Booktalks in Bars
24 Apr
Has civilization invented anything better than the booktalk-in-a-bar. The booze had been poured freely by the time Matthew and I took the stage. The assembled writers, poets, critics, DJs, regulars, students, and passers-by seemed to think it was the most natural thing in the world. Nobody blinked as we abandoned all profundities and slammed ahead with our dramatic enactments of Edward Said’s zanier tough-man contests with hecklers. Attention was paid it seems because, after the events, two friends stepped forward with great suggestions. One: in future, we might enhance performativity by having audience throw papier-mache rocks when we project the scandal-making Said rock-thrower photograph. Two: we might encourage members of the audience to heckle us when we re-enact the Said-shuts-down-hecklers episodes. We are considering whether these improvements can be carried off in soberer surrounds like the upcoming talks at Book Culture (11 May) and ALWAN for the ARTS (19 May).
People seem to want to know more about the backstory of the book, the anecdotes and personal history that got left on the cutting room floor. The Q & A at the talk was the best one I’ve ever had, in part cause I kept everything personal and told stories. I avoided the more abstract maunderings that any academic is likely to fall prey to. The cross section of colleagues, students, gym buddies, and residents of my building seemed well satisfied with the performance. We sold all the books. Feedback on the book has been enthusiastic. It’s a small book with big print and for that reason is inviting.