Ann Patchett visits CADL

The Capital Area District Library welcomed Ann Patchett to Holt Junior High School on Thursday, May 14 . Patchett is the author of Bel Canto, The Patron Saint of Liars, The Magician’s Assistant and Run, as well as Truth & Beauty, her award-winning memoir of her friendship with writer Lucy Grealy.

When Patchett took the stage, her warmth immediately lit up the room.  Her larger than life personality filled the theater as she captivated the audience for an hour with stories from her personal life, professional life and childhood. She talked about her coincidental connection to opera singer Renee Flemming, and how the connection has led them to become the best of friends. That friendship has even taken Ann to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera.

After about 50 minutes of entertaining anecdotes, Ann brought the Capital Area District Library Adult Selection Specialist, Sarah Redman up to the stage. Redman asked a few questions and then opened the floor to the audience. Questions from the audience ranged from character name pronunciation clarification to aria secrets. Patchett didn’t hold back. She talked about books she liked – and those she didn’t. And an audience member kindly reminded us that Ann Patchett’s mother is none other than Jeanne Ray author of Julie and Romeo Get Lucky, Step Ball Change and Eat Cake.

After a brilliant presentation, Patchett signed books and chatted with fans. She was truly a gracious and entertaining guest!

On hand that evening was also Lansing Community College’s TV production staff. They were kind enough to record a brief pre-show interview with Patchett hosted by CADL’s Sarah Redman. For more photos, check us out on Flickr.

For more events at the Capital Area District Library, go to cadl.org and click on events calender.

Posted by ErinS