Tayari's Blog: Report (not) From The Road: Urbana, IL

If you've been keeping up with my blog, you know that I was all stressed out about my voice. I came to the bookstore about a half hour early so I could run to the bathroom in order to gargle with salt water three times, take a quick shot of vinegar, followed by a shot of honey.

Richard Powers introduced me. It would be immodest for me to re-cap it here, but let's just say that no one has ever said such nice things about me, not even when I was just born.

Then, I read. My good friend, Audrey Petty, agreed to take over if my voice gave out completely. I wasn't silver-throated but I made it through. At first, I was terribly self-conscious and insecure about it all. It's always harder to read in front of people you actually know. Afterall, you'll have to see them again and again. If you screw up, throw up or pass out, there will always be someone around who will remember.

But once I started reading, I realised how silly it was to think this way. These people are my friends. I can't name everyone that was there, but I will drop a few names to give a feel for the event. Almost all my colleagues were there, including Michael VanWallegan who is retiring in about twenty minutes. (If you know any short-timers, you know what a big deal it is for them to come to events!). A friend from my exercise class was there and also a few former students. My timeless next door neighbor, Jan came over on her bicycle. Florence Ransom, my parent's landlady from 1963 was beautiful and radiant as always. The Lit people were there and many friends from many other departments.

The after-set a my favorite bar, Crane Alley, was terrific fun. (Major thanks to the CW for sponsoring and to RP for picking up the slack!) Chris, the chef, prepared a delicious spread; Mauricio kept the glasses full. My ace, David Coyoca hooked his iPod up the sound system and it was on!

And here is the amazing thing... I had such a good time that I forgot all about my laryngitis! It wasn't until I got back home, took off my fancy shoes, and picked up the phone to call my dad that I realised that I couldn't even make a squeak.

But that's alright. I've said enough for now.