Goudge reader: Mary Prather
A “Share your Goudge Collection” Interview
“Each time I sit down to read Goudge I feel that I come away knowing a bit more about myself!”
🍂 Mary Prather on reading Elizabeth Goudge
Today we are continuing with our series of interviews with readers about their own Elizabeth Goudge collections. I’m very excited to share this wonderful interview with a Goudge reader I’ve known for a few years on Instagram and Substack, Mary Prather!
Mary Prather and her husband live in Sharpsburg, GA, which is about 45 minutes south of Atlanta. She has a 23-year-old daughter who is a special education teacher and a 19-year-old son who is a sophomore in college. Mary loves music and she runs an online music appreciation academy, SQUILT Music. She also loves supporting homeschoolers, swimming, and reading.
Welcome Mary!
Julie: When did you first find Goudge? Which Goudge book did you read first?
Mary: An older woman at my church mentioned her to me, and then late one night in 2021, I found The Bird in the Tree available to me via Scribd. Then - as an Instagram search I think - I found the Elizabeth Goudge Book Club and I am so thankful!
Julie: Which Goudge book is your favorite edition? What year, and is it a UK or US edition?
Mary: I found an American "Pocket Book" edition of The Pilgrim's Inn a couple of months ago. It is officially the Pocket Book Edition, published in 1950. I've included a picture of this book, and I think I love it because it is just so unique!
Julie: Is there a scene from one of Elizabeth Goudge’s books that sticks with you? What moments in life make you think of it? And which book is it from?
Mary: Oh goodness, I think the one that sticks with me right now is Marianne's soul-searching (and finding) moments in Green Dolphin Street. I see so much of my younger self in her, and as I have gotten older, I have learned to submit to God's will for my life.
Julie: What do you love most about Goudge’s writing?
Mary: I love the vivid descriptions and the feeling of completely losing myself in her settings. Her writing demands I have a quiet place and time to process because it is so richly layered. Each time I sit down to read Goudge I feel that I come away knowing a bit more about myself!
Julie: Where can we find out more about you and what you are reading these days?
Mary: My bookstagram account is Homegrown Book Picks. I also have a Facebook group that is my favorite place to be - Homegrown Book Picks. I occasionally discuss books on my website, too - Homegrown Learners.
“I love the vivid descriptions and the feeling of completely losing myself in her settings. Her writing demands I have a quiet place and time to process because it is so richly layered…”
🍂 Mary Prather on reading Elizabeth Goudge
Such a beautiful collection! Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️
Mary, I really love your bookcases! It would be so fun to take a look at all your books. Your Goudge collection is lovely!
As a homeschooler, I have heard of Squilt, but did not know you were the one who started it.