An evening with Armistead Maupin, at Kepler's Books and Magazines in Menlo Park.

Last week Diana and I attended Armistead Maupin's talk at Kepler's Books and Magazines down in Menlo Park.

If you are familiar with his work and narrative style, Armistead is just as effervescent as he is in print (and characters!) with rather timeless and fun engagement to anyone listening. Diana and I were some of the youngest in the audience of enthusiastic readers from all walks of life.

At the end of the author talk, we lined up to get his book signed the last Tales of the City installment “The Days of Anna Madrigal” I asked him if he'd be so kind to also sign the sketch I've done of him through the lecture, he LOVED it — I was over the moon.

He looked through back entries of my journal, and said, “Oh maybe I shouldn't” I, being equally curious completely understand. I quickly said “Oh, no” wanting to say “Oh, no problem” I was just so excited to meet him :)

The author talk was alongside NYT columnist and SF resident Scott James and their conversation was easy to hear and follow. I hadn't been to Kepler's in ages and didn't know their new management had such a great author series. Worth a quick trip down to Menlo Park, a Caltrain ride away (They are right next to the Menlo Park stop).
On our way out, Diana and I met the manager of Kepler's and he asked how our evening was. It was so well organized, I was so impressed and pleased. We'll definitely be back!

I've briefly mentioned Maupin before on this blog, and I began reading his material in my 20s. I started re-reading him in my 30s and, as most things in life, it made so much more sense.

It was a complete delight to finally meet Mr. Maupin, and listen to him read us a sneak peek of his memoir, was just so touching. Thank you.

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× Some pictures from the event:





Arrived a bit early. There were approx 250 of us in the audience, seated comfortably!


Here is Maupin from where I sat, alongside Scott James, while I sketched.


Thanks Diana for coming along :)
M.