Mary-Ann Tirone Smith Message Board
Linda Wolfe posts on 6/5/2008 1:37:59 PM
Mary-Ann, Thanks for Girls of Tender Age. Like the others, I enjoyed it tremendously, benefited from the catharsis of laughter and tears, and learned so much about Connecticut. My book club is now reading it and I'm rereading it for our next meeting. Which brings me to the other reason I'm writing. I'll be hosting the July 1st discussion at my home in Salem,CT (not far off of exit 70 on 95N) at 6pm (date and time can be changed at your convenience). I, we, would love to have you join us! I can promise you good food (yes, pineapple cream pie too), wine, and a very grateful and happy group of bibliophiles to share an evening with. We're close to the shore and casinos so you may want to stop by on your way home and bring along any family or friends, the more the merrier! Mary-Ann, I hope you will consider it, and yet I will completely understand if the answer is no. I'm guessing you have my email from this posting, if not I'll post it. In any case, I've been told by two friends that your presentation at Lyme Library was great. Is there some way to find out your speaking schedule? Thanks for what you've given us.
Faith posts on 5/6/2008 11:44:06 AM
Hi Mary Ann,
I am reading Girls of a Tender Age and was surprised to see that my grandfather was mentioned on p167. I am the 57 yr old granddaughter of Mr. Schustermann. Actually, his name was Morris Shusterman. He lived in the Parkville section of Htfd and did deliver bread to Charter Oak Terrace. I would greatly appreciate if you would respond in this blog or email me any other memories you have of him.
Thanks,
Faith
Mariann Cichocki posts on 4/5/2008 12:34:12 PM
I read Girls of a Tender Age. I had my brother read it. Since we grew up on Hillside Ave.,went to St. Lawrence O'tools and White st school, this really hit our hearts. It will be a read that we will always remember and keep close to us.
Sheila Phelan Wright posts on 4/4/2008 7:28:53 PM
My brother just finished your book and suggested I read it. Amazing tale. We all grew up on Monroe Street, but left in 56-57 for West Hartford. I've been doing some memoir writing about those days in Hartford and it's so close to your experience. Identical experiences at the library; I couldn't get a book from the adult side no matter how hard I tried. St Lawrence O'Toole, the library, and Hillside Ave. Great writing.
mary-ann tirone smith posts on 3/29/2008 6:31:34 PM
Linda, Hope and Bill.
I will be coming to Southern soon. New date will be announced by the Ethnic Center.
I so love to hear from students who were assigned my memoir and connect with my life even though that life might be removed in terms of race, gender and time.
My mother's good friend was Peg Foberg. when I worked at CG on the housewives' shift (though I was a student at CCSU not a housewife), I used to cover for Peg when she'd go smoke a cigarette. She pretended she'd quit years earlier. Such enabling would not happen today, for sure.
Thank you all, for the kindly words.
Linda Sheehan posts on 3/26/2008 7:57:57 PM
Mary-Ann....was disappointed that you had to cancel at Southern in Dec. Hope to hear you'll be speaking soon. I just finished Girls of Tender Age and loved it so much. We are close in age & I grew up in New Haven, part of an Italian Catholic family and at times I just laughed out loud. It brought back wonderful memories. Thank you for that. I wish you continued success and look forward to reading all your books.
Hope posts on 2/11/2008 11:37:16 PM
Ms. Tirone Smith, I hope you get a chance to read this message. I am in the process of reading Girls of Tender Age, which I was assigned to read for a class at my college.
I want you to know that your story is my story, too. You have given words to feelings that I didn't even know I had. Thank you for that. I get chills every time I turn the page because I come to a new realization about how I dealt, or rather, didn't deal with my friend's murder 14 years ago. I always felt like I was the only one who remembered her, but now I don't feel so alone. Again, thanks.
Keep up the good work. You are a beautiful writer.
Peace.
William Haslun posts on 1/9/2008 11:15:14 AM
Hello: I really enjoyed your book, Girls of Tender Age. I knew your mother pretty well from a business standpoint. I arrived in Hartford with my wife, now of 56 years, and twin daughters, now 55, in 1953 to work at CG on Elm Street. We lived in the new apartments on Hillcrest off of New Britain Ave. just over the line in West Hartford (Elmwood) near the Lincoln Dairy factory.
I was 24 and a "raring to go" college kid with a degree in management from Syracuse. My first job was to "supervise" the mother's shift and I remember your mother well and fondly. My first night on the job I sat reading "How to Be A Good Supervisor" so all could see that I wanted to really do the job. What a jerk!!!
Actually, I was to learn, people like Verna Sweet and Peg Foberg, were the real supervisors the women looked up to. At first they tolerated me, but soon we were all good friends. I loved the mother's group and really admired them. None were working for the "Kicks".
Florence also moved with us to Bloomfield in 1957 and joined the daytime fulltime work force. Having read your book, I realize now that while I really liked your mom, it was hard to really know her. She was an outstanding worker and employee.
I didn't know about you, but she did tell me about Tyler; especially buying those very expensive Jane's books EVERY SINGLE year! And I knew she was an outstanding bowler. I never knew about her golf!
The library book group at the Granby Public Library recently finished discussing your book. I heard from the Librarian, Joan Fox, that they laughed and cried quite openly. I did too while reading a copy of the book at home.
If you want to add anything, ask anything or email chat, please do. Otherwise, once again, thanks for the memories and a great read.
Bill Haslun
Granby, Ct.
kathy ryan-gidman posts on 10/18/2007 1:33:52 PM
Hi Mary-Ann!
I teach English teacher at E.O.Smith High School in Storrs, and am also the Book Club advisor. Last year the club read (and adored) "Girls of Tender Age." I was very sorry to miss you when you read and spoke at Tolland Library in the spring. However, now my English department is in the happy position to invite you here. We (along with our Social Studies colleagues) were awarded a grant from our alumni/community foundation to pay for a guest speaker of our choosing. I suggested you, and others excitedely seconded the idea. By any chance are you available to come to E.O.Smith to speak or lead a discussion (about you, your book, Hartford, the are in the 50s, crime investigations then vs. now, whatever!!)? Any time throughout the year (before June 2008) is fine; we can accommodate with any type/size venue or audience you prefer.
I eagerly await your response. Thanks so much for your time.
-Kathy Ryan-Gidman
E.O. Smith High School
1235 Storrs Road
Storrs, CT 06268
(860) 487-0877 x4497
Alice Schuette posts on 9/1/2007 11:53:14 AM
Hi Mary-Ann
I chose your book for my book club in New Milford, Ct. We are meeting on September 24th at 8pm to discuss Girls of Tender Age (love it!). I read you are open to attending discussion groups and was wondering if you would like to join us. We would love to have you. Please email me to let me know either way if you can come.
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