Inside the Writers Studio with Junot Diaz @ Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center November 10, 2012 A+ I did not know what to expect when I bought a ticket to see Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Junot Diaz. At the very least, I figured I'd pick up a few tips on how to improve my craft while being inspired by his rise to literary prominence.
The Su Teatro was packed on this cold and rainy night. I, along with my trusty companion, a steaming hot cup of coffee, managed to snag one of the few remaining seats available. After a lengthy introduction, Diaz walked onto the stage and proceeded to look over the crowd as if he was lost and looking for a familiar face. This peculiar move kicked off one of the most memorable and intriguing literary conversations I have ever been apart of. The free flowing, unscripted talk meandered from politics, to the legalization of marijuana, to writers who don't read.
Diaz does not strike me as your typical Pulitzer Prize winner (ironically, I've met a few), he radiates an everyman appeal combined with wicked intelligence and street smarts. I could have listened to him all night. He also read from his latest, This is How You Lose Her, a 2012 National Book Award finalist. Tonight's book event will go down as one of my favorites of all-time, I left this event educated, inspired, caffeinated, and thoroughly entertained!
2 comments:
I FINALLY read Oscar Wao and was inspired and moved and all that jazz. Diaz is exceptionally talented and I plan to read the rest of his work ASAP. The title of this newest book is "This Is How You Lose Her" (rather than "I" as in your post.) I'm terribly jealous that you heard him speak!
Thank you :-)
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