One Book Odessa

Brad Meltzer has come and gone, and One Book Odessa is concluded for the year. I’ve been trying to assimilate everything that has happened over the last 18 months and put in down on paper. I keep coming up blank. So much has happened and words just don’t seem to do any of it justice. However, I am afraid if I don’t write it down soon, the details will be lost forever from my mind. The experience itself can never be forgotten, it was so profound.

I picked Brad up at the hotel Friday morning, ready to start our adventure. We arrived at Odessa College promptly at 11:30 for the Odessa Service Clubs luncheon. As we walked in the door I was conforted by the sight of a friendly face, Kathy Howe. Friendly, that is, until she pointed her finger up at me, and shouted, ‘You sent us to the wrong place!’ I had told Kathy and the rest of The Friends to meet us at the Salisbury Room, when in fact, we were to meet at The Salisbury Center, across campus. It was not the way I wanted to start the day, but we straightened it out, all was forgiven and the room was quickly filled with members of service clubs from all over Odessa (Optimists, Rotary, Lions, Pilot, you name it).

Brad (with a little help) concocted a very clever introduction for himself, that set the perfect tone for his talk. If you have only seen Brad on tv, make it a point to go to a booksigning or any other live event where you can hear him in person. He’s funny, heartwarming, and most of all, inspirational. He doesn’t have a ‘pat speech’ that he gives to everyone. He spoke directly to the needs and interests of service clubs. After a hearty Q&A mostly about Decoded (I’m sorry, ‘Brad Meltzer’s Decoded’), Brad signed a few books, posed for some pictures and we were out the door.

With just a little time before the next event, Brad wanted to see Ratliff Stadium the home of the Permian Panthers (of Friday Night Lights fame). We drove over and had some pictures taken. The it was off to the University of Texas at The Permian Basin, where Dr. Jason Lagapa had set up a writing Q&A for select writing students. It was a very intimate talk, with only 15 students. Brad’s talk was completely different than the one he gave before. He talked process, inspiration, comics, novels, and tv. I of course, ate up the comic section, as it was so fun to hear about which characters he wrote and why. The students were responsive and asked some very interesting questions.

Writing class done, Brad did a little media round, first with The Odessa American, and then with CBS7. By that time it was 4:30. We had an hour and a half before the next event, so Brad could have some down time and a little bit of quiet to himself. I dropped him back at the hotel and returned home trying to get a little rest. Of course, I was so keyed up and excited, I just stared at the ceiling.

Now we’re in the home stretch. Brad and I go to a private reception at the Ector County Library for members of participating One Book Organizations, and more importantly, students who wrote the winning essays in the school district wide essay contest. The first thing Brad did when he walked in the door was ask to take a picture with the students, and sign their copies of Heroes for my Son. Brad talked for a bit again, and it was totally different again. He really knows his audience and expertly plays to them.

After a little bit of socializing, it’s time to go to Odessa College. This is it, what the whole day has been leading up to. We settle in, and get ready for the ride.

Brad’s talk was amazing. He discussed The Book of Lies, heroes, and most importantly, how ordinary people can change the world. What he said, and what I believe, is that we all Clark Kent, and we all have a Superman inside us. It’s such a simple sentiment, but so profoundly true. I looked out over that audience and saw them drinking in his words. I saw Brad onstage truly talking about what he believes, and not ‘putting on a show.’ The audience was so responsive to his message, and was so inspired, that when it was over, I gave the audiences two ways to exit the theater: left if you did not want a book signed, and right if you did. No one went left. No One.

The signing line was so long, but everyone was so gracious and welcoming to Brad. They all had a story to share with him, and he listened, not just in a polite manner the way so many authors do, but really listened, and asked questions. As people were coming through the line, a young red haired woman asked me if I used to work for Waldenbooks. I replied ‘yes, I’ve worked for every bookstore in Odessa.’ She thanked me for suggesting ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ to her 10 years ago, as it became her favorite book. Brad punched me in th earm and said, ‘You see??? LEGACY buddy!’ At that moment, I realized, I had been Superman all day. I also realized how much fun this whole program had been, and how proud I was of what we accomplished. This was not MY One Book program, this was still One Book Odessa. Without the help, support and encouragment of Odessans, this would never have happened.

I stayed in bed most of yesterday, just trying to rest, but thinking of everything that happened instead. This morning, I’ve been doing dishes, laundry, and feeding the dog, and I realized with a dirty plate in my hand that I am back to being Clark Kent. For a moment, I was so sad. Then, I realized, without the Clark Kent days, you don’t appreciate the Superman days…

An Evening with Brad Meltzer

7:30 pm

Dederick Auditorium

Odessa, College

Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your books! This is a unique experience not to be missed!!