The signing at Square Books was swell. The crowd was great. Jamie and Mary, the events folks, were very gracious. Jamie even recorded my stuttering and stammering for an Oxford radio show. In fact, all the Square Booksters were very kind. They make a killer ice coffee. They put the secret ingredient in it: Vanilla.
They served up wine and cheese which is always a nice touch. A handful of Ole Miss Faulkner Conference attendees fleeing the rained-out Rowan Oak picnic, showed up to my signing. So this time, the summer showers actually worked in my favor. In fact, three Dallasites who were attending the conference showed up. Shout out to my fellow weary travelers, Rachel, Aaron and Michelle.
After the signing my buddy and fellow writer, Jeff Stayton, and I went to William Faulkner's house and grave. Being there made me happy but also sad. I don't know why it was so sweet and sour for me. Maybe because I just read that Faulkner told his daughter, Jill, that "Nobody remembered Shakespeare's children." in response to her pleading with him not to go on a bender because she needed him to be sober.
After all the Faulkner-gawking, we had dinner at the Ajax in the Square. I suggest the Tamale Pie if you ever dine there. Made with cheese grits and some kind of pulled-pork. Excellent. August 1st, I start running and lifting again. Book Tour Fat Ass will be the name of this website if I keep this up.
Also if you ever need to a great place to stay for about 70 bucks a night, just two blocks from Oxford's Square,might I recommend the Oliver-Britt House on Van Buren. The rooms are kick-ass.
"They make an killer ice coffee; they put the secret ingredient in it. Vanilla."
Well, it was a secret. Way to spill the beans Will.
Posted by: Ben | July 28, 2005 at 02:29 PM