Get Lit!

 Cool English teachers such as myself do not ask themselves whether they will attend Get Lit!, Spokane’s annual literary festival, but rather how many events they will attend.

So it’s pretty awesome when your sister—a student at EWU—plunks down a stack of free event tickets on the dining table.

Last night I had the opportunity to see Steve Almond and Susan Orlean on stage at the nearly-stuffed Bing Crosby Theater.  The best thing, though, was the fact that these speakers were introduced by SPR’s very own Verne Windham (all professional in a suit and tie) and the charming Nancy Roth.  One of the fundamental values guiding SPR’s mission statement is:  “We actively participate in the cultural life of our listening communities.”  And there they were, actively participating.  It was inspiring and fun to see the mission at work.

While I’d never invite Mr. Almond to speak freely with my students, I couldn’t help but guffaw or gasp at every hilariously inappropriate thing he said.  Showing his versatility, Mr. Almond also read some serious bits.  I might have to pick up a copy of his book, God Bless America or one of his smaller texts, “Letters From People Who Hate Me”. 

Ms. Orlean’s “Surfer Girls” piece was introduced to former students by an EWU writing student.  It was fascinating to hear Ms. Orlean read from her new book about the German shepherd Rin Tin Tin.  I’ll check at Auntie’s to see if they have a copy of Rin Tin Tin or The Orchid Thief in stock.

I am looking forward to the rest of the festival’s events.  Hope to see you there this weekend!

Heather