Sorry, I promise I will stop until tomorrow. I just have so many people I want to talk about and sadly, this one is actually Black History. I hosted Gloria Naylor as a guest speaker at a college I worked for. I’m not even sure where I was even working at the time. I used to be a reading specialist at several colleges. I remember hearing that she was A LOT from the guy that picked her up from the airport. She was TOUGH.
I was once again starstruck. I am way more into authors than movie stars. She. was. a. presence. Again, I had read all her books. Linden Hills, The Women of Brewster Place, Bailey’s Cafe, Mama Day… And I had them all with me when I met her. I took a whole entire pile of books up to ask her to sign. I don’t remember why but I was onstage. I don’t think I introduced her, but I was definitely on stage with her when I asked her to sign. She told me that she only signed for children. BUT, since I was a professor, she would. She was a bit arrogant and intimidating. But apparently, she liked me and my paperback books. (Hey professors don’t all make a lot of money!) She signed them all. I got lucky.
All of her books are about the strength of women. I strongly recommend that you check them out. She was from what I observed a very strong woman in a time that women were not seen in that way. I remember mostly that something went on with her car ride to the college. She was irritated about something. I forget the whole story. But there was some sort of “don’t piss her off vibe” involved. So me sauntering up with multiple books I wanted her to sign was not wise. lol. I think my sheer audacity is why she agreed to do it.
Okay, now we have me caught up to the third. I will really have to try hard to narrow it down to only 25 more. Okay, I am all caught up now. I have 25 more days to honor someone who is important to me. It’s going to be hard to narrow it down. Thanks for reading.
that’s a wonderful story, thank you for sharing it. I am looking forward to the new entries
Ya know, if you think about it, nobody knows anyone’s past and what made them who they are! Think about what she went through in her life? I mean, you can only really write about what you know…. She was a trailblazer!
going to check her out, maybe bailey’s cafe
Those are wonderful titles. The women of Brewster place was made into a really good movie. Happy Black History Month!
Pretty sure I’ve read the women of Brewster Place but it’s been more than a minute lol
Love these posts and I for one don’t care if it’s more than one a day it’s incredibly interesting to read them all!
I’ve read her books over the years. They were among my favorites but I passed them along to friends I thought would appreciate them. You’re so lucky to have met her.
What a coincidence today! Last night I watched Women of Brewster Place on tv and spent this morning reading her bio! It was sad to me that the themes are still so relevant in 2021.
I read both the Women and Men and Baileys Cafe sort of rings a bell but I don’t think I read Linden Place…I’ll have to check my library.
That’s so cool you got to meet her-great story.
PS I totally forgot my beloved Leon was in it. I’m happy to report he was hot as ever but I think I like him a little older.
This is so awesome 🤩. I totally would have done the same thing. That you for sharing these stories.
Please don’t stop. I love the last 3 post!
Thanks for this Tamara! I’m looking forward to reading more of these.
Thank you. These posts are great.
I’m a huge fan of hers. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this TT ….this is awesome!
So pleased you shared this story about Ms.Nailor.I’m always happy to meet people who love to read so we can discuss. I find that as I get older there are fewer people to share my love of books. Right now there is one friend.
We argue over Toni Morrison; I adore her writing an my friend hates it. Im rereading Tar Baby after forty years.Looking forward to all your offerings for the month. Thanks! Much appreciated.