What do you think?
Rate this book
Loud and Clear
In this remarkable book, Anna Quindlen, one of America’s favorite novelists and a Pulitzer Prize– winning columnist, once again gives us wisdom, opinions, insights, and reflections about current events and modern life. “Always insightful, rooted in everyday experience and common sense...Quindlen is so good that even when you disagree with what she says, you still love the way she says it,” said People magazine about her number one New York Times bestseller Thinking Out Loud , and the same can be said about Loud and Clear .
With her trademark insight and her special ability to convey the impact public events have on ordinary lives, Quindlen here combines commentary on American society and the world at large with reflections on being a woman, a writer, and a mother. In these pieces, first written for Newsweek and The New York Times , Loud and Clear takes on topics ranging from social change to raising children, from the political and emotional aftermath of September 11 to personal values, from the impact on individuals of global events to the growth that can be gained by spending summer days staring into the middle distance. Grounding the public in the private, connecting people to each other and to the greater world, Quindlen encourages us to develop authentic lives, even as she serves as a catalyst for political and social change.
“Anna Quindlen’s beat is life, and she’s one hell of a terrific reporter,” said Susan Isaacs, and Quindlen’s unique qualities of understanding and discernment, everywhere evident in her previous bestsellers, including A Short Guide to a Happy Life and Living Out Loud , can be found on every page of this provocative and inspiring book.
With her trademark insight and her special ability to convey the impact public events have on ordinary lives, Quindlen here combines commentary on American society and the world at large with reflections on being a woman, a writer, and a mother. In these pieces, first written for Newsweek and The New York Times , Loud and Clear takes on topics ranging from social change to raising children, from the political and emotional aftermath of September 11 to personal values, from the impact on individuals of global events to the growth that can be gained by spending summer days staring into the middle distance. Grounding the public in the private, connecting people to each other and to the greater world, Quindlen encourages us to develop authentic lives, even as she serves as a catalyst for political and social change.
“Anna Quindlen’s beat is life, and she’s one hell of a terrific reporter,” said Susan Isaacs, and Quindlen’s unique qualities of understanding and discernment, everywhere evident in her previous bestsellers, including A Short Guide to a Happy Life and Living Out Loud , can be found on every page of this provocative and inspiring book.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
55 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Anna Quindlen
86 books4,758 followersAnna Marie Quindlen is an American author, journalist, and opinion columnist.
Her New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter for the New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. Her semi-autobiographical novel One True Thing (1994) served as the basis for the 1998 film starring Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger.
Her New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter for the New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. Her semi-autobiographical novel One True Thing (1994) served as the basis for the 1998 film starring Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 27, 2016
3.5
Two things I know about Anna Quindlen:
She is an opinionated New York liberal / feminist.
She writes her opinions eloquently with logic and statistics to prove her points.
These stories are from her many years of writing a back page column for Newsweek magazine, and I remember always turning to the back first whenever I received my issue. Maybe that's what started my habit of reading magazines from the back to the front. I am not saying I agree with all her opinions, or to the same extent. But she patiently reads us her op-eds with calm and assurance -- occasionally preachy, some might say -- but usually just very heart felt. As a woman, she cares about many issues very deeply and gives us females some things to think about, both deep (prejudice and bigotry) and not so deep (hairstyles and exfoliating). Although these columns are old, I kept thinking we are still dealing with the same social and political issues a decade and a half later. She says too that The great issues are the same as they were when 15 year old Anne Frank ... wrote in her shabby plaid diary...." Seems change is hard to come by.
But the first and last columns were the most profound. She begins with Sept. 11, 2001, her son's birthday, and ends with 9/11, the tragedy, as she prefers to make the distinction between the terminologies so as not to spoil his birthdays from 2001 on. It was worth a listen just to hear her thoughts on that day and it's aftermath.
Two things I know about Anna Quindlen:
She is an opinionated New York liberal / feminist.
She writes her opinions eloquently with logic and statistics to prove her points.
These stories are from her many years of writing a back page column for Newsweek magazine, and I remember always turning to the back first whenever I received my issue. Maybe that's what started my habit of reading magazines from the back to the front. I am not saying I agree with all her opinions, or to the same extent. But she patiently reads us her op-eds with calm and assurance -- occasionally preachy, some might say -- but usually just very heart felt. As a woman, she cares about many issues very deeply and gives us females some things to think about, both deep (prejudice and bigotry) and not so deep (hairstyles and exfoliating). Although these columns are old, I kept thinking we are still dealing with the same social and political issues a decade and a half later. She says too that The great issues are the same as they were when 15 year old Anne Frank ... wrote in her shabby plaid diary...." Seems change is hard to come by.
But the first and last columns were the most profound. She begins with Sept. 11, 2001, her son's birthday, and ends with 9/11, the tragedy, as she prefers to make the distinction between the terminologies so as not to spoil his birthdays from 2001 on. It was worth a listen just to hear her thoughts on that day and it's aftermath.
May 29, 2017
I adore Anna Quindlen. My favorite books are her compilations of columns, such as this one. (The only novel of hers I’ve thought was spectacular is Black and Blue.) She writes very well, thoughtfully and often with humor about everything personal, cultural, political, etc. in such a way that it’s easy for (so many, not just me) to feel as though she’d be a wonderful friend. I highly recommend these columns to all except those who are extremely conservative perhaps.
July 10, 2008
This was not what I expected. I picked the book up on a whim because Elder M. Russell Ballard quoted from her book in his recent talk "Daughters of God" and in Jane Clayson Johnson book "I am a Mother" she also references a quote from Quindlen. Boy was I surprised.
I was expecting a book about life, motivation, mothering & it's okay if you're not perfect. The quotes I knew and had felt moved by were there, buried, like needles in a haystack, but they were there. They felt almost out of context to me, I think more-so because my expectations were so different when I started the book, but I learned so much I was not looking for.
The chapters (maybe 2) on mothering were not what I anticipated. Anna Quindlen is a liberal, mother and columnist who wrote for years for the New York Times. When she retired she took up writing novels. The book is more so about many of the issues facing our society and nation as a whole. She has exceptionally thought out and articulate ideas about everything from politicians, hunger in America, homelessness, motherhood, race, war, gun control and the oil crisis. The book made me think about things that we often don't want to think about, let alone talk about because we think it can't really be happening. Here? in the Land of the Free? Each chapter it seemed was a 4-5 page editorial on different issues facing our nation. Many swept under the rug in attempt to make them disappear. Temporarily.
Although I did not agree with all her ideas I felt she kept a fairly neutral stance on many of the issues and just laid some of the facts out for the reader to sort through. There were several times I needed to grab a dictionary to look up a word she used,in my opinion she is an amazing writer. Over all I was impressed. It made me think, like I have not thought in a long while.
It still surprises me, because of the controversial things she discusses, that she was quoted by either of the people that made me pick the book in the first place, but they did.
I was expecting a book about life, motivation, mothering & it's okay if you're not perfect. The quotes I knew and had felt moved by were there, buried, like needles in a haystack, but they were there. They felt almost out of context to me, I think more-so because my expectations were so different when I started the book, but I learned so much I was not looking for.
The chapters (maybe 2) on mothering were not what I anticipated. Anna Quindlen is a liberal, mother and columnist who wrote for years for the New York Times. When she retired she took up writing novels. The book is more so about many of the issues facing our society and nation as a whole. She has exceptionally thought out and articulate ideas about everything from politicians, hunger in America, homelessness, motherhood, race, war, gun control and the oil crisis. The book made me think about things that we often don't want to think about, let alone talk about because we think it can't really be happening. Here? in the Land of the Free? Each chapter it seemed was a 4-5 page editorial on different issues facing our nation. Many swept under the rug in attempt to make them disappear. Temporarily.
Although I did not agree with all her ideas I felt she kept a fairly neutral stance on many of the issues and just laid some of the facts out for the reader to sort through. There were several times I needed to grab a dictionary to look up a word she used,in my opinion she is an amazing writer. Over all I was impressed. It made me think, like I have not thought in a long while.
It still surprises me, because of the controversial things she discusses, that she was quoted by either of the people that made me pick the book in the first place, but they did.
June 1, 2017
I do enjoy Quindlen's writing -- both commentary and fiction -- but while some of her commentary from the late 1990s and early 2000s were still on point, others were so dated that I returned this to the library after only 2 CD's worth because there is so much more to be read.
So many books on my reserve list. You know how it goes -- nothing in a couple weeks, then I'm #1 on the list for a bunch and leave the library barely able to haul my library tote bag.
My life is filed by tote bags. Library, choir #1, choir #2, little music group (this is actually 3 tote bags because of sound system), gym, P.E.O., etc. etc. etc.
So many books on my reserve list. You know how it goes -- nothing in a couple weeks, then I'm #1 on the list for a bunch and leave the library barely able to haul my library tote bag.
My life is filed by tote bags. Library, choir #1, choir #2, little music group (this is actually 3 tote bags because of sound system), gym, P.E.O., etc. etc. etc.
February 17, 2008
i really shouldn't have read this book - i hate anna quindlen with the passion of a thousand suns. it was an indulgence, actually - railing at someone not because of style or grammar but because their views are just so wrong. she's conceited and out-of-touch and likes hilary, but it's fun to read if just to argue with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
I'm cheating a little on this one. I like Anna Quindlen but this book of columns has not aged very well, so I didn't finish it. Life's too short!.
January 10, 2015
Some of these columns/essays hold up beautifully, others not so much. Quindlen is at her best writing about motherhood, feminism and social justice issues, though the latter can sound like the outrage or rant of the week. I'm not sure I liked the organization around loose themes. One of the delights of reading Quindlen in Newsweek was the discovery of her destination, chosen from a world of subject matter. I think I would have enjoyed this more were it organized chronologically. (It's my bias as a journalist.) Anna Quindlen remains a touchstone for me. We're the same age, read the same authors. We were introduced to the same computer games by our kids. I can't wait to read her latest.
February 19, 2013
A bit crazy liberal for me, but some common sense thrown in too for balance.
September 20, 2022
This collection of Anna’s pieces from the late 90s early 00s pulled me back into the angst and struggles of the moment. I love her perspective.
August 15, 2011
I picked this up because I enjoyed Quindlen's novel "One True Thing" so much and assumed that my appreciation for her writing style would easily transfer to this collection of articles. It was interesting to hear her views on various things, but I found her tone to be offensively flippant at times and thought that she occasionally oversimplified weighty issues that should probably not be the topic of a 2-page article in the first place.
Some of the pieces were written 15+ years ago, which makes them sound a little stale or irrelevant now, however... it was eerie to read pieces that she wrote just months before 9/11, not knowing the tragedy that was about to strike her city, as well as the pieces she wrote just after the attacks mentioning the possibility of the US going to war. My favorites were the articles about motherhood and feminism, as they gave me some perspective on how much progress has been made by women in this country in such a short amount of time, historically speaking.
I didn't LOVE it, but I guess I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys her other work.
Some of the pieces were written 15+ years ago, which makes them sound a little stale or irrelevant now, however... it was eerie to read pieces that she wrote just months before 9/11, not knowing the tragedy that was about to strike her city, as well as the pieces she wrote just after the attacks mentioning the possibility of the US going to war. My favorites were the articles about motherhood and feminism, as they gave me some perspective on how much progress has been made by women in this country in such a short amount of time, historically speaking.
I didn't LOVE it, but I guess I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys her other work.
December 8, 2012
Anna Quindlen ranks in the top 1% of my favorite authors. Articulate, smart, funny, sharp as a whip, poignant, from the heart and highly perceptive, she cuts to the core of being human and a citizen in today’s America. Whether it’s politics, religion, parenting, or wearing the hats of woman/mother/sister/wife/employee/friend, her writing will give you pause, bring you to tears or leave you laughing out loud. She is someone whose voice rings so true with who I am at this stage in my life that it’s as if she’s climbed inside my heart and head and spoken for me! Wonderful collection of essays here – read it through or read one a day, either way you’re in for a treat.
March 7, 2008
Although our views on a few key subjects differ greatly, I feel like Anna Quindlen and I would be great friends. I loved her essays and many brought tears to my eyes. Maybe there it is the common link of motherhood--especially of two boys less than two years apart...but whatever it was, I enjoyed every minute I spent with her over the past few days!
June 3, 2008
What a brilliant writer/observer this woman is! This collection of her columns and a few speeches span the years from about 1993 through 2003 or 2004, and cover a great many topics which were current during those times as well as topics about issues which concern her. Anyone who enjoys strong, cogent analysis and thought would enjoy reading Loud and Clear.
January 16, 2009
I experienced this book on tape, read by Quindlen. Many of her stories had to do w/ family & loss. I was particularly touched by her post 9-11 stories, she cuts right to the heart of things.
May 9, 2009
I enjoy her columns on parenting, even though I don't always agree with her. A nice collection of essays.
August 26, 2012
Enjoyed the personal views and insights into every day life in America and the feelings of a reporter during and after 9-11.
May 9, 2024
The essays in "Loud and Clear" are divided into sections that cover family life, social issues, and the American experience. Quindlen has a unique ability to connect large, universal themes to intimate daily experiences. Her insights into topics such as motherhood, aging, and grief are poignant and resonant. Meanwhile, her takes on political and societal issues are sharp and persuasive, reflecting her years of experience observing and commenting on American life.
What stands out most in Quindlen's writing is her clarity and honesty. She writes with a conversational tone that makes complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them. Her courage to expose her vulnerabilities and uncertainties helps readers connect with her on a human level, making her arguments all the more compelling.
It is interesting reading essays that were written many years ago to reflect both on that time and what has happened since they were written.
What stands out most in Quindlen's writing is her clarity and honesty. She writes with a conversational tone that makes complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them. Her courage to expose her vulnerabilities and uncertainties helps readers connect with her on a human level, making her arguments all the more compelling.
It is interesting reading essays that were written many years ago to reflect both on that time and what has happened since they were written.
December 11, 2018
I so much enjoyed Quindlen's other book of essays that I went to this one right away. These are from a different era - the point at which she was leaving her gig as a regular column writer in favor of writing novels. That period coincides with 9/11 and its aftermath. I appreciated her first-hand, New Yorker view of the Trade Center, and her personal reflections on the tragedy. It brought it all back for me. I remember vividly what I was doing that morning - as I suspect we all can, and I empathized with Quindlen, whose son was born on September 11th and with whom she couldn't get in touch on his first birthday away from home. The essays provide much food for thought. At the same time, I agree with most of the opinions she expresses, so these essays don't challenge my thinking. Instead, they crystallize it.
July 18, 2020
I was not expecting much from this book since it is rather dated and it was just articles that Anna had written but I was pleasantly surprised.
She had some strong opinions on things and I found I thoroughly enjoyed her voice. I was sorry that I did not live in New York at the time she wrote for the New York Times because I would have enjoyed reading her.
Some of thing the subjects she wrote on were highly entertaining and also she wrote about 911 and being a New Yorker and how it affected her and her city which is a viewpoint that was great to hear.
She spoke about some of the presidents and how they did things, but some of her articles or regular people affected me the most.
A very enjoyable read, though it does have some older articles, I think she has a good firm point of view and I enjoyed reading this book.
She had some strong opinions on things and I found I thoroughly enjoyed her voice. I was sorry that I did not live in New York at the time she wrote for the New York Times because I would have enjoyed reading her.
Some of thing the subjects she wrote on were highly entertaining and also she wrote about 911 and being a New Yorker and how it affected her and her city which is a viewpoint that was great to hear.
She spoke about some of the presidents and how they did things, but some of her articles or regular people affected me the most.
A very enjoyable read, though it does have some older articles, I think she has a good firm point of view and I enjoyed reading this book.
November 21, 2023
I wish I didn't return this book to my friend so quickly because I forgot I had a dozen pages earmarked (sorry Jeff!) to remember quotes I particularly loved. So all I can say now is that I love her mind, her thought process, her intelligence and her wit. I'm jealous she can put thoughts, ideas and opinions to paper like this, and so many times as I read her I think that I feel the exact same way but could not put it into words like she can. I love her fiction but this is her true calling, calling out the powers that be on their hypocrisy and selfishness as well as the personal feelings of being a mother.
December 25, 2018
Interesting look at the author and her views on life, love, politics, kids & 9-11 in a sort newspaper article style (some where older articles she wrote and updated?)
This book gave me hope for being able to do something creative sort of during raising kids but for sure afterwards. Again a clear hit that ladies need creative outlets that do not invole kids while raising them. & that raising kids is crazy & you will not really be yourself during it all. ugh.
It took me a while to get through this even with it broken up into segements that sort of had a reason for them being in the order.
This book gave me hope for being able to do something creative sort of during raising kids but for sure afterwards. Again a clear hit that ladies need creative outlets that do not invole kids while raising them. & that raising kids is crazy & you will not really be yourself during it all. ugh.
It took me a while to get through this even with it broken up into segements that sort of had a reason for them being in the order.
May 15, 2018
I love Anna Quindlen's essays. She's smart, thoughtful, and her values generally align with mine, if they're not exactly the same. What I discovered in listening to this audiobook, read by the author, is that her essays are perfect to read one at a time, but listening to them one after another after another gets tiresome. So I would highly recommend this book as a one-a-day read and NOT as a recorded book.
Read
August 11, 2022The collected articles/essays in this book, provocative and touching, take readers through a range of topics including the aftermath of 9/11, raising children, modern life, and the political scene. Originally published in Newsweek and The New York Times, Quindlen's writing reveals her sharp mind, her quick wit, and her compassionate heart.
September 5, 2024
A collection of pieces written for Newsweek and the New York Times conveying A. Quindlen's "...wisdom, opinions, insights and reflections about current events and modern life."
A remarkable book despite being published 20 years ago. However, frustrating that many of the issues/problems/injustices she discusses are still with us today.
A remarkable book despite being published 20 years ago. However, frustrating that many of the issues/problems/injustices she discusses are still with us today.
May 15, 2017
I like this feisty opinionated woman. Book includes 65 short essays on issues current in 2017 - gray-haired men passing judgment on woman's bodily functioning, abortion, Hilary, Martha Stewart, raising teens, etc.
Quindlan for years wrote the column on the last page of Newsweek titled My Word".
Quindlan for years wrote the column on the last page of Newsweek titled My Word".
July 16, 2017
I love her voice. We could sure use some level-headed advice or observations on the current state of politics. As a woman living in a "red-state", Missouri, I am amazed daily at how ignorant the USA can be by electing Trump. Some words of encouragement from Ms. Quindlen may make it hurt less.
January 5, 2022
This book of AQ’s columns was much more political in nature than her memoir, Lots of Candles , Plenty of Cake, and that was problematic for me because I’m neither a liberal nor a feminist. Regardless, I still enjoyed hearing her point of view and her wordcrafting.
October 8, 2022
This collection of essays by the author (dating back
from the mid 90’s to early 2000’s) were interesting to read. Some have aged better than others. They are all well written. Many contain her liberal political views, so if that is not your cup of tea, skip this one.
from the mid 90’s to early 2000’s) were interesting to read. Some have aged better than others. They are all well written. Many contain her liberal political views, so if that is not your cup of tea, skip this one.
March 8, 2024
Anna has such a way with words that manages to express things I only fleetingly acknowledge. Plus some good old fashioned advice
I bring the same set of questions to my health. What is this? Why is it necessary? What are the downsides? Where do I go for another opinion?
I bring the same set of questions to my health. What is this? Why is it necessary? What are the downsides? Where do I go for another opinion?
August 14, 2017
Top notch! Her story telling is superb. I was whisked away on her journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews