Hi Meltingpot Readers,
If you're in Philly today, enjoying the ridiculous, summer-like weather, please consider stopping by the main library in Center City to hear me and Wench author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez. We're doing a joint reading to kick off the Philadelphia Book Festival. Details about the event can be found at the library website.
If you recall, I reviewed Wench here on the Meltingpot and I called it a "heartbreaking work of of historical genius," and I stand by my assessment. In fact, I'm thinking I'll just read a paragraph or two from Substitute Me, so we can hear more from Perkins-Valdez. I am so excited to finally meet her in person. Of course, I'm going to ask her what she's working on next.
I do think it is interesting that we were paired to read together. There is the obvious connection of Black women working for/serving White men and the sexual tension between them. Wench gives us the historical perspective, Substitute Me examines the same relationship in modern times. I suspect it will be a riveting, although maybe painful discussion. I'm glad el esposo won't be there. Could be AWKWARD.
So, wish me luck and I'll let you know how it all goes down. And if you do live in the area, I'd love to see you tonight at 6pm.
Peace.
5 comments:
Hi Lori!
I so wish I could've attended! but I had an evening class at the exact same time. When I saw your talk publicized with the book festival I assumed that it would be on a Saturday. Please do update about how it went.
Anyway, I read Substitute Me and loved it. I've also read your memoir and loved it as well. I'm Asian but identified a lot with the book (growing up had issues with authenticity, language, and being Chinese; had a love affair with Mexico and spent two semesters there in college).
Amy,
Thanks for the support. Too bad you couldn't make it on Monday night. It was a great reading and discussion. I'll keep you posted about my other upcoming events.
How did it go? I bet you had a smashing time. Wish I could have attended.
I was there and thought it was an ideal pairing. I read Wench several months ago, but finished Substitute Me--oh, maybe a day or so before the event at the Central Library. Yes, I am ashamed. The audience questions were wonderful, and I had a terrific post event discussion debate with other attendees about each book and the politics behind why Wench received such an enormous marketing push--not that it didn't deserve it! And I'm just getting over what Substitute Me has made me refer to as 'my Zora period,' so I related, a little painfully, to the excerpt you chose. But I suspect el esposo wouldn't have felt too awkward if he'd been there. ;-P
Evelyn,
It was wonderful. A total lovefest between Dolen and I. I love her work even more now.
Yvonne,
Thanks for coming out!! And for reading my book. I'm glad you enjoyed the evening.
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