I have now given the reading with my father at The Harvard Bookstore. As predicted, I was not successful at getting him to shop with me. I did not even try. But when I got off the train at the Back Bay Station (alone) I was smack in front of a mall. Of course, I took a look and ended up with a beautiful dress. I am not fond of malls but thought a bit of shopping (for things I don't need or can't afford) could enhance the book tour ? and this blog. A while back I came to the conclusion that it isn't what you have to say that matters ? rather it is all about how you look. (Take a look at book jacket pictures if you want proof.) I've since revised that little theory, but I will say that tonight I received compliments for the passage I read, but I was also touched when a woman said, "I loved your reading, but I also must comment on your dress. It's wonderful!"
I am writing about clothes and the frivolous because the reading was fine. Nothing much to report. We had fun. My father is a delightful reader and I've heard this passage before. I will say, that it is a funny one and for the first half of his reading I noted that I was the only one giggling vocally ? out loud. I noticed that the audience was smiling, but they weren't laughing aloud. That changed towards the end of the reading. Afterwards friends of ours had a beautiful dinner for us in their gorgeous Cambridge home. I was asked to characterize the Boston audience. My response: repressed chuckles. But once they allowed themselves to break through they really laughed. The whole audience giggled so delightfully when finally they got the license. It was charming and delightful.
The bit I read is not about humor so I can't comment on the lack of giggling there. In fact, it would have been bad had they laughed ? really really bad.
But I must conclude by saying it is a splendid thing to hear people laugh and even more wonderful to be the source. Bravo to my father.