Jess Walter Answers Questions from Goodreads about Beautiful Ruins

[@lemorab1]

Another teacher and Richard Burton fan here. I was lucky enough to see RB on stage in "Camelot" in 1980 in San Francisco. Conventional wisdom had it that he was past his prime, ailing physically, an old ham who had squandered his talent, etc. So, on that sweltering evening, my expectations were not high as I sat in my excellent orchestra seat, in the seemingly un-airconditioned Golden Gate Theater. I was mainly going because a friend had the tickets; I had sentimental feelings about the show, having performed King Pellinor at a summer camp production in Colorado in 1962; and I adored Lerner & Lowe's music. The curtain rose and there he was, a defeated King Arthur in his heavy, ermine-trimmed robes, admonishing a lad to keep the story of Camelot alive. I couldn't look at anyone else for two hours. RB was the most compelling male stage presence I have ever seen, equalled only by Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins in December, 6 months later. You would have never known of his reputation at the time, to see him play this late-career King Arthur. The audience forgot our discomfort and he held us enchanted for the evening. Fortunately, he was supported by the magnificent Christine Ebersole as Guinevere. Thank you so much for this video. I devoured "Beautiful Ruins" and "The Financial Lives Of The Poets." I grew up in Los Angeles, had a Hollywood childhood with an entertainer father, and I thoroughly enjoyed both books. As a public school teacher, I see and struggle with the lack of support and government-sponsored attempts to dumb-down education for the masses on a daily basis. I look forward to watching your other interviews and discussions.

[@bibliobethica]

Thanks for answering my question! I loved hearing what you had to say about education. As a high school teacher, you certainly hit a chord with me. Thanks for sharing. You're interesting in the interview and it makes me want to read more.

[@beanie1150]

A great read and thank you Jess for answering our questions.

[@alexislou9404]

I'd like to see both "Ruins" and "Cold Millions" come to the screen. I have a slight preference to see Cold Millions and from a cinematic pov it seems to me it would be a bit easier to adapt to the screen.

[@jessicatevnan3137]

i'm half way through the book and I like it A LOT.