Stepping Aside

Thank you for your forward-thinking and especially for being a vocal advocate for women's rights and dignity.

Just read your final column and wanted to say thank you for making me laugh and think and sometimes get a little teary-eyed with your books and columns both. I hate that you're leaving, but after reading the column and thinking about your reasons, I admire you for it as well. I hope there are more books to look forward to. You've made a difference. Thank you, Anna!

I was having an OK day until I came home and got the new issue of Newsweek. News of Anna's last column made my heart heavy. She may be stepping aside for the next generation of journalists, but she will never be replaced. An original voice such as hers can never be replaced. Good Luck, Anna.

For a change I opened the magazine to The Editor's Desk and sat down to absorb the shock. For years the Last Word, every other week has been my time to connect with someone who spoke for me. It has been amazing to me that you knew my thoughts. But, unlike me you were able to eloquently express them. I have clipped columns, handed them to friends and family, posted them in my office and nodded my head in agreement. So, at first I was taken aback, felt a great loss impending, but day later and re-reading has me smiling and saying ok. I get it and I will look forward to more novels, great laughter at the pictures you vividly paint with words, and wish you well. Having re-invented my career at least 3 times now, it does change the view! I have a saying on my office wall that reminds me that the choices are mine..."I choose which invitation to accept"...I am not a victim, I make the choice. You are clearly what your reading public loves about you; thought provoking, witty, entertaining, not afraid of conflict, willing to tackle the tough issues and a woman of great style beyond the words!

Anna, sometimes I marvel at the parallels I find in our lives. I, too, have decided to retire this year, having educated my 3 children (the youngest at Kenyon, like you). Your last Newsweek column caught me by surprise, but helps me feel reassured that the time is right to pursue dreams beyond what I ever envisioned when I started my career some 30+ years ago. I am choosing to re-invent myself, to bet that I can somehow beat or at least forestall the devasting effests of Alzheimer's disease that stole my mother's "golden years" whn she was only 58 years old. If I had your gift of eloquence it would be easier, but I try to learn from your example and appreciate the ease which with you share your vision of our shared reality. I wish you all the best, including many opportunities to publish your work so that I and many others can continue to be inspired on a regular, if not biweekly basis.

Oh, every other week you had the first word in my Newsweek. I shall miss you, as I missed Meg before you. Have a wonderful second-half of life, and I look forward to your next book.

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You were the reason I renewed my subscription to the print version. Now that you are gone, so am I. Best of Luck.

You were the reason I renewed my subscription to the print version of Newsweek. Now that you are leaving, so am I. Best of luck.

Its ironic; I just finshed writing a paper for a graduate level education class on a very similar topic. How, due to the fast pace of technological change and the collaborative, global information provided via this technology, education has changed and should change. And change happens whether we welcome it or not. However, I enjoy and appreciate your voice and your thoughtful reasoning. I myself am 51 and have returned to school for a new career. I know that we need to let go, but is it time yet? Isn't there a place for wisdom? Or, if not wisdom, isn't there a place for a diversity of voices that includes people of all ages? Thank you for your work. I loved the article on birth control, as I have loved many others. I am hoping that many books are in your future. And I certainly hope that "The Last Word" isn't left up to George Will!

I thank you, Anna Quindlen. for all you have given me, and truly hate to see you go! You have articulated my views and feelings over the years, giving me the words to use when confronted with viewpoints that leave me reeling or that I know in my heart I don't agree with, but for which the logic seems so simple and, for that reason, is so diffult to refute. I saved your peice "Frankincense in Aisle Five" and use it as a rebalancing tool during the holidays. I have enjoyed your fiction, and your "guide" to London served as a guide for me in navigating my relationship with my teenaged sons as well. Best of luck to you!

I've enjoyed your columns for years, Anna. No matter the topic, you always gave me something to think about. I found that your perspective on an issue was often my perspective even though I often.didn't know it until after I finished the article. It would be especially nice if you gave your many readers an opportunity to read further articles in another forum. Thank you!

I'm really going to miss you, Anna. I always enjoyed your columns and you always gave me something to think about. Your perspective was almost always my perspective even if I hadn't realized it until I read your columns! I hope you will take time alway from writing books and give your many readers an opportunity to read further short articles/columns from you! Thank you.

Thanks Anna for years of insightful and thought provoking articles. Your perspective will be sorely misssed. I'm jealous that you are able to retire but wish you the best.

Thanks Anna for years of insightful and thought provoking articles. Your perspective will be sorely misssed. I'm jealous that you are able to retire but wish you the best.

Thanks Anna for your insight and guidance. I will miss your voice as you have so often echoed my own thoughts and stated them much more eloquently than I could. I will be looking forward to your next books.