Back in the swing of things and joining up with Kat and the other knitters…
The Read With Us Lounge: Author Talks
Last week Dale and I had the wonderful opportunity to go hear Chris Bohjalian talk about his new novel, The Amateur, in Cohasset. It’s a distance of about 45 minutes for us, which is pretty negligible and I jumped on the $30 tickets as soon as I heard about the event. It was sponsored by Buttonwood Books and Toys, an independent book store, and the price was more than fair as it included not just the discussion with Chris, along with local author Jenna Blum, but also a really fabulous brunch.
If you follow me on Instagram or TikTok you have likely already seen the video I made about my experience. It was informative and fun and shed a lot of interesting light on the book. Chris (we’re on a first name basis now) talked about his writing process (8am until 1pm every day), how much of himself he put into the character of Mira and also Kenny in the book, how the story just poured out of him in the course of 90 days, and how he never could have written and published this book if his parents were still alive. Jenna asked him great questions and also talked about her own writing process and books.
Author events, much like book clubs, are a great chance to deepen your understanding of a book and an author. They are an opportunity to meet with like minded people and share ideas and, in my instance, a really fun way to get a shout out and recognition from an author as Chris immediately announced to the room that “Carole the Librarian” is here when he saw me in the audience. Talk about a fan girl moment!
I tend to be an introvert and I think many readers are the same. I’m content in the lounge with my books as company and it takes a lot to get me to leave that space and interact with others. Yet I never regret it and I always learn something new.
Have you been to any author talks? And how did you feel about it?
Thank you for your participation in the RWU Lounge. We we weren’t exactly sure if our “anti-book bingo” idea would work but you have helped to make it a rousing success with your thoughtful comments and discussion, no matter what the topic was. We have a small thank you gift, but we need your address to send it to you. If you’re comfortable with this, please send me your address via email and we’ll send your parting gift to you. Thanks again; we really appreciate your commitment to No Rules. Just Fun!
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I have never been to any author talks. I have always thought they were be best done after I read a book, and most of the talks are promotional before or at publication date.
That sounds like such a fun time! My library has hosted some author talks (but none have appealed to me).
Chris Bohjalian is an author I’d like to meet. I think The Amateur is his best book since Midwives. I’ve never been to any adult author talks, but when I worked in school libraries, we had several children’s book authors every year. It was truly interesting seeing how much hearing the author’s talks affected the books’ circulation in the library. It was as if the author sold the kids easily on their book and all the kids wanted to read it after hearing about how it got written. I bet most adults are the same.
I have — in fact several of the ones I’ve attended have required an over-night trip (eg Seattle or Vancouver BC). Locally, there are few author visits from folks I’m interested in, but sometimes the community “big read” event features someone I want to hear (I really liked Emily St.John Mandel) . Highly recommend.
Congrats on your shout-out from Chris Bojalian!
I’ve only been to a few author talks in person, but I’ve watched a ton online since the pandemic, and I always enjoy them. I’m always interested to know more about the person behind the book, and it’s really great when you get a good interviewer who asks original, thoughtful questions. I’m a bit bummed that my local speaker series eliminated the virtual option they used to offer and now only have the in-person option available (the talks are on a weeknight evening, which is really hard for me to swing at this stage in my life).
Thanks for the RWU Lounge gift!
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It’s really for my sister in Canada but she didn’t want you to incur the expense.
I really enjoy author talks. Most recently I went to see Maggie O’Farrell. It’s so cool that you were mentioned!
That must have been so fun.
I think the first book talk/signings I went to were The Yarn Harlot both put on by Webs, one at the store and one at a nearby hotel.
I’ve been to a few locally. A used bookstore nearby had an author day a few summers ago and I went because a former co-worker wrote a book and also met Kristan Higgins the same day. I’ve also been to a few at a Independent bookstore about 45 minutes away. A favorite was Ann Napolitano after the re-released her first book.
I’ve been to a few author’s talks; it’s fun to get inside the mind of the author. I think my favorite was Clara Parkes, because it was about wool! I even won a Claramel for answering a trivia question.
So cool that you got a mention!
What fun, Carole!! I have been to a few author talks, the most recent was to hear authors, Charles Succop and Laura Zurowski, talk about their book on the City Steps of Pittsburgh. It was a fascinating talk!!
What a fun experience for you, Carole. I’ve been to quite a few author talks over the years — including one where I was the “driver” for Gloria Steinem during the Michigan leg of her book tour for “The Revolution Within” . . . which was an experience I’ll never forget.
PS – I have never heard of Chris Bohjalian (or read any of his books) before! I am on the hold list at my library for The Amateur, though.
What a terrific experience for you. I recall you really enjoyed this latest book. I always enjoy hearing an author talk in person about their work. Many of the talks I enjoyed were by local writers and poets. An art museum in Omaha – 50 miles down the road, used to host a lecture series of nationally known writers but the funding must have run out because I haven’t seen any publicity for quite some time.