All aspects of Pat Conroy's life where influenced by the time he spent on Fripp Island. Since it is a small, rural, isolated location he learned a respect for nature and a very particular understanding of god that resulted from living on this island. His career was also influenced by his home. The fact that he became a writer and the subjects he writes about are a direct result of having grown up in this small country town. His background is also reflected in his writing style.

When Pat Conroy describes himself the first thing he shares is his deep connection to his hometown and the effect the surrounding nature has had on him. He says that his mother planted the seed that has grown into to a massive tree of respect and love for nature. It's this respect that has allowed him to become both the person...