On Friday, July 14th, the University of San Diego's Shiley Theatre will be hosting a book discussion and signing with Sherman Alexie, author of National Book Award winning The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Alexie's new memoir, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, comes from a place of tragedy, as this work was developed as a sort of coping mechanism for Alexie when his mother passed away at age 78. Alexie's trademark lack of fear of revealing harsh truths about the world and his fiery temperament are certainly present in this work. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me is a collection of 78 poems, 78 essays, and numerous personal photographs concerning the complicated, challenging, yet fulfilling relationship between he and his mother.
Prominent critics such as Slate's Laura Miller and Kirkus Reviews heaped heavy praise upon the work, and called its author proficient in "scouring honesty" and in a "conversational, breezy" style that combine to make an intensely likeable author and interesting read.
Sherman Alexie, posing for Chase Jarvis of the Grove Atlantic
Alexie's accomplishments as an author are numerous. In 1993, he received the PEN/Hemmingway Award for his short story collection The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, and in 1999 he was named one of The New Yorker's 20 Writers for the 21st Century. He also received an American Library Association Odyssey Award for "best audiobook for children or young adults", as he read aloud his The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
Words Alive will have a general information table at the event. Please invite friends to hear a great author and learn more about Words Alive. We will be sharing information about how guests can get more involved.
In order to enter the book signing line, you must have purchased a copy of You Don't Have to Say You Love Me from Warwick's. Seating will be first come first serve, with the doors to check in opening at 6:15 PM. For more event details and to purchase tickets click the button below.