Oh, dear…I’m torn. Lionel Shriver is reading at Politics & Prose bookstore on Friday night. I haven’t read the book she’s promoting, The Post-Birthday World, (though I bought it; it’s in that stack of books I’m dying to get to!) but I deeply admired her thought provoking and highly accomplished novel, We Need to Talk About Kevin, which I wrote about here.
I loved this book so much that I squeezed it onto my “favorite books” shelf.
So, I’d love to see her read…but Steve is coming home from a long business trip. On one hand, reconnecting with one’s husband after a long trip is, as my friend Martha Stewart would say, “a good thing.” On the other hand, watching one’s husband sleep off his deep, business-trip-inspired fatigue is…well…let’s just say probably a bit less compelling than a great reading by a great writer!
Guess I’ll decide on Friday.
Here are the details from the Politics & Prose newsletter for those of you better equipped to make a commitment:
Friday, March 7, 7 p.m.
LIONEL SHRIVER
THE POST-BIRTHDAY WORLD (Harper Perennial, $14.95)
Shriver’s richly enjoyable novel is now in paperback. The story is cleverly based on alternative scenarios for Irina’s love life: the children’s book illustrator could stay with her somewhat stodgy partner of ten years, or she could leave and start again with a somewhat dodgy snooker champion. This is the accomplished Shriver’s eighth novel.
Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse
5015 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 364-1919 or (800) 722-0790
www.politics-prose.com
