Notes on Mary Karr

On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of hearing poet and memoirist Mary Karr read some of her work and answer questions. This was no typical, overcrowded Barnes & Noble reading - it took place at the New School, in a room that fit about 50 people, if that.

Mary remebered me from about 8 years ago, when I was a student in her class, Living Writers. It was a phenomenal class. The kind that embodies everything you thought college classes would be like. Unfortunately not many of them actually measure up.

She's still the firecracker I remember her to be. She's currently working on another memoir, Lit.

It makes total sense that she writes memoirs. Her type is like your slightly-crazy uncle who always has a memory to share, a story to tell, that sometimes, is so far removed from what you're familiar with, you find it hard to believe it's true, and moreover, that it happened to him.

If you're looking for something good to read, check out The Liar's Club and Cherry. And then join me in waiting for Lit to be published.