Fan letters from authors/patrons

2024 – year 10

From our moderator, Leigh Haber, who oversaw the Oprah Book Club for the past 10 years:

From: Leigh Haber
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:22 AM
To: lo
Subject: Re: Our group photo and a big thank you all!

Lois–your specialty–among others–is how you’re able to facilitate such fellowship among people who, for the most part, don’t know each other. You have a unique ability to make each person feel taken care of and special, and the result is fascinating conversation with kind-hearted, smart people. Thanks for everything! It was such a pleasure. Love, Leigh

On Mar 23, 2024, at 9:52 PM, Morris Saffer wrote:

Thanks Lois, It was a wonderful day.  Totally entertaining and enlightening . You should be very proud.

Cheers , Morris

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Hi Lois,

Thank you again for another fantastic book festival! I am so lucky as a new writer to have this resource in my backyard! The caliber of each author is remarkable-at most book events, even the huge ones, you’re lucky if one author is as accomplished as any one of the authors at your festival! I’ve also really enjoyed the Authors from the cinema world (between your festival over the last few years and a recent Howard Stern interview with Quinton Tarantino, I’ve been enjoying reading a lot of books on directors and actors that I never would have read if not for your festival.  Thanks again!

Have a great weekend,

Greg Morse

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From: Saundra Garner <
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 10:52 AM
To: palmbeachbookfestival@comcast.net <palmbeachbookfestival@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: thank you

I want to thank you for an amazing day. The authors you selected to speak were outstanding. What a prestigious group! If you ever need help with anything please let me know. I’m a retired English teacher and would be delighted to volunteer.

The camaraderie you and Barry share was a special treat for we members of the audience to enjoy.

Sandy Garner

Sent from my iPhone

From: Peggy Butler <pegb.gregory@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:24 AM

Subject: Hello and thank you

Dear Lo,

Thank you for your sweet gesture toward me at the book festival. That was so unexpected but sweet of you!

I enjoyed this one more than any of the others I’ve attended, not that I attended many after the osteonecrosis started. So glad to have that behind me! Barry Sonnenfeld’s interview was particularly entertaining.

I didn’t have the cash to get the books there and signed, but my two seatmates and I were discussing it and I said I was going to get mine on Amazon next week. Kathy, the lovely lady and new friend, sitting to my right, said she was thinking she’d probably get them there. When she left on the break, I had no idea what she was going to do besides buy Barry’s book. At the end of the festival after you told us all goodbye, she turned to me and said, Peggy, this is Barry’s book. I was admiring the cover when she suddenly opened a page and it said, To Peggy, Best wishes from Barry Sonnenfeld. I was so touched that she’d do that. Every day something like that and your sweet gesture toward me renews my faith in humanity and lets me know that human beings are basically good and kind.

I hope you enjoyed your dinner that night with the authors, although if Barry was with you, it must have been difficult not to choke on your food laughing LOL And the funniest thing about his sense of humor is that he’s serious. Those things about his mom in the book are hysterically comical but he states them as just flat-out facts. I sit at my desk reading and giggling through it. What a delightful read!

And getting to see and hear Joyce Carol Oates was such a treat. I admire her so much. She’s so very talented, and yet so down to earth, one of those women I’d love to have as a friend. You are blessed to have the friendship of so many of these wonderful human beings, Lo, and then to have yours.

Love you and hope you stay well.  Peggy

From: evelyn ziegler
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 7:35 AM
To: palmbeachbookfestival@comcast.net <palmbeachbookfestival@comcast.net>
Subject: Book festival AMAZING

Dear Lois, I just wanted to write and tell you how great the book festival was!!!  I invited three friends and we attended the sessions with Lauren Groff and Barry Sonnenberg. So good. So inspiring. Such a notch above what is usually available here. I felt like I was in Manhattan! Lauren Groff seems like Florida’s Hilary Mantel.  What a cool girl!!  And you and Barry were so fun to watch. He has a unique and interesting perspective. Also very inspiring.

Sincerely yours,  Evie Ziegler

Sent from my iPhone

From: Judy Merson <dtlbookclub@bocalibraryfriends.org>
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 5:29 PM
To: Lois Cahall <palmbeachbookfestival@comcast.net>
Subject: Book Festival

Thank you for letting me know about the Festival I had a wonderful experience today thanks to you and listening to the interviews of Joyce Carol Oates and Lauren Groff .  I would like to thank you both for the invitation to the Palm Beach Book Festival. I was able to attend the Lauren Groff session and it was remarkable. Her honesty high energy personality and realness were a breath of fresh air. I didn’t get to introduce myself as everyone scattered for lunch. Lois, you were surrounded by that point. I do hope to meet or chat with one of you in the future as I believe there are ways either myself or my husband can contribute to future author sessions in some capacity.

With humble regards,

Gena

Fan mail – 2019 – year 5

From Instagram:  As I look back at this weekend, I finally get to reflect. This experience is one of the ones that will be hard to compare to any trip!  The fact that I got to meet and hang out with (yep, drove in his car just him, me and his wife – James Patterson) I also got to meet some amazing people who will forever be a part of our journey and I owe all this to the most amazing, kind, loving person, Lois Cahall.  You truly can show so many how to lead by example!  Your passion is contagious and I am lucky to call you my friend!

• Rob Scheer, Author, A Forever Family; and moderator to James Patterson

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Dear Lois:

I have been sending out rave reviews on your festival to all– my editor at Ecco and my agent. Thank you, eternal thanks, for a really fine and fun weekend.  Sharon had a blast, and so did I.  And I got to meet such fine writers.  EVERYBODY was just as fine as they can be.

Lois, thank you again for everything.  It really was a great three days.   Holler at me whenever I can do anything for you!

Warmly,

Ben [Fountain]

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Lois

Thank you for a swell time.  Cynthia and I enjoyed mixing it up with the beautiful people at The Breakers and more importantly, meeting you, the other writers and Morris and Vivian. Ben Fountain and I also enjoyed our panel, and we plan on getting together in Boston when he comes up next month.

Stay in touch and all best

Ben [Bradlee Jr.]

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Dear Lois,

Mitch  Albom was the icing on the cake.  Had me in tears.  What an emotionally powerful end to an inspirational day.

You’re brilliant.   I so appreciate all your hard work.

• Morris, Board of Advisors

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Hi Lois,

Just wanted to say thanks for inviting us to the Book Festival, my wife and I found it very enjoyable. I particularly liked the political discussion by the two Bens, and Mitch Albom was pretty amazing. My wife has read his books and I have not, but will have to pick them up after hearing his story.

• John Nelander

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Dear Lois,

I just love books so much. Last year’s event was the best yet and outstanding. So loved it all. My husband only came because a friend I bought a ticket for cancelled and he felt sorry for me. He definitely wants to come this year!  We are both retired teachers/educators and I think I heard about it just because I read everything I can about books and book events in the area.

I was on library board for many years and used to go their bookfest  but they changed it to one day and it wasn’t as good.  For PB Schools I coordinated Adult Literacy events for many years after teaching literature, creative writing and I’m good at networking.

– Jayne Kupperman

Some Facebook posts that we happened to catch (because it’s so hard capturing all the social media ‘love’): 

Hearing what motivates each author to share his or her stories with us is not something I will soon forget. It was an honor to be in the presence of such a notable group. There was such a behind-the-scenes look at what inspires these writers to create and craft their stories. As I read each book, I will feel a personal connection. Each author was warm and welcoming while signing. Count me in for next year!

–Robin Galvin Fink

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With regard to Ben Bradlee Jr and Ben Fountain:

This panel was an important discussion of our current moment that did not retreat into the typical ideological bubbles most of us live in today and an astute analysis of how we got here. Two books we all need to read and the next Democratic candidate ignores at their peril.

Michael Horswell, PhD Dean Floirda Atlantic University

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I had time for just one panel today, but am so glad I went! The two authors who have titles with Oprah’s Book Club were so down to Earth and candid about their process.  – Jen Rossun 

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Kudos to Lois Cahall and Palm Beach Book Festival. A-List Authors. Stuart Woods knocks out one best seller after another, beyond comprehension. Over 75 novels, 50+ best sellers. How?

Allen Balough

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2018

Dear Lois,

    Just arrived back in New York, filled with gratitude to you and everyone connected with the festival for the opportunity, for the award, and for the many kindnesses that everyone gave to us. Thank you. Alex, Elliot, and I are most appreciative.     

    Dan Rather  

    Sent from my iPhone

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Dear Lois, Founder of PB Book Festival,

Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the 2018 Palm Beach Book Festival! I have participated in a lot of events over the years but yours was the best!  Everything was perfectly executed and organized.

Joe [Finder] was great to moderate and Morris and Vivian [dinner hosts] were such splendid hosts…and the entire team at the event performed flawlessly.  Congrats on a superb event!

All my best,  Larry [Loftis]

 ###

I have to tell you that you run a fantastic book festival.  All the authors loved being there, and what a pleasure it was to have breakfast by the pool at the Colony.  

Joe Finder 

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Dear Lois,

Thank you for a truly spectacular weekend at the Palm Beach Book Festival.   I’m so moved by your generosity, enthusiasm, and grace.  I hope our paths cross again very soon!

• Warmly, Kirstin Chen

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Dear Lois,

It was good seeing you yesterday, and what a fine stable of authors you had. We walked out with an armload of books. It was fascinating to hear Joe Finder on his creative process and it was nice talking to Scott and Ed again. Cameron was, well, a hoot!

You do great work, girl. Thanks so much for having the event. I always come away inspired and motivated.

All our best and big hugs,

Al Dawson (and his wife)

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Dear Lois-

It was again, for my 2nd time, a great pleasure to attend the Palm Beach Book Festival yesterday. It was a light-hearted, joyful, informative day which highlighted emphatically WHY we read books! I look forward to attending upcoming events and definitely supporting this wonderful organization.

Best,

Ilene Golembiovsky

Sent from my iPhone

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Dear Ms. Cahall,

On behalf of the students and chaperones who had the pleasure of listening to Kwame Alexander and James Patterson. a most sincere THANK YOU!!  Our common goal is to get more students reading and increasing their levels.

Here at Pahokee Middle we strive for the opportunities to expose our students to literature and the authors that make great reading possible.

As an avid reader myself it was another wonderful experience.

Thank You.

Sonia Soto, Magnet School Coordinator

Pahokee Middle/Senior High School

Pahokee,Fl 33476

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Dear Lois,

Thank you for inviting me to attend your Book Festival this weekend.  I drove up on Saturday from Lynn University where I have been Distinguished Visiting Professor of Oboe for the past eight years.

You are a lady exhibiting entrepreneurial imagination and resourcefulness with eloquence, style and humane instincts.  It is presumptuous of me to suggest that we may be kindred spirits.  Congratulations to you for all you have achieved!

Joseph Robinson, LYNN UNIVERSITY

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Dear Lois Cahall,

I wanted to thank you for being the founding mother of the Palm Beach Book Festival.  I have gone every year since it began..from the Norton to the Himmel auditorium to this year’s at the Convention Center.  You have brought us outstanding authors and I’m happy that the Festival is a non-profit which promotes reading for young readers.  Now, I would like to give you my personal feedback.

First the presentations that I enjoyed the most.  Of course Dan Rather goes without saying.  He is an inspiration and a wise commentator of our times and it was a thrill to hear him in person.   Leigh Haber is always an excellent moderator and gave careful attention to her thoughtful questions for him.  She also was well prepared in moderating Mira Lee.  Mira Lee’s presentation was enticing and I can’t wait to read her book.  Bruce Cameron’s humor was such a treat and a good way to end the day.

Sincerely,
Rosemary Crow

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After our 2018 Cocktail launch party: 

Hi Lois

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for inviting me to the cocktail gathering last night. I’m so glad to have finally met you in person.
You are an inspiring individual who is both passionate and dedicated to a host of worthy causes. You certainly have inspired me, and I must say, that you made me a “fan”.
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time, and having enough interest in my work,to help guide me down a road I have never traveled on before.

Sincerely
Jerry Kellerman 

##

Lois,

I don’t know how you do what you do but you certainly do it well! I knew from hearing you speak last year that you’re an excellent public speaker, but you’re also terrific in intimate groups. I really sensed that the crowd felt warmed, welcomed, and intrigued, by your talk about goals and the upcoming festival. Well done!

Really appreciate your encouragement, support, and kind words, last night. Very excited about all this! And I truly enjoyed meeting your lovely husband.

More to come Janis

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2017

Hello Lois

Bravo!!! Kudos to you and your team! Ya done GOOD!

Thanks for creating such a great event for the Palm Beaches about Authors and Books. God we need you now more than ever…… encouraging people/kids to read.

The authors were engaging and Robert Wagner a walk down memory lane – Hart to Hart!

– Deborah Hutchinson, Palm Beach

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Bravo on the new book store!  The festival book sellers had smiles, were kind, and so helpful this year.  The lines moved quickly, efficiently and Howard, the book agency manager was delightful and engaging to even the longest of lines.  Thank you for bringing together such a team.  This is my favorite festival!  Counting the days until the 2018 one. Do you have a set date yet?

With love and regards,

Sue

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Hi again Lois–quick thank you for providing such an excellent bookfest! Sebastián Junger and Amor Towle (what a gentleman!) were just as interesting and inspirational as I had hoped.

Lisa

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Lois,
You are such a star, with such a full life, I don’t know how you did it.
The whole lineup was perfect and you brought out the best in every regard.
I did post a couple of demonstrative tweets, hope you saw them.

Craig

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Lois,

I just wanted to thank you so much for making today an amazing experience for my students, staff and I. You are so amazing, genuine and generous. Looking forward to Saturday!

Mike

Michael Aronson
Principal
Pahokee Middle High School
“International Baccalaureate World School”
900 Larrimore Road
Pahokee, FL 33476

On 4/22/17, 8:22 PM, “Al’s Gmail” wrote:

Lois,

You are the bomb! The festival far exceeded anything Jane and I expected. What a roster of articulate, engaging, superstar authors!

If the objective was to inspire, you succeeded in spades. The panels were superb. Matthew was wonderful. The signings were fun and intimate. (Scott even remembered our dinner.)

Thank you so much for including me. You deserve total credit for what has to be herculean work making this festival happen, and even more, succeed.

Much love, Al 

Sent from my iPhone

**

FROM OUR TECHNICAL GUY WHO DID SOUND AND LIGHT:

Lois
Hope you enjoy the theater and your Event . You were a great Host a. Beautiful host and I so love your passion . You almost made me cry talking about buying the books and you just wear your emotions on your sleeve and everyone was moved .

You are something special and the World is lucky . You make dreams, educate, change life’s and the list goes on and on . I was so so disappointed with the age of the audience . Need to find ways to make all of us have free time to read and want to read . Stimulates the mind and is healthy . So type of Gimmick where it rings them in maybe sports, money, vacations .

I don’t know how but if something isn’t done it will be rare or extinct .  Huge friend admirer and fans of you both

Sam

Sent from my iPhone

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Want to thank you so very, very much for organizing everything and ensuring that my eleven guests for the James Patterson panel were treated really royally. Getting them to the head of the line for the book signing was brilliant on your part. I do thank you so very much.

I think you know that I would not have asked the favor on my own behalf. But these ladies are special, and I know they are going to remember the event for many, many months to come!I enjoyed the day immensely. Lois did a truly fabulous job.  Please keep me posted as to progress on the next Palm Beach Book Festival. I think you and the Festival are very firmly on the map now!!!!

Have a wonderful Summer,

Best,
Joanna

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Hello
My son and I attended the Robert Wagner presentation this past Saturday. I just wanted to take the time to let you know what a great time we had. The venue was awesome, the staff and volunteers were all friendly, helpful, and professional. Everything was organized and went smoothly. Even the signing line which can often be choatic went smoothly!
Me. Wagner was great, we enjoyed his talk and his rapport with Mr. Eyman. My son who is 18 hasn’t stopped talking about it. He called his grandparents to tell them all about meeting Mr. Wagner. I immediately sent the picture to my brother we used to stay up watching Hart to Hart when we were kids.

Speaking of pictures, I wanted to mention the lady that was taking people’s pictures in Mr. Wagner’s line was fantastic! She was so kind and friendly! After our turn she helped my son and I get back to the elevator. He has CP and uses a cane so stairs can be difficult. I wish I would have asked for her name. Please pass on my regards!
We hope to be back next year and if you ever put on any events in Broward we will be there as well!
Robb–

Sent from Gmail Mobile

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2016

Hi Lois,

I just wanted to thank you again, on behalf of myself and Hachette [Publishing], for inviting me to this year’s Palm Beach Book Festival, and I wanted to say what a truly fantastic time I had. It was an honor for me to share a stage with Gail Sheehy and Leigh Haber during my panel, and the audience was simply terrific. They proved sophisticated and adventurous, and it was easily the best book signing I’ve done yet. The vibe all weekend made the festival feel like the kind of authoritative event that’s been up and running for 10 years–it was almost hard to believe that it was just the second year. With a community this engaged, I have no doubt that the Palm Beach Book Festival will continue to prosper and evolve in exciting ways, and if you’d ever like to me to come down for it again, just say the word.

–          Owen Gleiberman, Senior Film Critic, Variety & author of MOVIE FREAK

Dear Lois,

I  just wanted to thank you for including me in The Palm Beach Book Festival. There was a feeling of bonhomie among participants that I have not experienced any where else. You have a kindness and a knack for giving so much of yourself to others. What you’ve done for Palm Beach is so generous.  You invited a wonderful group of people and set the perfect tone. The two dinners were special and elegant – I haven’t been to any events in PB that I have enjoyed so much. You made each and every author feel special despite having to organize so much in 72 hours.

At our panel I thought the audience was very engaged and I was surprised/ delighted how far some people had traveled to attend. It felt as if many came to learn and not just be entertained and it felt very good to be a part of such an event.

–          Margaret Thornton, novelist, CHARLESTON

Hi Lois,

So happy that my donation reached you. I think the Book Festival is probably the best thing to happen to Palm Beach since Henry Flagler built the Breakers!!! Seriously, as my husband always says, readers are leaders and I can’t think of a worthier cause than inspiring a new generation to read and write. I know reading saved my childhood. So, keep up the great work, and please do keep me posted as to new developments. Wishing you both a wonderful summer too,

–          Joanna Elm, proud supporter

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Dear Lois:
Thanks for the updates and for all you do!
Your conferences have been great – informative,
entertaining and inspirational.
All my best wishes,

–   Arlene Englander
      LCSW, MBA

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2015

Dear Lo,

Thank you for the photos, but more importantly, that you for all thew work, anxiety and energy you put in to make that weekend such a splendid time had by all.  You really pulled it off, and deserve a complete Joan Collins spa vacation somewhere.  Nearly all of the New York gang taking part bonded, and believe me, that never happens at other literary festivals or events, where everyone does their separate thing and might as well be at a trade convention.    So you done good.  More than good.

Jim (James Wolcott, Vanity Fair)

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Hello Lo,

Congratulations on a most successful event!  You so deserve the accolades and admiration,  a martini or two?  James Patterson is one of your biggest fans.  I told James Wolcott that I was a student of yours.  “Aren’t we all?” he cooed as he signed a book for me.

• Eva Kranich

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Lois,
Thank you so much for including me in the inaugural festival.  I enjoyed every minute of it and was happy to see such an enthusiastic response from readers.  I thought your tribute to Jerry (Healy) was especially touching.  Please let me know if there is anything I can continue to help make the festival a success in years to come.

• James Grippando (NYTimes Best-selling author)

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Dear Lois,

What an amazing choreography you have set up along with an exciting itinerary.  xox Doris Downes

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How can I express my gratitude?  I loved this weekend.  An amazing collection of smart yet kind people.  A beautiful setting with a gracious hostess.  And surprises!  Thank you so much.

Carrie Feron, Senior Editor William Morrow

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Lois, I’m in awe of your achievement this weekend!  It truly was an impressive inauguration of what, I’m confident, will become a Palm Beach institution.  It was a great honor to be part of this amazing, and inspirational, experience.  Assuring you of my continued support.

• Morris Saffer (sponsor, Board of Advisors)