Doris creates a sob story so convincing on the TV program Queen for a Day, she trumps the other two contestants for the grand prize. This show aired for many years, first on the radio before becoming a hugely popular TV program. Learn more about it at:
www.classicthemes.c0m/50sTVThemes/themePages/queenForaDay.html
The only other contest Doris wins is ten rolls of toilet paper with a photo of her choice printed on it. Out of spite for never getting on Name That Tune, she has Bill Cullen’s photo printed on the rolls. If you’re having trouble visualizing Cullen, visit a website dedicated to him (with plenty of photos): userdata.acd.net/ottinger/Cullen/
The first time Joan plays a piano, she mimics the hymn Grandma Gayler just finished playing, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.” To hear the hymn played on piano, you can download the file at:
www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh277.sht
Find the lyrics from the song “Mister Sandman” at:
www.ablyrics.com/lyrics_98634_Chordettes_Mr._Sandman.html
David Rayne, the experimental composer Gowdy creates for Joan to study, could be based on the prolific and highly influential avant-garde composer John Cage. A lengthy and fascinating biography of Cage and his sound experiments can be found on this popular “Wiki” site: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_cage
Quill & Quire’s profile on Barbara Gowdy, in which Mister Sandman and her other books are discussed, can be found at:
www.quiIlandquire.com/authors/profile.cfm?article_id=2564
Descant cultural magazine devoted its entire Spring 2006 issue to Barbara Gowdy. For information on this issue, visit:
www.descant.on.ca/issues/d132.html
To receive updates on author events and new books by Barbara Gowdy, sign up today at www.authortracker.ca.