Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Lorrie Moore, again



Lorrie Moore has a new collection of short stories out called Bark, and I headed down to the Los Angeles Central Library to hear her read tonight. You might remember the last time I went to hear her, when her novel came out ten years after I had discovered her in the New Yorker and how I had a wonderful encounter with her when I asked her a simple question after she read and then conversed with Michael Silverblatt -- but just now I searched and searched and couldn't find the post, so now I'm thinking that I never wrote about it. Oh. I don't feel like doing so right now-- just take my word that we had an encounter. That she spoke to me, directly, and blew me away. I did write a post last August called Group Therapy that does a reasonable job explaining just how much this writer means to me, so you can read that if you'd like.

So, it's been fifteen years since Moore published a collection of short stories, and I've just begun delving in. I'm a reader who keeps an anticipated book sitting by my bedside for weeks as a sort of tantalizing confection that I need to put off before devouring.  Bark is like that, so I read one story at a time and then put it down. It's a ritual.Tonight she read one of the new short stories in her beautiful, melodious voice and then conversed a bit with the playwright Brighde Mullins. It was an amazing short story, filled with her mordant wit and keen observation and then the tenderest of endings. God, I love a good short story. The conversation between the two writers was a bit slow, but I didn't care. Like David Sedaris, Lorrie Moore is someone who I honestly believe would be my friend if she only knew me.

6 comments:

  1. Of course she would love you! In a parallel universe it is already playing out. I've never read her so thanks for recommending her.

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  2. she should know you. i have a difficult relationship with short stories, and i can't remember the last time i read one in the new yorker that i liked (or actually finished) - so, thanks for the recommendation!

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  3. Like you, I love short stories. They are a craft of fine and delicate nature. And like Francesca, I rarely like the ones in the New Yorker. They depress the hell out of me. Why is that?
    I'm so glad you got to go hear Ms. Moore. It is a rare treat to hear a beloved author read her (or his) own work.

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  4. I need to respond today (instead of just read you). I am right there with you on the greatness of Lorrie Moore's writing, especially her short stories. And thanks for the link to People Like That--loved it. I am listening to Lorrie read Bark and it is a treat. Also thanks for recommending Leaving Tinkertown--a wonderful book and I was enthralled by the photos and want to visit! Polly

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  5. Oh Elizabeth of course she would be! Perhaps she WILL be. Her book just came in for me at the library. I'd love to hear MOORE about your conversation. Dear god.

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  6. David Sedaris and I could be really good friends, too. The best.

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