Union University’s Lyceum Committee hosted Lorrie Moore on March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center in which the award-winning writer performed a reading.
Moore is the author of four novels, six collections of short stories, a collection of essays and criticism and a children’s book. She has won several awards for these works.
Her most recent work was a novel entitled “I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home.” The novel is a finalist for this year’s National Book Critics Circle Award.
“The Union University Lyceum makes possible cultural experiences such as tonight’s reading by a major contemporary voice in our nation’s literature,” Bobby Rogers, Lyceum Committee member, professor of English and writer in residence, said. “The Lyceum Committee does the crucial work of bringing speakers to this institution and to this community.”
Rogers remarked on how joyful it has been to be able to bring writers to campus and how, as an English professor, he has witnessed the effects these writers have on students.
“It’s interesting that I can sometimes see the influence on student writers for two or three semesters after we have a visiting writer here. I can see that they were inspired by this person and it affects how they write,” Rogers said.
Moore’s reading inspired sophomore English major Rachel Jones. Moore served as an aspirational figure of success to Jones who wants to pursue writing herself.
“Coming to this makes you realize more it’s possible if you take little steps to do it,” Jones said.
Moore read a short story entitled “FaceTime.”
“This is a story that’s set during the pandemic and is based a little bit on real life for me,” Moore said.
During the coronavirus pandemic, people experienced separation from loved ones. Even when hospitalized, people could not be with their family members due to quarantine restrictions. Moore’s short story dealt with this concept, illuminating the experience others went through by telling a story of a daughter going through the loss of her father slowly passing away while she could only interact with him through a screen.
“I think art is going to play a role in helping us remember those times,” Rogers said.
Audience members leaned in, nodded along and were visibly struck by her words. Despite the serious subject matter of the story, there were also moments where Moore was able to steal laughter from the audience.
“That’s been a trait of hers since her first collection,” Rogers said. “It’s kind of set her apart, her wit and humor.”
The reading was followed by a reception and a book signing. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase a book, meet Moore and get their book signed.
