My New "Grand Obsession"

On Monday night, I attended my first book reading at Ohio State. My fictional writing class, which is turning out to be the greatest scheduling decision ever, requires me to attend two readings over the course of the quarter. I’m disappointed I have not attended more, because they are simply wonderful. On Monday, Perri Knize read from her new memoir, Grand Obsession, for forty-five minutes and finished with a Q&A segment. Her memoir begins with her realization at the age of forty-three that she wants to be a great pianist. The rest of the text takes the reader on the journey of her discovering and perfecting the “soul-mate” of pianos. I have not read the book yet, but after her reading, I now have it on hold at the library.

I went into the reading completely unaware of who Knize was or what she did. Her back-story peaked my interests in her as a person and her work. She is a native New Yorker, and spent much of her years living in Manhattan. As you all know, I stand with open arms to anyone who hails from the East Coast. She discussed New York in great detail: streets she lived on, stores she frequented, and restaurants she ate at. Needless to say, after her introduction, I could not wait to hear what she had written. The fact that her memoir focused solely on music was a perfect match as well. Music has always been a love of mine, and although I regrettably don’t know how to play an instrument, Knize informed me that it is never too late to learn. Perhaps I will get those piano lessons after all.

After this lecture, I am more determined than ever to get published. Watching a professional writer read her work to an auditorium full of people reminded me that I have what it takes to have my work published as well. I once read an article about a professional ballet dancer that, as a child, attended The Nutcracker performed by The New York City Ballet. As she watched the dancers leap on stage, she said aloud, “That’s what I’m going to do.” I felt the same way Monday night. I always knew I wanted to write, but now I know I’m going to write.

Since my time at Ohio State is almost at an end (Less than 2 months!), I searched online and found tons of book readings in the NYC area. I have opened my eyes to an entirely new area of culture that I have never taken advantage of. I’m attending another reading tomorrow night by a professor at Ohio State who has just published a new book. I cannot wait to get inspired all over again.

Peace and Love <3