Local writer’s NYT column draws overwhelming response

Baton Rouge writer Andrea Neighbours’ article in yesterday’s New York Times has filled up her inbox with e-mails from old college chums, high school teachers, people from different phases of her life.

“It surprised me how many old, old friends would be eating their Cheerios, reading The Times and realizing they knew me,” Neighbours says. “It’s been fun, hearing from all these people. Even strangers who’ve found Andy’s e-mail.”

The feature, Neighbors’ third for the New York Times, described how hubby Andy Kopplin’s campaign for Congress earlier this year helped rejuvenate their marriage. “After 18 years, anyone’s marriage can fall into a rut. But campaigning for my husband made me fall in love with him all over again,” she wrote.

Several of Kopplin’s colleagues who’ve worked with him throughout the years contacted her as well, identifying with her message. “It’s tough to be married to someone who wants to change the world, but we learn a lot of great lessons,” she says.

And what does Kopplin think? He read it several times before she sent the column to the editor. “He was really moved by it. We went through this process together,” Neighbours says. “He said it’s kind of hard to have your life laid bare, but because it ends happy he’s OK with it.”