The Global Read was held on March 3rd, 2022 at 9am Pacific Time.
Watch a recording of the program here
Through seventeen books, the Maisie Dobbs series has had a resounding impact on fans. Readers have shared with author Jacqueline Winspear how Maisie’s stories have resonated with them or helped them through difficult times. Fans have been inspired by the heroine’s resilience and endurance, repurposing her strength in their own lives in a way perhaps best embodied by the phrase “What Would Maisie Do?”
Anchored by thirty of Maisie's most timeless quotes, coupled with Jacqueline Winspear’s inspiration for each nugget of wisdom, these reflections offer readers additional insight into the world of Maisie Dobbs and invite them to reflect on favorite moments and memories. Here are just a few:
On the value of respect: Liking a person we are required to have dealings with is not of paramount importance. But respect is crucial, on both sides, as is tolerance and a depth of understanding of those influences that sculpt a character.
On grieving: Grief is a pilgrimage along a path that allows us to reflect upon the past from points of remembrance held in the soul. At times the way is filled with stones underfoot and we feel pained by our memories, yet on other days the shadows reflect our longing and those happinesses shared.
On the importance of departure: Leaving that which you love breaks your heart open. But you will find a jewel inside, and this precious jewel is the opening of your heart to all that is new and all that is different, and it will be the making of you—if you allow it to be.
If you have read all seventeen of the Maisie Dobbs series, you will be engrossed in this conversation. If you haven't then you will be inspired to make Maisie a part of your future reading.
About the Author Jacqueline Winspear
Jacqueline was born and raised in the county of Kent, England. Following higher education at the University of London’s Institute of Education, Jacqueline worked in academic publishing, in higher education and in marketing communications in the UK. She emigrated to the United States in 1990, and while working in business and as a personal/professional coach, Jacqueline embarked upon a life-long dream to be a writer—she subsequently became a regular contributor to journals covering international education and travel, and has published articles in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, The Daily Beast and other publications. Her short stories have appeared in magazines internationally, and Jacqueline has recorded her essays for KQED radio in San Francisco. She has contributed to several anthologies of essays and short stories.
Eleven of Jacqueline's Maisie Dobbs books have been New York Times best sellers and four National Bestselling novels. Her standalone novel, The Care and Management of Lies, was also a New York Times and National Bestseller, and a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
About the Host Renée Longstreet
After a 25-year career in the television industry, Renée relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. A Los Angeles native, Renée was a writer-producer of episodic drama and wrote and/or produced more than twenty television movies, partnering in many with her husband Harry Longstreet. In addition, she was active in education and politics, as well as her industry, and was a member of: The Writers Guild of America, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Women in Film, Women For, and held a leadership position with the National Council for Family and Television. Her retirement on Bainbridge Island found her as busy as ever: thirteen years reviewing movies for Common Sense Media, an internationally acclaimed website for families and children; teaching Creative Writing as a volunteer for Washington Corrections Center for Women; acting and directing local theatre with the Northwest Actors Lab; and continuing her participation in both politics and the arts. Renée’s proudest accomplishment is watching her extended family grow, Harry, their five children with significant others and grandchildren.
