Linda Mussmann's Blog

JOHN IRVING

The new TIME'S TALK series that is broadcast live is very good.
It is a pleasure to watch an author speak for time uninterrupted by media of ads and all. It is calm and just the author.
I have never read any of Irving's books but was struck by his comments and now might have a look. "A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY" is one of Claudia's favorite books-- by the way.
He talked of his love for 19th century books like Great Expectations, Moby Dick and so on. He also talked about his mother who was a prompter at a local theater and as a boy he would watch the play, the audinece and his mother from the back of the stage. He said he was a slow reader. He said he was lucky to have time to write every day for hours on end.
So there is my little report. I guess I was struck by the comments about his mother. It is my mother who taught me a lot about art, books, photography, and obsession. And I am a slow reader. It takes a long time for me to read something. I read and then move on to the corners of my mind. It is what books inspire people to think about that I believe the value of a book. The author can move me from the page to a place within me that is my pleasure.
And I cannot imagine his life where one writes all day...every day...he is a lucky one.
Next is Stephen King. (check website) or call and join TSL so you will be the first to know what's coming)
Check these things out at TSL. They are live and bright and a breath of fresh air.
see you at AIDA this week end. Last chance for the view of this wonderful opera. I have tickets for Oct. 31 only Sat. 1pm

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