Ya’ll may wonder how all of this Damned stuff came about. For those who care, I will try to tell a story.
Chuck Palahniuk Tell-All Event at The Great Hall at Cooper Union, NY
Around 15 years ago, my old, often referenced book-selling pal, Tom, who was then selling books in Eugene, Oregon, contacted me about Chuck Palahniuk. With excitement he said, “This guy Palahniuk is the real deal, he gets it and it’s on edge. Furthermore, he’s a nice guy, even a great guy.” Tom and I have shared wisdoms about books and writers for so long and so honestly that I heard him ring the bell to pause and listen.
Around five years ago, my almost adopted, loved-one, Zita, of whom I am so very fond of, started selling books at Lemuria. Her youthful rebel self was an avid Chuck fan and has always cringed with glee as his new titles landed at Lemuria. There is something about youthful bookselling vigor for an author that’s real and tangible, that always catches an old bookseller’s notice. While Zita learned bookseller skills and developed our First Editions Club, she always got bubbly when Chuck’s books came up in conversation. And proudly to bring all this together, we have selected Damned as one of our First Editions Club picks.
So needless to say, last Spring when we learned that Chuck’s Damned book tour was coming to Jackson, causing Zita’s feet to leap six feet off the floor, things got damned exciting around here.
A short time later in New York City, I found myself at a Random House cocktail party where Chuck was an honoree. In the back shadows visiting with others was Chuck, so I approached to thank him for coming to Lemuria. But even more importantly, I wanted to share Zita’s young bookseller love and admiration for his books, and he agreed to graciously inscribe a Damned book for her.
While signing Zita’s book, Chuck hit me with a “Fight Club” punch question:
“When I come to Lemuria, what can’t I do?”
Never having been asked such a thing before, I paused and thought for a moment.
My answer: “I don’t care, whatever you want to do. I’m cool with it all. It sounds like fun.”
Chuck said, “Really?” with a direct gaze.
I said, “Yeah, I own the joint, anything goes.”
On the trip home and the next while, I concluded: Well, if he can do anything, why can’t I? My desires began kickin’, and along with my co-conspirators, we agreed to wake up Jackson in “Chuck” style all the way.
“Hell Cat” concoctions are being brewed. Art is being conceived. Food is stewing to fire you up. Musicians are honing their chops and “bingos” are already being shouted. Pre-Halloween costumes of Chuck’s fantasies (or yours) are being planned to welcome Chuck to Jackson. Hal & Mal’s get ready cause here we come!
We don’t know what’s all comin’ down, but you have three months to get ready. “Katie bar the door!” unless you wanna get loose. Join us because we are proud to bring Zita’s cool guy to Jackson to rock Hal & Mal’s on October 20th, a very special Lemuria day.
Our first blog all about Chuck’s Damned Book Night, October 20th
Zita’s t-shirt blog: Get the shirt for the event!
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