This last Monday I attended a book reading with my friend Carly at an amazing book store-Shakespeare and Co. Situated on the Seine directly across from Notre Dame, the cluttered and crowded bookstore draws students and tourists with a literary bend. The small upstairs room pictured above is the owner's private library where writers can board in exchange for organizing bookshelves and wringing up purchases. On this particular night I arrived about an hour early prepared to save seats for Carly and myself as the website appropriately suggested such a tactic.
At the far end of the room is a window with a view of twinkle light strewn trees and Notre Dame. The walls are lined with bookshelves and the only exposed piece of wall is covered with a poster size cover of the Great Gatsby. Only one other girl is in the room and while tourists come in and out and the volunteers organizing the event put up chairs, we sit reading patiently. I am reading a book on Beckett's early years and wearing a reasonably acedemic outfit of black pants, carigan and blazer. Such things make me feel that no one will see past and realize that I barely understand my book and besides enjoying a light read I am completely underqualified to contribute much to the evening.
A large women walks in and topples one of the tiny, child size chairs. "The elephant has arrived," she announces cheerfuly in a Scottish or Irish accent (I have yet to really tell the difference.) The other early arriver and myself are saving the seats on the bench, so the poor women attempts to perch her ponderous form on the tiny stool. An old mand walks in and carefully positions himself on another innapropriately sized stool. The two commence a discussion in German. I am thinking it must be about how rude the younger generation is to not offer up the more comfortable seats and am releived to here the names of Byron, Shakespeare and David come up. Obviously, they are not as concerned by my rudeness as I am.
The room starts to fill. The other girl and I valiantly defend our bench-our friends being the last to arrive. Finally, the author is introduced. She has written a book on a Mexican living in Berlin and elegantly combines historical fiction with modern day. It is fascincating to listen to this Harvard and Oxford graduate.
The evening ends with all going downstairs for wine and cheese and discussion. Not a bad way to spend and Monday night!
