Hear that sound? It's my heart fluttering. I MET JAY ASHER!!!
Over the past two years, many of my students have read his book Thirteen Reasons Why. Our school library even had a few book group meetings about it. Guidance counselors read it, teachers read it and recommended it to their own kids. It's a wonderful read that fosters very important discussions among young adults and between young adults and their mentor-adults.
Because I work with some awesome librarian folk, we managed to get him to come speak at our school. As it turns out, he is a phenomenal (and hilarious) speaker and a wonderful person. I have immense respect for the guy and look forward to what he does next. He talked and talked to the few dozen kids who stayed after the official presentation to meet him. He signed their books. He took their ideas and compliments with humility and gratitude. Of the several authors I've met at various events, he is up there is "real person-ness" with only Chris Crutcher.
I love events like this. The effect they have on students is profound and long-lasting. They see the authenticity of writing, and form strong connections to what they read.
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