A Bad Day For Writers

[MelissaBaby]

Larry McMurtry, Novelist of the American West, Dies at 84

Beverly Cleary, beloved children’s author, dies at 104

 

[KeithD]

Yep, I saw that about McMurtry. Sad. I don't know about Cleary.

 

[SimonDoom]

Sad news. I somehow never read Cleary's books, but I was a fan of McMurtry's. McMurtry was one of those rare writers who was regarded as a serious artist, winning a Pulitzer Prize, but also knew how to write really entertaining novels. Lonesome Dove was one of the most fun novels I ever read. I've always liked McMurtry's prose style. He's one of those writers that an aspiring writer can profit from reading.

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

Henry Huggins was one of my favorite characters back in the late 60s/early 70s. Ramona was fun, too (reminding me of my little brat, ah, sister, in a way). I didn't know Beverly Cleary was still alive until reading an article around on her being 100 a few years ago. Rest in peace, ma'am, and thanks for the youthful adventures.

 

[Vix_Giovanni]

Beverly Cleary, beloved children’s author, dies at 104

I just was on the phone with my mom and sister; we had a cry together.

 

[Wifetheif]

Larry McMurtry, Novelist of the American West, Dies at 84

Beverly Cleary, beloved children’s author, dies at 104

Two giants in one day. Cleary may have been the more important of the two if only because she was responsible for getting literally countless numbers of kids all around the world hooked on reading. For so many of us, she was the "gateway drug" to being first readers and later, writers. The kids who read about Henry Huggins and Romana and Runaway Ralph, grew up to become the readers and appreciators of McMurtry. Without kids reading there would be no adults reading and damn few authors as a result.
Bless you, Ms. Cleary for addicting us to the drug of reading. You will be missed!

 

[Kumquatqueen]

I was delighted a couple years ago to find Cleary was still alive, and and written a couple more Ramona books than I remembered.

Ah well. She got another generation hooked on reading. And cooking. After all, "anyone who can read, can cook."

Never heard of the other guy.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

Beverly and those books were older than I thought they were. Never read them, thought they were chick books back then. I always read the front blurb and the backs, though.

 

[PeytonMirabelle]

Yes, it was a very sad day.

Still, McMurtry lived to 84, Cleary to 104. Both had full, successful lives and that lets me look back on their careers with admiration and happiness. May we all be so lucky to have such!

 

[Ian_Snow]

Both were tremendous writers. Two terrible losses.

 

[lovecraft68]

Yes, it was a very sad day.

Still, McMurtry lived to 84, Cleary to 104. Both had full, successful lives and that lets me look back on their careers with admiration and happiness. May we all be so lucky to have such!

This is a good way to look at. You have to go sometimes and neither were young.

They both leave a great legacy behind.