File under "what librarians do on summer vacation..."
Last Tuesday I was in Radio City Music Hall to hear Stephen King, John Irving and J.K. Rowling read from their books. The night was introduced by Whoopie Goldberg and each author was also introduced by a celebrity and a video clip a la Oscars. Kathy Bates introduced Stephen King, who read his famous pie eating story from "The Body." His State of Mainer accent was perfect for this piece and the crowd really enjoyed the story.
Andre Braugher introduced John Irving (the least well known of the authors...I heard someone behind me asking his friends who Irving was). He read a Christmas pageant section from "A Prayer for Owen Meany". He is a great reader and the little cracked voice he used for Owen will stick in my head forever.
Finally, Jon Stewart introduced the star of the night...Ms. Rowling. She sat on a red velvet throne, showed us her marvelous shoes (sandles with silvery snakes as straps) and read a section from the Half Blood Prince where Dumbeldore is recruiting Tom Riddle for Hogwart's. Questions and answers followed but Ms. Rowling kept mum on any details of the final book.
All in all, a "magical" night. Ask Ms. Richardson or Ms. Johns for more details!
P.S. I saw J.K. Rowling at the Museum of Modern Art the following afternoon. She was with some children (possibly hers) and was wandering through the museum like any other tourist. You never know who you might spot in New York City!!
