 at
12:38:35
Comments:
I am a facilitator of two book clubs in Tel-Aviv. We will be discussing your novel on Jan 17th 2001 at 9PM local time, and again on Feb.12th at 9PM. We would love to have the opportunity to chat with you on both of these dates about your fascinating novel.Thank you in advance , Rimona.
Name:Peter
Semenza
Email:[email protected]
Location:
Albany, N.Y. USA
Date: Thursday, January 4, 2001 at
09:22:54
Comments:
I look forward to meeting you in person at The Albany Wine Festival...and thanks for your thoughtful consideration of donating a bottle of "Pope Joan" wine and a first-edition copy of the book for our auction. My best regards.
Name: Manfred Bartl
Email:[email protected]
Date:
Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at 08:12:26
Comments:
Dear Mrs Cross! As Chat Manager of the LYCOS Network in Germany I'm very pleased to invite you to a celebration chat interview with our online users on the occasion of your book "Pope Joan" (German "Die Päpstin") becoming the No 1 >bestseller of the years 1999 and 2000 with over 2 million copies sold in Germany alone! Your German publisher Aufbau Verlag would welcome such a big event as much as I do, so I'm really looking forward to give our users the possibility to ask you questions about your book, your career as well as your life. On the other hand, I would really encourage YOU to ask yor readers the questions you weren't able to ask before - at least not your German readers! The chat would be held in English and moderated so that no disturbances shall not - and usually do not - occur. As a suitable date for this chat event I suggest a saturday at the end of February 2001, let's say February 17th or 24th ! Since it's going to be a great opportunity for all participants, I would be very grateful if you could accept this invitation and give us the honor to organize a chat with you! Sincerely Manfred Bartl Chat Manager LYCOS Europe GmbH
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