flowing somewhat

This morning, Richard Russo (Empire Falls), writer, spoke with such joy and energy about Richard Yates, writer, author of “Revolutionary Road” (1961). Yates’ books were out of print by the time he died in 1992 at age 66. Someone wrote an essay that got people interested in his works again. The revival story reminds me of Zora Hurston’s obscurity and her revival thanks to a young Alice Walker, who wrote “The Color Purple”. Writers flow in and out of “the known” world, the reading discussions, the retail bookshelves.

Certainly, the reduced amount of reading in schools contributes to this. Someone has probably measured this and written a scholarly journal article on these subjects of obscurity and reading in school, or out of school.

But, maybe the themes in these books do not resonate with younger people today? Revolutionary Road, as a film seemed topical and timeless too despite the 60s art direction. Maybe it was just Winslet and DiCaprio’s warmth and passion on the screen more than the story?

Russo has me enthused about reading Yates after his enthusiastic talk about the writing…Russo read a few passages and it really flowed nicely.

pictured: "Summer" by Ed Rauscha