Guest Book
299 entries.
wrote on February 3, 2021
at
6:25 am
I am reading your butterfly book . There is an error. Salem is the capital of Oregon, not Eugene, where I live.
I am reading your butterfly book . There is an error. Salem is the capital of Oregon, not Eugene, where I live.... Collapse
wrote on January 18, 2021
at
8:52 pm
Dear Aimee Bender, I am interested in a brief interview with you for a Southern California literary journal. It could be non-invasive, 6 - 8 questions via e-mail. My other option was to write to Penguin Random House and they might forward you the request years from now. Thank you for considering this, and for keeping things weird. Best regards... Read more
Dear Aimee Bender,
I am interested in a brief interview with you for a Southern California literary journal. It could be non-invasive, 6 - 8 questions via e-mail. My other option was to write to Penguin Random House and they might forward you the request years from now. Thank you for considering this, and for keeping things weird. Best regards - Max... Collapse
wrote on November 29, 2020
at
7:22 am
I just finished The Butterfly Lampshade. I had been putting off reading the end to find time when I could read at leisure and not rush it. I have been thinking so much about mental illness - how a person can be on the edge of slipping into a distorted life that makes sense to the person but not to... Read more
I just finished The Butterfly Lampshade. I had been putting off reading the end to find time when I could read at leisure and not rush it. I have been thinking so much about mental illness - how a person can be on the edge of slipping into a distorted life that makes sense to the person but not to others around them.
Francie seems to be on the edge throughout her life but is supported by Vicky and her aunt and uncle and others in her life who give her time and space to work through the questions she has about the meaning of life’s events. I was especially drawn in by the scenes of heavy dialogue which seemed like genuine conversations (particularly the ones with young Francie). Your writing reminds me of Lydia Millett and I’m so glad to have discovered your work.... Collapse
wrote on November 26, 2020
at
7:06 pm
I just finished The Butterfly Lampshade and am in awe of your masterful deep-dive into Francie's fragile psyche while she courageously explores memories held in her body, heart, spirit, and environment await her on the edges of psychosis. I am a psychotherapist in private practice, and survivor of childhood medical trauma and adult violent sexual violence. My related memoir spans... Read more
I just finished The Butterfly Lampshade and am in awe of your masterful deep-dive into Francie's fragile psyche while she courageously explores memories held in her body, heart, spirit, and environment await her on the edges of psychosis. I am a psychotherapist in private practice, and survivor of childhood medical trauma and adult violent sexual violence. My related memoir spans years of starts and stops as I explore the impact of those and other traumas on me: woman, victim, survivor, healer. Your novel helps me remember and be grateful for my constant yet often ignored yearning to sort through what was and remains real, who I was and have become, what I did and didn't do, who journeyed with me, how I survived, and lessons learned worthy to pass along to others. Your writing (I will read all your works) touches and inspires me to deep-dive again for understanding and words to tell my story, one tragically shared by too many and embedded within the collective unconscious of women. Thank you.... Collapse
wrote on October 20, 2020
at
10:02 pm
My book club is meeting in November to discuss The Color Master. Do you have any suggestions for discussion questions or do you know of any websites that might? Thank you!!
My book club is meeting in November to discuss The Color Master. Do you have any suggestions for discussion questions or do you know of any websites that might? Thank you!!... Collapse
wrote on October 18, 2020
at
12:38 am
Imagine my surprise completing the NYT Crossword this morning to come upon a clue: 5D Novelist Bender. So embarrassed to say that until then I hadn't realized the far-flung Bender clan had a famous writer amongst us. Don't know if we're from the same branch of the family but my father was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1919, escaping the... Read more
Imagine my surprise completing the NYT Crossword this morning to come upon a clue: 5D Novelist Bender. So embarrassed to say that until then I hadn't realized the far-flung Bender clan had a famous writer amongst us.
Don't know if we're from the same branch of the family but my father was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1919, escaping the Nazis as a teenager and joining the British army - it's a long story which eventually led to Canada.
Anyway, being retired and an avid reader, I'll make a point now of acquiring and reading some of your works. Never read anything published by a Bender before so am looking forward to it!... Collapse
wrote on October 14, 2020
at
2:08 am
Hello, thank you for the inspiration!
Hello, thank you for the inspiration!... Collapse
wrote on October 9, 2020
at
9:36 pm
Aimee, your writing has impacted my entire perspective on fiction. I admire you and your work. I am the Managing Editor of The Fourth River and would love to interview you regarding your new book, The Butterfly Lampshade, this upcoming week. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Aimee, your writing has impacted my entire perspective on fiction. I admire you and your work. I am the Managing Editor of The Fourth River and would love to interview you regarding your new book, The Butterfly Lampshade, this upcoming week. Looking forward to hearing from you!... Collapse
wrote on September 6, 2020
at
4:54 pm
Just finished The Butterfly Lampshade and found it strikingly strange yet comforting. Our memories are ours alone and you bring us to recognize how exercising our minds may exorcise our problems. Now I'm going to eat a slice of lemon cake. Keep writing.
Just finished The Butterfly Lampshade and found it strikingly strange yet comforting. Our memories are ours alone and you bring us to recognize how exercising our minds may exorcise our problems. Now I'm going to eat a slice of lemon cake. Keep writing.... Collapse
wrote on August 27, 2020
at
7:17 pm
Do you remember me? I am your Eureka SD connection. I saw you in Chicago at a Book Conference. Five years ago we moved to Akron OH. I saw your picture and article in THE WEEK magazine and was glad to know you were still writing. I am wondering if your father is still alive. I went to high school... Read more
Do you remember me? I am your Eureka SD connection. I saw you in Chicago at a Book Conference. Five years ago we moved to Akron OH. I saw your picture and article in THE WEEK magazine and was glad to know you were still writing. I am wondering if your father is still alive. I went to high school in Eureka with him. I hope this brings back memories of our connection years ago.
Kathryn... Collapse
wrote on August 26, 2020
at
11:55 pm
I just finished Lemon Cake and loved it. I see the magical as a metaphor for the awkwardness of leaning to live with our strange selves as we grow in adulthood. Rose was so smart, knowing and wise for her age. Do you know Ali Shaw’s The Girl With Glass Feet. It’s Magical too.
I just finished Lemon Cake and loved it. I see the magical as a metaphor for the awkwardness of leaning to live with our strange selves as we grow in adulthood. Rose was so smart, knowing and wise for her age.
Do you know Ali Shaw’s The Girl With Glass Feet. It’s Magical too.... Collapse
wrote on August 21, 2020
at
3:46 am
Esteemed BenderBird, It has been at least one person's lifetime (that is, the offspring known as Bird's) since I last saw and spoke to you. I have a question about one of your beautiful books. Would you or a trusted assistant kindly let me know where to address my query? Hugs to you and your undoubtedly delightful mate, Lisa
Esteemed BenderBird,
It has been at least one person's lifetime (that is, the offspring known as Bird's) since I last saw and spoke to you. I have a question about one of your beautiful books. Would you or a trusted assistant kindly let me know where to address my query?
Hugs to you and your undoubtedly delightful mate,
Lisa... Collapse
wrote on August 13, 2020
at
3:43 am
Hi Aimee, I look forward to the arrival of the New York Times book review that my folks send me. I first turn to By the Book page just to see who the latest personality is and I am just as happy if it’s someone I don’t know, which was the case with you. I hope that there might be... Read more
Hi Aimee,
I look forward to the arrival of the New York Times book review that my folks send me. I first turn to By the Book page just to see who the latest personality is and I am just as happy if it’s someone I don’t know, which was the case with you. I hope that there might be one or two similarities in the person’s interest to mine. As I made my way through your interview, they kept popping out. A book about Sri Lanka and then War and Peace. I read War and Peace in a hospital with Typhoid when I was in the Peace Corps in Sri Lanka. I often find Kay Ryan’s poems comforting as well. And I remember reading the Oz books on my grandmother’s chaise lounge where I’m currently writing. What jumped at me the most was in the final paragraph where you mentioned liking the Phantom Tollbooth which is always been one of my favorite books and I smiled even bigger when I was listening to a video of you reading Words and Fruit. I knew I wanted to know more about you and your work and I tuned in to the Changing Hands book release and ordered your latest which you graciously signed. Thanks, for all of it,
John... Collapse
wrote on August 2, 2020
at
12:19 pm
Learning of your work today I had to write in appreciation of your power to inspire. Life, the creative imagination, is busting out all over. The theology of my people is "our god is life and its source." And I could care less if you're an atheist.
Learning of your work today I had to write in appreciation of your power to inspire.
Life, the creative imagination, is busting out all over. The theology of my people is "our god is life and its source." And I could care less if you're an atheist.... Collapse
wrote on July 28, 2020
at
11:10 pm
I also read the Times interview and was charmed by your voice. I loved they didn’t ask or print the dreaded Who would you invite at a dinner party. I also liked your Dr Seuss reference to pile 1, pile 2......I believe it was Lucy Kelleway of the FT who referred to her kids as cost center 1 and cost... Read more
I also read the Times interview and was charmed by your voice. I loved they didn’t ask or print the dreaded Who would you invite at a dinner party. I also liked your Dr Seuss reference to pile 1, pile 2......I believe it was Lucy Kelleway of the FT who referred to her kids as cost center 1 and cost center 2. Seuss again. I’ll try your books. Thanks for making me smile in these wonderfully strange times we’re living through.... Collapse
wrote on July 27, 2020
at
8:34 pm
Hello Ms. Bender. Recently I was watching on PBS the 25th anniversary of Les Miz in concert form. One of the biggest highlights was when Allie Boe in the role of Jean Valjean sang Bring Him Home. The audience reaction was a sustained, standing ovation. That performance weakened my knees. It was so powerful and compassionate. What made that performance... Read more
Hello Ms. Bender. Recently I was watching on PBS the 25th anniversary of Les Miz in concert form. One of the biggest highlights was when Allie Boe in the role of Jean Valjean sang Bring Him Home. The audience reaction was a sustained, standing ovation. That performance weakened my knees. It was so powerful and compassionate. What made that performance so outstanding was how Allie Boe and Jean Valjean became one as the song inhabited his soul.
On this past Sunday I read your interview in the NYT Book Review section. Your description of The Story of a Brief Marriage was so close to my feelings about Allie Boe’s masterpiece. You said that the author brings ‘us right there into tremendous pain and yearning for connection’. I was struck with the similarity between your words and my reaction to Bring Him Home.
I look forward now to read your novels. Best wishes.... Collapse
wrote on July 20, 2020
at
9:52 pm
I've enjoyed your writing so much. I'm rereading The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and looking forward to the release of The Butterfly Lampshade in a few days.
I've enjoyed your writing so much. I'm rereading The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and looking forward to the release of The Butterfly Lampshade in a few days.... Collapse
wrote on July 18, 2020
at
10:41 pm
Always my favorite author
Always my favorite author... Collapse
wrote on July 10, 2020
at
2:25 am
I am Stefano Casiraghi Jr, and I reside in the principality of Monaco. I have taken the privilege to write to you today, because my fiance is a huge admirer of your work. The reason I am writing to you today is because I would like to quietly invite you to our wedding, which is coming up on the 29th... Read more
I am Stefano Casiraghi Jr, and I reside in the principality of Monaco.
I have taken the privilege to write to you today, because my fiance is a huge admirer of your work.
The reason I am writing to you today is because I would like to quietly invite you to our wedding, which is coming up on the 29th of August, 2020. And an unexpected guest such as you will mean the world to her.
I assume that you are engaged in your busy schedules however, your 20mins cameo will be a splendid experience. Hence, permit me to extend my hospitality by offering you a token for your preparation.
Kindly be informed that your acceptance to honour this request will mark the beginning of another journey for my family, while I hope that this communication will remain as discreet as possible, to ensure that the expected excitement is achieved.
Yours Sincerely,
Stefano Casiraghi Jr.... Collapse