Old Songs in a New Cafe

I enjoyed reading this biography of writings by Robert James Waller. I, too, felt he was very similar to Robert Fulghum in his approach to life; a reverence for all that is simple and beautiful in this world. After reading only his fictional works, I gained a deep appreciation of the author himself and am refreshed that someone with a PhD in business can have a soul.

I have read this book several times, love to take it on vacation. These stories are wonderful, heartfelt. A nice reminder of my own childhood growing up in Indiana. We have dusty roads, and favorite pets, and enjoy the quite life here too. It's beautifully written by a wonderful Author. Sure wish he would write more!

If you ever read "The Bridges of Madison County" and wondered how could someone create such an amazing story,or how it would be wonderful to know a person like Kincaid - You will be excited to find out that Robert Kincaid is actually Robert James Waller himself! In this autobiographic book Waller lets us all take a glimpse into his personal life and discover what a special person he is.You'll learn about his childhood,growing up adventures,family and hobbies. And you'll see Kincaid is not just an imaginary figure but a side of Waller's personality. I was fascinated to learn so much about Waller and his "reclusive life of words and imagination".

Waller makes everyday situations so interesting. His essay on Romance is one of my all-time favourite readings. I have passed it on to many newlywed friends. I have read it so many times the pages in my book are dog-eared.

Several years ago I attempted to read "The Bridges of Madison County" but the mood wasn't right. Eventually, I attempted to listen to it on audiocassette (against my better judgement, as I truly prefer to read the books) and had the opportunity to hear the author read it the way he wanted it to be heard. Finally!! I understood what everyone was talking about! I then acquired all of his other books and slowly but surely tried to get through them between all of my other readings. I truly loved "Puerto Vallarta Squeeze" but put off reading his other books for almost two years. Recently, I sat down and read "Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend" and "Border Music" within a two-day period. I immediately knew that I had to read "Old Songs in A New Cafe" while the mood was still with me. From the moment that I opened the book I felt as though I was meeting a most incredible person. His essays were truly inspiring! I was impressed by his ability to express his emotions and his thoughts with such ease. While it is commonly surprising for a man to express such thoughts and emotions, there was only one person who came to mind while I read this book: MY FATHER. I thought of him so many times while I read about his romance with his wife and his feelings about his daughter growing up and creating a life for herself. Halfway through the essays, I spoke to my father and explained that the book (that he had purchased for me for Christmas 1995) would be returned to him immediately upon my completion because, of everyone that I know, he is the only one who could TRULY appreciate the enjoyment I received from this book. When he received the book and began reading the essays, he stated to me that Robert James Waller writes the way he thinks and would like to write. He also referred specifically to the essays about Waller's wife and daughter. I have often thought it incredible that authors like Robert James Waller and Nicholas Sparks ("The Notebook") were men because they write with such sensitivity about life and love and yet, it should not be so incredible, because I have a father who proves that many men also live that way!Thank you Robert James Waller for pointing that out!