sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 21, ’10

Mazel tov, cuz!
I sat on my porch this beautiful afternoon with your book and read it cover to cover.  I found the autobiographical poems most affecting, maybe in part because I’m familiar with your cast of characters.  The memories of Stuyvesant Town and childhood friendships are so vivid.  I particularly admired the story-poem about your exhausted mother sending her two little girls downstairs for a birthday present.  What a wonderful snapshot of that time and place and those beleaguered men and women known as our parents.  Congratulations, dear Susan.  And thank you for your sweet inscription.
Best of luck with it.
Love,
Your Cousin
(Donald Margulies)

skeezicks1957 wrote on Jun 22, ’10

Sans – your book was waiting in my mail box when I got home from work last night.  It is beautiful.   I quickly read the intro and looked at the outlay and it is well organized.  As I read through the poems I will add more comments here.   You did a wonderful job and I will cherish my personalized autographed copy!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 22, ’10

Mary Ellen, Thanks so much, I appreciate that, truly!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 22, ’10

Letter from a family friend, aged 90 Dear Susan,
Congratulations to you upon the publication of your BOOK! Your work is fascinating, sensitive, and evocative. Thanks for writing it and publishing it. You should be very pleased and proud.
I haven’t finished it; I find it hard to put down.
Best wishes, admiration and Love, Al

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 22, ’10

Dear, dear Sue: I stopped at page 92, and it was not easy; only because I had chores to do.  I can’t wait to resume reading.  What a great talent you are!  But then I already knew that from your blogging.  Thanks so very much for this magnificent treasure.  It’s such an easy read and it does exactly what you set out to do; takes the reader right along with you at every turn, and, is the most interesting book of poetry I have ever read.  Terrific format.   I was blown away with Birthing at Bocuse.  I love it.  You might be interested to know that so far I have a list of four people who I want  to have a copy and I have already checked it out on Amazon. I must go now.  I’m going to have my lunch on the balcony and resume reading The Cerebral Jukebox.  I will keep in touch. Congratulations for a job well done. Blessings be yours…………Ellie

pestep55 wrote on Jun 22, ’10

Hi Sue! After a long day at work, your package was a joy. The inscription brought a smile. The card (one of yours!) a delightful treat! My first random opening — pg 122 — perfect, I can so relate lol. I have been happliy enjoying all parts as a stormed passed through. Must stop reading now, better get dinner ready, Just signed on to let you know the book is wonderful! Thanks /:-)

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 22, ’10

THANK YOU!!!!!!

sousonne wrote on Jun 23, ’10

I received your book yesterday afternoon, June 22, 2010, on my son’s birthday.  I began reading it and with a number of interruptions, was able to finish it this morning before 10 a.m.
I enjoyed it very much …being autobiographical, it was like watching YOUR life, flash before my eyes… The selections that I particularly liked were: “Credo” (all of it) “Potsy”, “Theft”, “Birthing at Bocuse” (very entertaining), “The Cricket Connection”…I especially loved the line: “what will happen to mankind? And: why isn’t man kind?” in that one… “Before The First Frost”, “What the Birds Know”, “The Lake” (great imagery in that one), “Tina Tina Proud and Free”, and I really, really liked,  “On Leaves”. What I love about this book is that it’s so honest….you hold your hands out and display it all in each palm, sometimes innocent, sometimes quite raw…
Congratulations.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 23, ’10

Thanks, so much. It is very interesting how each person resonates with different poems. Thanks for taking the time to comment I appreciate it.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 23, ’10

From Sandy my charm collector friend:
Received my book, Susaleh!!! LOVE the wrapping and the sweet inscription. LOVE the poems and pics. LOVE the stamps on my envelope. LOVE the bagels and lox card. Everything was just so and perfect. I could tell it was sent with lots o’ love. Thanks charming friend!

recoveringteacher wrote on Jun 24, ’10

Your book just arrived today. Thank you for the card and inscription. I’ll be sure to let you know my thoughts once I have read through.
Best to you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’10

Thanks, Steve! Enjoy!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’10

From my childhood and family friend, Ginny:
Sis, Received your book today and could not put it down.  Does it bring back memories?  You bet it does!  I love it! My mother spent about 20 minutes looking through it, especially enjoying the “old” photos and of course reminiscing about you and your family!  She and I love the photos and recognized some of them!  I have my father’s album from way back and I know there are pictures of your parents before “us” days!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 25, ’10

From a childhood friend:
Got the book today.  Thanks for stirring up some memories- can’t wait to delve into it.  Had to read about the ice cream man – Sam was the good humor man on my corner and he always called my sister Chocolata.  How about those toasted almond pops!!- More later- Love, Rhonda

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 27, ’10

Hello Sue:
I know you’re not used to hearing from me, but I have some thoughts to pass on.  I used to live in Stuyvesant Town, and you described it in such minute, accurate detail.  The south side of 14th Street is still as you described it, except the names of the stores have changed.  And now you will see air-conditioners at Stuyvesant Town windows and upscale landscaping.  But very little else has changed.  I lived there for more than 25 years, until October 2006.
Your book is not difficult to read and your style is most entertaining. I relived some of the experiences you illustrated and loved your photographs and drawings. Keep writing; you’re good at it, and you have stories to tell.
Sincerely,
Ellie’s Jim (Jim Morton)

arcamun wrote on Jun 29, ’10

OMG OMG OMG!!!!! Your book has arrived. I spent yesterday afternoon and last night pawing over it…consuming it, as it consumed me. I see you and feel you, on every page. I love the chronology, the elegant flow through the years and the journey you take the readers on. The imagery is fantastic, like a movie that runs through the minds eye in technicolour, and at times, in just browns or black and white. …the full spectum, and each a priceless gem as a stand alone as well as a small, but integral part of this exceptional body of work. Sooz you have DONE IT!! A success. What an accomplishment….the photographs and artwork are amazing also. All that incredible history. This is a very valuable book and New Yorkers should be proud of this piece of Art/History. My favourite poem may surprise you…   “The Vase”. I so love this poem. I relate to it on so many levels. How many times throughout our lives have we experienced an “Oh Shit!!!” moment?….this poem epitamises that totally. I read it over and over. Thank you…… ….. thank you for the wonderful gift, thank you for the signature, thank you for the journey through your life, thank you for you, and most of all, thank you for being my friend.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 29, ’10

And thank you dearest, “Rooz” for the gorgeous comment which is so precious to me. Hope to see you back on Multiply, I’ve missed you! Much love, Sooz

opossumd wrote on Jun 30, ’10

Dearest Sue, I HAVE RECEIVED THE BOOK!!! I don’t know how to thank you… It is simply fabulous. Even before acknowledging receipt, like a glutton, I had to devour it from cover to cover. An accessible author? As far as I am concerned, you are far more than that: you have created a complete empathy with this reader. I have experienced your experiences, seen what you have seen, felt what you have felt, heard what you have heard – in other words, I have become YOU! You have rocked me with your musicality, charmed me with your magic, taken my hand and led me through a wondrous kind of déjà-vu, yet completely fresh and original. My dear, you have earned yourself a perennial regular shipment of new Caneti oil as a token of my gratitude. I will go into detail and comment as things come to mind but, first of all, let me tell you that the greatest achievement of The Cerebral Jukebox is that it makes me want to meet you in person, and for you to become one of my real life friends. We MUST meet, my wonderful sister. I have enjoyed everything about the book: from the graphic layout to the nostalgic b/w pictures; from the subdivision into seven Parts (a lot to delve into and discover) to the quotations; from the evoked songs to the unforgettable tableaux you paint with words – sometimes delicate, sometimes disturbing, always incisive. It has taken blood, sweat and tears, but it was worth it. The end product is immaculate. Please, please, don’t let the past problems overwhelm you: I want to read more of your unique poetry. I know you have an infinity of other poems waiting for publication. I have decided to send copies of the paperback to my best friends as Xmas or birthday presents, I am sure they will love it. Last but not least, thank you for the moving dedication, Sue. Your words reflect my feelings: truly amazing was our meeting through the computer, and I am so lucky to have you as my friend! With my sincerest gratitude, and an encouragement to keep composing and making the world a still better place. Grazie. Ti voglio bene! Yours, Daniela

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 30, ’10, edited on Jul 1, ’10

Thank you, my Dani. I am actually going to glean some of these wonderful comments and use them at the gift shop, in my bio, where my books are hopefully going to be sold. I thank you profusely for the time and energy you have put into these wonderful words. Love you, Molto grazie, Sue

lauritasita wrote on Jul 1, ’10

I just can’t put it down…

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 3, ’10

Former co-worker: Am devouring the book…remembering many of the little stories you shared with me over the years…remembering shared experiences as a fellow New Yorker traveling through the same space and time…like how you skillfully wove in these stories and personalized them, clothing the characters (victims) with dignity…M

philsgal7759 wrote on Jul 9, ’10

Dear Sue, I was so thrilled to receive your long awaited book. Your words paint a picture  so rich in detail that I forget that some of it happened 40 years ago and feel myself transported to the Stuyvesant Town you knew good bad and ugly.  I honestly can’t think of just one favorite, as I love them all.  Thank you for trusting me enough to allow me into your most vivid and personal memories. It is indeed a privilege to know you.
Congratulations and Best wishes
Narice

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 9, ’10

Dear Narice,
Thank YOU for sticking by me through this whole “thing” for all your encouragement and insight along the way. Gratitude and love all around.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 15, ’10, edited on Jul 15, ’10

If anyone who has left a comment here has time, could you do me the honor of leaving a comment on on of the on-line booksellers? THANK YOU!
Powells.com: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781440172540-1
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Cerebral-Jukebox-Susan-Margulies-Kalish/dp/1440172544/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279250560&sr=1-1
(They are printing my manuscript on demand, underselling me and giving me a snip of THEIR PROFIT) Barnes&Noble.com  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/9781440172564/?itm=1&USRI=cerebral+jukebox

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 19, ’10

From my friend Laura, in Brazil,  of the charm collectors group on ebay and Facebook,
Sue, I’m LOVING your book!!

greenwytch wrote on Jul 21, ’10

Life is like a box of chocolates. you never know what you are going to get.” ~Forrest Gump’s mom ******************************************************
“We bombarded them with our teenage laughter; the chasing, tagging, squealing. The tripping over cobblestones, the climbing on benches. the gawking, flirting, clusters of faces under acne cream. We were drowning in our hormonal soup, too old to play jump rope, too young to date.”
~excerpted from this book; poetry entitled Soldier Boy
i struggled…..NOT with this book (O My Stars…..NO!), but with finding a proper genre in which to place this wonderful book, LOL. i suppose i could have place it in the non-fiction category, but then there is the fabulous photography and artwork to consider, so i just placed it in the *other* category. i hope you do not mind that, Souci.
these are stories written in free-form verse of growing up; rites of passages, coming of age, family bonds, religion, city life, friendship, gardening, cats, love, death….you get the idea.
Life its Wonders and its Warts
as seen through the remembering eyes of the author (who wrote me a very lovely dedication, BTW). these are her life experiences. the characters and subjects of which they are comprised inspired me, made me laugh and made me cry.
her well told tales are poignant, powerful and somehow mysteriously mixed with a healthy dose of raw urban honesty AND lightheartedness. i found something or someone with which to relate in each one.
it is an absolute treasure and i will definitely be reading this one, over and over again.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 21, ’10

Bless you, Deb, for taking the time to spend with me, I am grateful and honored. Love, Sans

greenwytch wrote on Jul 21, ’10

STANDING OVATION ON YOUR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!   words from the heart and to the heart. blessed be  ♥

sanssouciblogs wrote on Jul 21, ’10

Thank you, Loretta! So cute! http://forgetmenot525.multiply.com/journal/item/587/Big_thank_you_to_Sue….._its_arrived_

sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 2, ’10

From a High School friend…
“Hi Sue,
I got the book on Saturday, along with your lovely card.  I spent a good deal of the day out in the sun with it, and not a few tears (I love you Liviu, Roseann Quinn) and look forward to returning to it again this coming weekend.  And your referencing “Duke of Earl” – I can’t fathom why that song is so haunting, but it is.  Maybe you had to be there, as we were.  Thank you for signing the book to me with your lovely thoughts.  And your card is great!  Much success with both.
Love, Sally “

sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 18, ’10

Putting Shers’ comments here from my main page until she can copy them over…
catfishred catfishred wrote on Aug 17 Just got your book, marvelling how you took such great care to wrap it, include your cute ‘jukebox card’ and a special card just for me. I found it touching – truly. And, now, after all your painful work on your personal masterpiece, I’m sorry to report that I’m more than half way through it. Like your museum experience you’ve blogged about here, I felt as if I were travelling through the museum of your mind and couldn’t put it down.
I couldn’t liken your style to anyone in particular, and yet to me it ‘smacks’ of Richard Hugo, Gwendolyn Brooks and Langston Hughs. Richard Hugo once wrote a striking poem about a ghost town where he’s from in Montana, which he’d entitled ‘Degrees of Gray in Philipsburg’. I loved it so and used to read it with great results to first year college students who confessed their hatred of poetry. One guy even said: ‘That’s not poetry!’ I answered; ‘Why not?’ ‘Because I LIKE it,’ he said. Hahaha
And why am I thinking of Gwendolyn Brooks and Langston Hughes? Well, of course you’re not African-American or coming from the culture of the ‘Harlem Renaissance’. Yet, you’ve taken the working class of Stuyvesant Town and waved your magic wand over it all, which is like shaking a dull little plastic toy and watching all the glittering snow fall – which, in your case, is through the use of descriptive words – and charming it into a captivating scene. Well done, you!
I’m a fan. HUGS

moniquemkk wrote on Aug 21, ’10

Credo is just phenomenal, the whole work.

sandpearl wrote on Aug 28, ’10

I`ve Got Mail!
Hi Susan, I was glad to find your package in my mailbox tonight after work. I could sense that the package was prepared with much love and attention, from the beautiful stamps who made me think of a dear friend who likes to do philately to the polka dot wrapping paper, it really was a gift to see your lovely book cover. I want to thank you so much for the dedication and card, it feels as hugs and kisses, holding hands for a moment as if looking over a newborn crib, in awe. You were such a cute baby girl dear, those are precious memories you are sharing with us. I got to page 6 before getting to the kitchen to feed my cat lol! Love The Vase and how you turned your last verse into a strong image of a major scene of those years. Looking forward to reading more, God bless and a superb sunny weekend to you! Love always, Danielle
P.S. I have read more before going to sleep and had to stop because I had to be up early this morning… otherwise, I would probably have read through the night, really nicely woven… I am glad poetry is something we can endlessly come back to because I have a feeling that is what I will often do.
Hugs, Danielle

sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 28, ’10

Monique, thank you and thank you for finding me. I appreciate the comment on the poem that I feared might be controversial.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 28, ’10

Dear neighbor to the north, 🙂 Honestly, Dani, I was thrilled to meet you years back and it was such a joy to read your work. I am grateful that you liked mine and that you are enjoying the book. Thanks again for supporting me. Hugs back, Sue

sanssouciblogs wrote on Sep 13, ’10

From a dear friend who moved and who I haven’t seen for years:
Hi friend, I got the book and am really enjoying it. I did not expect it to be as professional as it was, even though i expected the high level of creativity.  The book is a remarkably personal work and i give you credit for being able to bare your soul to the world. I am reading it but not going consecutively page by page. The poem and picture of sue blew me away and i did not expect the tears that came. The poem about the holocaust also was very moving and I usually avoid the topic. Thanks for a beautiful and personal birthday gift. Love, Joan

fluffyj wrote on Sep 17, ’10

Sue,
When your book arrived at my house, life was in chaos…. I couldn’t sit still to do more than open the package and read the card and inscription.  It took two weekends to finally be able to have a Saturday morning all to myself.  With tea in hand I started reading–lavishing over every page, letting it sink in, rereading, and slowly moving on.  I made it to page 108 before the blaring TV, household appliances, and verbal insanity between family members retook possession of my senses and time.  I got up early Sunday morning and finished the book.
I know I had read some of your work on your blog, but the entire body of work was so beautifully strung together into this elegant movie of your life, the people you have known, events that have shaped you into you.  I love it!  You are an artist with words and imagery and emotion, all of which you repeatedly invoked in me.
Absolutely amazing, Sue!  I am in awe and quite starstruck at having your work, printed and in my house and hands.  It’s a pleasure and I’m looking forward to reading it over and over again.  Thank you for sharing your life with us.
-janeen

sanssouciblogs wrote on Sep 23, ’10

From “hurricaneKate”
I love your book.  I mean I really love it. I don’t have the right words. I know this.  It touches my heart in ways I didn’t expect.