What a treat it was listening to author Tommy Orange speak last night. His book "There, There," tells the stories of several native people living in urban areas, mostly Oakland California. Their complex struggles with identity, daily living, and coming to terms with issues in their lives that have roots across generations. The format of Mr. Orange's presentation was very engaging. Ms. Carla Banks, Greensboro Communications & Marketing Director, seated in the chair on the right, came well prepared with questions that made it clear she had read the book thoroughly and completely.
Mr. Orange (he would probably want us to call him Tommy) started writing "There, There," when he learned he was going to be a father. Prompted by Ms. Banks, Mr. Orange spoke about the fact that native people have inherited a legacy of loss and it be hard to have a connection to their history. He exmlained, "We blame ourselves for not having something that was beat out of us" (language, culture, and history). He is especially happy that young people like his book. While he wants to tell the story of his community, he also wants people to have a good read and to experience that feeling that comes from reading a good novel. Ms. Banks mentioned the fact that readers want to know even more more about the characters in "There, There.". Mr. Orange mentioned that he sold a sequel to the book in 2018 and said that the book is both a prequel and also a sequel given that he talks about so much history, especially boarding schools. When asked by an audience member about his writing process, Mr. Orange said he loves to write in hotels, because he can read out loud and not have to worry about people listening. He also uses Internet programs that read books back to you so that he can listen while running. As you can see from the photo, people stayed around to talk and get their copies of "There, There" signed after the event was finished.
This author visit was made possible by the Greensboro Public Library Foundation. Please consider donating to this foundation so that Greensboro can have even more special programs like "One City, One Book." Thank you for everyone who made possible the event last evening! Finally, the Terrace at the Greensboro Coliseum is a very nice venue.
Very enlightening.
Posted by: William Kendall | Friday, November 19, 2021 at 04:03 PM