Inprint Night in Houston with Authors Ann Patchett and Lauren Groff

I get to the Alley Theater early. Even with season's tickets, they will give away your seat if you are late. And the traffic is always awful as you approach downtown. I needn't have worried; I arrive very early, and have my pick of seats.

Look where I sit. Yes, that says, "Reserved for Author."

It does fill up. It is a full house.

I prepare well for these two authors: I read both of their books. First up to read is Lauren Groff. 

Groff reads from her book, Fates and Furies. It has received a lot of good press, and that's why I picked up a copy last January.

Sadly, the book is a disappointment to me. 

Here's my review, if you want to read more.

Next, Ann Patchett speaks. I've read and enjoyed lots of other Patchett books: The Magician's Assistant, Run, Bel Canto, Truth and Beauty, What Now, and This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, in addition to her latest book, Commonwealth.

My favorite has been her nonfiction book, Truth and Beauty. I liked, but didn't love Commonwealth. Is there something about reading a book for an event that ruins the book for me?

After the book readings, the authors do a q&a. 

Groff shares a story about the time she met a great writer (she didn't identify him) at a party while she was in school. The Great Writer tells Groff that there haven't been many great women writers because, he explained, women turn their creativity inward and have babies. Groff goes home in a rage and puts it all in a book.

Patchett says she was raised to do nothing but serve. "Serving is the best part of what I do," she tells us, "If I could get over it, I'd be Tolstoy. But for twelve years of Catholic schools."

Finally, Patchett shares her pet peeve: readers who ask to take selfies with authors. She demonstrates what she hates with Groff. "You are on a safari," she tells us. "You may not get out of the jeep."

For more wordless photos, go to Wordless Wednesday.

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