Actor Morgan Fairchild and world renown choreographer, Bill T. Jones share the view that Black History Month is divisive, dismissive and should be discarded. I share this view, also. I argue Black History is American history and that dedicating a month is a divisive and insulting placation. But, now I have a reason to be grateful as Jason Mott gave a virtual talk for northern CA libraries yesterday i/h/o Black History Month. Mott discussed his award winning novel HELL of a BOOK. I've read this 2001, Nat'l Book Award Winning Novel and concur with its inference as being a unique and amazing read. The novel depicts the complex African-American experiences, its fraught racial relationships and multi-faceted contributions to society and the arts. Mott was a disarming and delightful raconteur and shared surprising stories as to the book's unforgettable title, its genesis stemming from the George Floyd murder and its beguiling segue into an encounter with Nicholas Cage. The title resulted from a dare by his editor with whom he has a close working relationship. Mott admitted his inability to title his own books. This was Mott's fourth novel. His previous novel, THE WONDER of ALL THINGS is magically realistic as it examines responses for protecting a child's power to provide healing or for destroying this gift for the greater good. HELL of a BOOK is a pastiche of absurdist and biting, social commentary. Mott tells his reader at the start this is above all, "a love story." There's much to love in Mott's writing and storytelling which is comedic, mystifying, heartwarming, gut wrenching and a harsh depiction of the reality that men of color are killed frequently at the hand's of law enforcement. One of the questions asked of Mott pertained to his paradoxical 'love story' epitaph. His candor and cogent answers were satisfying and the difference between "open ended" and "unanswered questions" was clarified. I urge readers to read not only Mott's novels which have garnered literary honors, but his award winning poetry collections as well. Mott described himself as a shy introvert and a loner; someone who requires plenty of downtime to recharge after being on his book tours. He was gracious and comfortable wearing a baseball cap, hooded sweatshirt and dazzling smile. The hour went by quickly with clever, pre-selected questions pertaining to his book and writing styles culled beforehand from the various library branches. I would have enjoyed spending more time with this engaging author's broadcast on a big screen in our welcoming local, Healdsburg library. Admission, of course, was free along with complimentary popcorn and flavored water drinks. (Attached: my review of HELL of a BOOK on my blog: Mindel's Kindle for the Rogue Reader)
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