reads on my radar: my father’s secret war
This weekend, I participated in Larry Davidson’s annual Writers on the Vine series. Throughout the summer Davidson hosts weekly events (most are theme-based) where he interviews authors about their life and work, and the audience is encouraged to participate via a Q&A. Frankly speaking, this is an event writers dream of: an idyllic setting (a spacious porch overlooking a vineyard), an engaged, receptive audience, and a host who asks all the right questions and provokes thoughtful conversation. Plus, there’s the Lobster Roll, and miles of farm-stands selling fresh berries, blooms and brick-heavy pies. My baked goods booty was fairly impressive (blueberry pie, bags of chocolate chip pecan cookies, blueberry muffins & a banana loaf. Score!). But back to the matter at hand.
The highlight of the panel was the fact that I had the great privilege of sharing the stage with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Lucinda Franks (). I’ll admit that I was a bit nervous (and supremely humbled) to be seated beside a woman of her stature: a revered journalist, an animated, eloquent speaker, and a marvelous writer. She regaled stories of how she used her experience as a journalist to unravel her father’s fascinating history as a former daring spy behind enemy lines in World War II, even as he was reluctant to tell it. And Franks also meditates on a fractured relationship (and subsequent estrangement and reconcilation) with an alcoholic father who was also an American hero. Suffice it to say, the audience was completely enthralled with her story and the way in which she told it. I couldn’t wait to race home and order her book (which I did!), and I encourage you to do the same.
Caught in a storm, we raced over to The Lobster Roll in Riverhead. Over lunch, we talked of the state of American memoirs, St. Petersburg, travels in Asia, authors we love, and the joy that only a homemade pie could bring.
Click here to learn more about the book.
Click here to read an excerpt
Boston Globe Review
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July 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
You’re right - this does sound like a writer’s dream (the idyllic setting, the engaged, receptive audience, the Lobster Roll…)
I will definitely be checking out Lucinda Franks book. And yours:)
July 28th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
THANKS!! I read your interview with Min Jin Lee (found you via coquette), which inspired me to get the book!
Cheers, f.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I grew up in Mattituck-just a bit east of Palmer-if you are ever out there let me know and I will tell you all the good, off the radar spots for everything from farm stands to restaurants and other places not to be missed. Sounds like it was a wonderful day-sorry we missed it. We are taking your recommendation & now I cant wait to read Ms. Frank’s book!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Jessica,
Oh, wonderful!! I’ll have to take you up on your kind offer sometime.
Cheers, Felicia