Dani’s Comments (group member since Jul 03, 2011)

Dani’s comments from the Ask Ayelet Waldman group.

Ayelet wrote: "Dear Joanna,

DON'T DO IT! All I do all day long is spell my name for people. "You YELL it? HAHAHAHAHA." Like I've never heard that before. OY.

I love the idea of providing entertainment for a nur..."

My daughter is named Ayelet - a difficult name to have in the U.S. although everyone compliments us/her on what a beautiful name once they understand how to pronounce it (and yes, we have heard all the "I YELL it" jokes.) She just turned 5 - and when she sees your books she gets very excited because they have her name on them! (Our family in Israel sends lots of books/toys/etc. that have her name too... but try finding a bike license plate with Ayelet!! Oy!)

I have read many of your novels. What I particularly enjoy about your writing is how accessible the prose is. The research is excellent with careful and specific language that draws you into the time and place. Perhaps more importantly, the characters (at least for me) are so wonderfully drawn that I feel I know them. There is always something to relate to - a mother's heartbreak, joy, fear or loathing; a father's disappointment or brilliance; a child's innocence and yearning, etc. Red Hook Road particularly captured my imagination and heart. The climax (set perfectly in time to music) was brilliant and touching.

Thank you for bringing these people into my life - I look forward to your next novel.

Dani