 Hi, I'm really had Sounds good Anyway, I'm really happy to be here and I'm especially happy because Sheila is going to do this with me I'm usually having to do this by myself out there and it's nice, but it's kind of lonely up there So this is good and Sheila's a great actress I met her through a friend when we went to see her in our town everyone knows that play and and She was like you were the narrator which is unusual because usually it's a man that narrates but she pulled it off with flying colors and at that time when I Met her was like before when I was just starting to write the book and I had like about 10 pages and I read it was up in the wine not the wine country the gold country right Sonora was around that area and That's where she used to live at the time And so I read it up there and then she was saying one day Maybe we can do something the other because I used to act to believe it or not and so this is kind of one of those dreams come true and What we're going to do is the section where it would be appropriate for her to be in it since you know the book There's not she couldn't play every part. Maybe you could but visually we don't want to strain you She's gonna play a nurse horn, maybe one day miss Humphrey in the bar scene But tonight we thought we'd do the nurse couple the nurse horn scenes And I'm gonna do a scene that nurse horns not in by myself the Sean scene So you'll get an idea of Stevie's boyfriend before she meets nurse horn so Anyway, I don't know how many some of you have probably read the book right how many of you done your homework here at the library Okay, many of you, you know, I went to I did a reading sometimes people read like about that's about a good normal and You're a normal San Francisco But it was capitol. I did a reading capitol. We had a really good size audience about like this, you know Santa Cruz, so But I said how many have read the book I mean one person One in Santa Cruz, but they were there. They'd heard of me. They came out, but they hadn't read it They carried it around looking cool, bro, you know, but they had read it But this one person got to kind of dictate it or what I read that night. Well, what do you think? It would always be there, you know, nobody else can say anything But this time we already know what we're going to read because a lot of places I go and I say What do you want to hear and you'd be surprised? Maybe you wouldn't be most places All I went all over the country most of the country the south the Midwest the east I've been to about 16 cities and The most popular section was the diary section those of you've read the book, you know People just wanted me to get nasty wherever The diary, you know grown people so Anyway But this tonight we already know we're going to do class We don't have a chance for input, but I think you'll enjoy it the book is set in 19 starts in 1965 It goes from 1965 to 1970 it starts when the main character Jean Stevie Stevenson is 11 and a half and a lot of it is her struggle to grow up in spite of her mother's help and And you know some of it's funny and some of it's kind of they said some people described as harrowing I don't know if I'd go that far. Okay harrowing to me is not yeah, not not not based on your life No, he said that's not harrowing. I wouldn't go there for but you know poignant. It is poignant at times Anyway, so a lot of it's about friendship Coming to turn growing up, you know sexuality Little peer stuff, etc. And we're gonna move along from oh, let me say this too about the book It's been nominated by the American Library Association, especially since we're in the library here It's best book of 94 fiction young adult young adult so Maybe it will win But even if it doesn't win it's the important thing is it was nominated and I am thankful and Honored also, it's number two in the country in black bookstores or black readers in the essence and blackboard now Now you wouldn't know by looking at this audience But I'm very I have a very diverse following so Anyway, but it's it's very universal I'm really glad because the book is able to cut across all lines and different parts of country different people come out, but it has really You know been able to appeal to people across all you know race gender, etc. So that's I'm really pleased about Let's see I'll start I'm just getting people you know I'm talking a little so that people can come in and sit down so we don't have them doing that when we're I'm doing it So you can come up here Let's see. I don't know if you two can sit together unless you'll be behind him because You might want to sit like this We aim to please here, okay Okay, this is 1969 this is set in Chicago some of you will remember 1969 in fact It looks like all of you in here could remember the few exceptions should be able to remember well 69 I mean wasn't that long and Actually Sheila this first scene you're in it. I know you remember This first scene Sheila's in it. We're gonna do two scenes where Two of them. We're both in and the middle scene You're not in it So I'll come back here so they won't have the illusion of you being in it by me sitting over there So I'll come over here and join you and then I'll leave to do the scene that's in between Yeah So this is the first time we've done this so don't Don't expect now. It's gonna be good. I mean, but don't expect me to This little part things like that You can't hear me let me can you hear me? Yeah, I should bring Okay, okay, this is like 1969 remember those years Okay, good. I Was sitting in all and Stevie's 16. I should say that or since you just made 16. Yeah junior in high school I was sitting in the office of my guidance counselor. Mrs. Stewart. I'd seen her before but we'd never met She was an attractive woman in her 30s with a caramel complexion She wore her hair in a large afro and was a sharp dresser. I Looked at the big clock on the wall. It was 10 after 2 Mrs. Stewart was 10 minutes late My homeroom teacher had told me that I needed to meet with her to plan my future Since I had been accepted into the junior honor society. I Was surprised to hear a white woman's voice. I'm tired of just being seen from my color Nurse Horn's side and ran her fingers through her short brown hair. I Washed as a school nurse followed Mrs. Stewart into the office I've been down to nurse Horn's office with cramps a few times. So we nodded at each other I want to be seen as an individual too Nurse Horn continued. I marched with dr. King. I was arrested during freedom summer in Mississippi Pamela, I'm not just any white person Diane do you think you deserve a medal? Mrs. Stewart asked folding her arms against her rust colored suit No, I don't think that I deserve a medal But I am tired of black people who haven't paid half as many dues making judgments about me I want to be judged by the content of my character like dr. King said If you're a black You don't have to march to pay dues Diane you pay dues just by breathing Mrs. Stewart glanced at me gene. Sorry to have kept you waiting. I'll be with you as soon as I can That's okay I'm not in any rush Pamela How can things ever change if we don't get to know each other's people? What do we march for anyway? I marched with dr. King to Diane and I didn't march just so that black folks and white folks could be bosom buddies I marched for equal opportunity and justice Well as long as the black teachers sit at one end of the teachers lunchroom and the white teachers sit at the other end What's the difference between today in the 50s? We may as well go back to separate but equal Look, it was separate, but it was never equal What's the gene? I? Shook my head remembering the picture of the two water fountains in my afro-american history book White people have made it quite clear that they don't want to live next door to us Haven't they gene I nodded some white people. I don't appreciate being lumped together with all white people Pamela Mrs. Stewart continued all It takes is for one black family to move into a neighborhood and the for sale signs go up so fast it makes your head spin and White folks have made it crystal clear that they don't want their children to go to school with us Haven't they gene? That's true. I agree. Nurse horn looked at me with her soft gray eyes. I Didn't have anything against her but the truth was the truth. I mean what else could I say some white people Pamela? Like Jesse Jackson says it's not the bus. It's us So no wonder we need to separate to figure out who we are as black people How much rejection can you expect people to take? right gene Right, I answered. I mean Mrs. Stewart had a point So does that mean if I see you sitting with black teachers at a table and I join you You will pretend that I'm not there again When I taught at a white school over on the northwest side, I had to sit alone I had to eat alone. No one gave me the time of day Sometimes I felt like I was invisible Is that how you want me to feel? Look Diane if you come into the teacher's room and I'm alone you can join me Otherwise Wait for an invitation. Okay? I'm supposed to forget your black on one hand and then on the other hand. I'm never supposed to forget your black Is that it? That's what we have to do. Isn't that so gene? For an odd moment Nurse Horn and I exchange glances Okay, that's one thing. All of this is going to take place in the fall of 69 and this is a little after that And this is a scene with Stevie and Sean Her soon to become boy friend I grabbed a handful of junk out of the locker next to mine It had been vacant since the beginning of the school year a tall stranger wearing a navy p-coat stood in front of the locker Holding a briefcase and a combination lock I'm sorry. I didn't know any it had been assigned anybody. I guess I'll never get the good housekeeping seal That's okay. He smiled. He was cute. He looked like Jermaine of the Jackson 5 And is he wanted to beat all with his bronze skin and big fro? Hey, haven't I seen you before I smiled Aren't you supposed to ask me what my sign is instead? No job. I'm being for real. It's your eyes. They're so pretty. I know I've seen you before Well, it is possible. This is my third year here. I am a junior I'm new. I just transferred in. I'm a senior. My name's Sean You're a senior. I repeat it respectfully. He nodded What did you transfer from? Leo high school That's a Catholic boy school. Yeah, I noticed Sean from frown Why'd you transfer your senior year? That must really be hard Sean shrugged Well, so how come you're starting over a month into the semester? I asked I Went back to Leo and I just realized it wasn't my bag. I didn't want to be around nothing but dudes And besides I was tired of the whole Catholic trip And I'm ready to have some fun this year Sean smiled. Hey, won't you have to go to confession? Hell no because I'm not Catholic Well, what were you doing in a Catholic school then? He lost a black folks who aren't Catholics and their kids to Catholic schools That's true. My old friends Melody and Linda go to Mercy High School and neither them are Catholic They go to faith AME just like I do. I Know who you are now You denied me Denied you Denied you what? First I thought Sean was jive Now I wondered if he was crazy Although he didn't look off you never could be sure I Was Jesus Christ Sean was definitely off. I thought I Start to back away from him come back Peter You are my disciple. Oh, I smiled a light finally going on in my head the Easter play I remember you too Sean. It's just at the last time that I saw you You were carrying a cardboard cross and you had ketchup dripping down your face That's right father forgive them for they know not what they do Sean said Before the cock crows three times. I will have denied him. I recite it. You didn't stumble once even back then My mother said that me and you were the only ones up there who enunciated I laughed I Remember now all the girls wanted to be Jesus mother or Mary Magdalene the prostitute But you volunteered to play Peter that took guts Hey, I was looking for a challenge. I mean neither of the Mary's had much of a speaking part You were great Thanks, my mother made my costume Two robes Outer one was striped and the other one was solid maroon. She even made a turban out of the striped material Hey, you were lucky to have a mother who would buy material and make a costume just for a Sunday school play I remember that all the other kids had been draped in things like sheets towels bath robes and birdcage covers I Guess I was sort of lucky So are you coming back to faith? I asked We're United Methodist now my uncle's church. Oh By the way, what is your name and your sign while you're at it? Oh I'm sorry Jean, but you can call me Stevie. That's right. I remember now and I'm a Libra. I smiled Hey, I'm a Gemini Hey, you're not hooked up with anybody. Are you? No, not really I flashed on rolling for a minute, but I reminded myself that we were just friends He never made a move or anything Good then. Let's let's see we get go get a milkshake after school is over. Well Come on now. Don't deny me this time. Sean Alright, I agreed Always been a sucker for dimples And besides my birthday wish might come true, I thought You know what next time we shouldn't get carbonated water Let's get ready to belch knock and belch in this scene. She gets to belch There are a couple times hope. I don't it was close Now is this this is good now This is about a month. They couldn't hear Time can this is I guess a little bit later month later or so It'll be revealed whenever it is month or two months. You know how it is in high school You go together two weeks. That's long. They practically married by now. You know, this is November. That was October's I Have been rolling around in my underwear on the cot like a wild woman now I wrapped myself around the hot water bottle and held it like a baby Thanks to it and my mydoll tablets cramps were no longer kicking my ass Throwing up and made me feel better too. I Remember that Tyrone had promised to make a stink bomb in chemistry lab this afternoon I couldn't wait to see the look on mr. Everly's face. I Sat up and blinked in the November sunshine that poured into the school nurse's sorry office Nurse horn was bent over her desk reading something. So I checked out the posters on the tire green walls. I Studied the four food groups and yawned at the picture of the Red Cross nurse with a silly smile on her face The posters got old quick So I started thumbing through a fashion magazine Nurse horn wasn't skinny or glamorous like the ladies in the pictures But she wasn't fat and she was attractive in her own way She wore her hair short That's so short that she looked like she was about to go into the Marines But probably too short for most men's tastes Wondered if nurse horn would have found a husband by now if she wore her hair longer She was pretty old not to be married She looked every day of 25 as mama would say How's the patient nurse horn turned around smiling She'll live I guess you guessed you seem a whole lot better. Yeah, I was seriously concerned considering a sex change operation You'd have to go to California for that There's horn walk toward me and I noticed for the first time that she wore a white terry cloth Bathrobe instead of her nurse's uniform She felt my forehead like my mother did first with the back of her hand and then with her palm Jean You'll be fine. How come you're in a bathrobe What happened to your uniform? I asked pointing to the white dress draped over the heater Oh Crystal Jones vomited on me this morning. I made a face. Yeah All in a day's work. I keep this robe handy for just such emergencies Crystal Jones threw up on you this morning more Morning sickness. I whispered excitedly Nurse horn raised her eyebrows like she knew she'd let the cat out of the bag I didn't say that she tried to pretend like I was totally off base And I shouldn't have mentioned Crystal's name to you at all nurse horn let out a sigh as she shook the thermometer down and Walked toward her desk You didn't have to the word is already out. This just puts the icing on the cake Some folks say it's Calvin's baby, but Carla says Dwayne was Crystal's main squeeze a few months ago Nurse horn turned around and faced me shush. I don't want to hear another word about it. This is not some sort of game You're talking about a person's life, and I won't listen to you make light of some poor girl's misfortune There's horns eyes narrowed and I could tell she wasn't jiving I Started getting dressed and there's horn sat down at her desk and began writing out my past I'm supposed to tell you that a young man came by while you were asleep Sean that's my boyfriend. Isn't he cute? I pulled on my corduroy pants. I Believe he did say his name was Sean. I stuck my head through my turtleneck Actually, Sean is what you call fine And he's a senior Shoot plenty of girls wish they could get next to Sean Out of all the girls. I'm the one he asked to go with him. It was like a dream I was Cinderella, and he was the prince. I put on my boots You're not in love by any chance There's horn turned around at her desk I guess you could run a train up my nose. I answered I Stood behind there's horn waiting for her to give me my pass But she just sat there staring out the window like she was in a daze Did I say something wrong? It's snowing It's the first snow of the season. Yeah, but I bet it won't stick. I hope it does. Oh, I Watched the puffy white snowflakes drift slowly to the ground How come you seem so sad? Will you have to shovel it just? Reflecting there's horn turned around and looked at me and then went back to staring out the window In a few months will all be sick of it. I tried to force a laugh There's horn turned and looked at me again, but a smile was nowhere near her face She made no move to give me the pink slip of paper on her desk gene. I Guess I'm a little concerned about you now frankly Concerned about me. Why what are you concerned about me for? Hey, I'm not the one who's pregnant. I Didn't know where nurse horn was coming from. Why was she tripping on me? I didn't want her putting me in the same boat with Crystal Jones Nurse horn looked me dead in the eye Not yet. At least you're not pregnant this month. I Felt myself getting all hot around the collar and I jumped back and put my hands on my hips You got no right to say that. Hey, I've known the fact since I was 12 Do you know that if you play with fire, you're gonna get burned? Do you know that fact there's horn stood up and faced me with her arms folded? She looks silly standing there all stiff staring me down Who did she think she was? I was even about an inch taller than her Who says I'm playing with anything? I raised my eyebrows and folded my arms, too There's horn cleared her throat. I didn't say that you were well. Why are you all up in my business thing? I came down here to get well not to catch hell Wish it was time for chemistry and I was learning how to make a stink bomb instead of dealing with this mess I'm sorry. You see it that way. How was I supposed to see it? I wondered Why was this woman all over my case here? I finally had a real boyfriend and I couldn't even enjoy it Nurse horror was acting like I was a baby or something. I turned 16 almost two months ago I was the only 16 year old virgin left on the whole south side of Chicago according to Carla Look even if I was doing something, how could you help me? Could you get me the pill without my mother knowing the only pills I can give you are aspirins, you know that But I can't help you determine what you want out of life Maybe I don't want to determine what I went out of life. Maybe I just want to live Nurse horn sugar head. I just know what can happen and I'm concerned. That's all I don't need your concern Just because I said I have a boyfriend you start getting on my case It hit me the nurse horn was probably jealous of me because she was an old maid But that still didn't give her the right to jump on my case Nurse horn started pacing with her arms folded. I just don't want you to end up another statistic a statistic Oh, please. I threw my hands up in the air First of all, my name is Jean Stevie Stevenson not Crystal Jones and second of all You need to be concerned about the statistics of your finding a husband instead of worrying about me. I Was surprised to hear that come out of my mouth I Bit my bottom lip and felt kind of sorry about what I'd said, but it was too late Nurse horn walked toward me with her face all scrunched up pointing her finger at me shut your mouth young lady because right now I Feel like slapping you Well, I've never seen nurse horn lose her cool, but I took a few steps backward just to be safe. Oh, yeah You hit a student and you might get fired not to mention that I'd hit you back. I tried to sound tough Jean you're skating on awfully thin ice Nurse horn pointed her finger up in my face again. I was scared mad at the same time There's horn had her nerve talking about smacking somebody. What did she think this was gone with the wind? You don't have to point your finger up in my face. My mama ain't dead Okay, Jean you had to push it get your things and get out of my office now I want you out of my sight my mouth flew open This lunatic in a bathrobe was actually calling herself throwing me out of the nurse's office. I Stuck my hand out for my past Nurse horn knew I'd get stopped in the hallway without it She started waving her arms in the air all dramatic like just go over there and sit down I wish the woman would make up her mind Nurse horn glanced up at the clock. This period is halfway over anyway. I Don't want you to leave with things like this. She let out a big sigh I'm going to make her some peppermint tea. I Got it from a health food store in Newtown I plopped down on the cot and watched nurse horn fill up the teapot and plug it in I Had never even tasted peppermint tea before Nurse horn was really a trip. I thought One minute. She was going off on me and the next minute. She was making me tea It wasn't like we were in England or some damn where I Sat across from nurse horn staring into my cup and breathing the peppermint steam Nurse horn leaned forward holding her cup with both hands She took a sip of her tea Jean Perhaps I was a little unfair to you and I apologize It's just that I see girls get into trouble year after year and sometimes I get frustrated In many ways it was easier when I was in high school back in the late 50s At least there weren't as many pressures. We certainly weren't in the middle of a sexual revolution They barely had TV back in the 50s. I thought to myself Nurse horn continue what I remember my best friend and her boyfriend getting suspended from school for wearing lookalike sweaters The administration didn't think it was appropriate. I rolled my eyes and shop. I Was glad it was 1969, but I didn't say anything. I just let nurse horn speak her peace It's part of my job to care about students, but I'm also a person I don't just shut my feelings off every day at 3 30 p.m. Nurse horn sips some more tea Finally looked up at her I Realized that I'd never even thought of nurse horn going home. I Guess I never pictured her outside of this office at least not without her uniform on But I had to admit that nurse horn probably was a person. I drank some tea I Feel that there's something special about you. I Know that you try to act tough But I remember the first time you came down here. You were just a scared freshman I was surprised that nurse horn can remember the first time I'd ever come down here I couldn't even remember that myself And it was hard to picture myself as a scared freshman a scared freshman I'm a mighty junior now Are you sure you don't have me mixed up with somebody else? positive I Know that you can be sensitive Maybe that's why I was so hard on you Because I think you have a lot of potential. I could hardly believe nurse horn was saying all this stuff I took a big drink of tea How do you know I have a lot of potential? Belched excuse me Or is that what you tell all the girls? Nurse horn smiled and set her cup on the floor. No, but it's what I'm telling Jean Stevie Stevenson The only time you see me practically is when I'm throwing up or rolling around in pain Well, I saw you in the school play and you're almost as dramatic You saw me in the effect of gamma rays on man in the moon merry-goats. I Was surprised that nurse horn kept up with things outside of her office. Yes. I did and I was quite affected Had to admit that I was good Carly had said girl you played your heart out up there on that stage Thanks, I said to nurse horn feeling shy all of a sudden No, we wanted to do no place to be somebody or nobody knows my name You know something really happening, but mr. Turner was too evil to check them out Nurse horn looked embarrassed like she didn't want to go along with bad mouth and the drama teacher. I slurped my tea So are you trying to tell me that you think I'm special out of all the jokers that come down here needing medical attention? I wouldn't put it exactly in those terms Well, when did you first? Notice as I would have potential when you saw me in the play or the first time that I threw up Nurse horn picked a piece of linen off my arm Sometimes you just have a feeling about someone you can't always explain it logically like Carla liking Tyrone Kind of he's bow-legged and got curly hair Nurse horn smiled and looked at me with her soft gray eyes. Well, not quite. I Care about you and I want you to have a good life I switched some tea around in my mouth thinking and nobody had ever told me they wanted me to have a good life before a Good day. Yes, but not a good life If this was a TV show, this is when they play the music outside What music? You know the kind of music they used to play when they found lassie Nurse horn pinched my cheek playfully. I hadn't just made 16 I would have wanted to bury my face all up against her Terry cloth robe She looks so warm and cozy. I set my cup down on the floor nurse horn Yes, student Jean Okay, miss horn miss horn. I'm sorry about the stuff. I said about you needing to find a husband There's horn looked at me like everything was cool And I'm sorry about making light of some poor girl's misfortune, too There's horn leaned over and hugged me Felt myself get all stiff Wait a minute. I wanted to say hey, nobody hugs me except my grandmother. I'm 16 years old My mother doesn't even hug me. What is somebody walks in here and sees us all hugged up like we're in a Hollywood movie But it felt kind of good The Terry cloth was brushing up against my face and everything So I just broke down and wrapped my arms around nurse horn and hugged her back Then I began to inch away because I didn't know how long it's too long You know to be hugging on somebody nurse horn I Mean miss horn about Sean you see with Sean. I barely got my big toe in the water I mean, I want to swim out there in that ocean of love But in some ways I want to stay safe on the shore Nurse horn rested her chin in her hand like she was taking in everything. I was saying then the bell rang so loudly I jumped I started grabbing my stuff together Thanks for the tea and all I handed her my empty cup. It's been real But I got to get the chemistry Tyrone's gonna show us how to make a stink bomb Nurse horn frown. Well promise me you'll talk to me if you need to okay I promise and watch your nutrition and exercise regularly And you won't get such bad cramps. Okay, let's jump food and more sex. I grin Nurse horn pretended to hit me. I backed away laughing. Just kidding not gonna have my pass here and stay out of that ocean a Warm feeling went through me as I stumbled into the mad rush of students in the hallway. I Was glad the nurse horn wasn't married. I would hate to have to think of her going home to take care of some husband Instead I pictured her all curled up at home in a terry cloth bathrobe sipping peppermint tea and Smiling to herself because she was thinking about me Damn, I felt like running outside and tasting a snowflake Instead of going to chemistry and making a stink bomb Thanks, you're all our wonderful audience. You're great. We got through it. We've how many rehearses we only had To really to that's not bad. We didn't even stumble, you know, I was thinking you know Cuz some of I had to keep up with her like she's side. She is and I was just waiting to miss one of those I liked it. It was a great experience. I'm glad it's over. No No, it's wonderful now we get to kickbacks order and you get to ask questions you can ask Sheila talk I'm gonna let her talk some because I'm always doing this So, you know, just feel free to you know respond to say what you want to say tell us your life story Whatever, it's on tape on film So, yeah, we have where's Paul did he stand up yet? How is it how are we on time? We're fine Okay, so that'd be good for questions and answers Get that question, I don't tell me about tea. That's out of my league. Does anyone know about tea? Let me give my water My cup I reached for it one time. I was gonna drink my tea. I don't know. Do we have an answer? Can someone think of a funny? That we can keep Yeah, we'll work on that Water will make Say milk will make you know When Who's read the book some of you that are some of you have read the book maybe you'll respond your answer probably as good as mine What are you gonna say something? Don't put you yeah, you spoke up sir. Oh, that's a tough audience like I think I'm in the Midwest Usually they kind of laid back here She doesn't resist Shawn's charms. She's since she falls for Shawn, but she gets in conflict because she's also she's drawn a nurse horn in a whole different way, I feel nurse horn is more of a role model and It's a crush more of a crush like someone she admires where Shawn is her boyfriend, but She's kind of scared with Shawn She wants to have a boyfriend and she's attracted to Shawn, but she's kind of scared To of her sexuality with Shawn whereas nurse horn in some ways is safer But she's also kind of offering her more unconditional love rather than just what a teenager can offer her You know, what kind of 16-year-old boy really, you know, you know what I'm saying, okay? It's that kind of thing. He's that kind of conflict. It's that kind of party. Okay But read the book She gets my copy No, of course some of it not most let's see that we read any of none of the part that I read None of that part is all about the today tonight because there was no nurse horn, unfortunately You know, everybody needs a nurse horn. She's and I like but that she's a fictional character Shawn so what I had a boyfriend that could have been somewhat, you know, but I've made up this part It was fictional this whole these scenes They could have happened but they didn't But some of the book there are a few things that happened Yes Did I did grow up on the south side of Chicago I flew out I did I took a plane, but no, I went away to college to that was my first step And then I came out to the best San Francisco after I graduated for looking for a job. I got a job out here in my state Yes Downstate Illinois Western Illinois University. This is state school. They wanted me to go to more Ivy League school You know, but it was I wanted to be cool You know, it's like I didn't want to go they want no other counselors You know because I was like in the National Honor Society and all that that was true But it was like when I came out people were looking to find themselves and all that and it wasn't like he really wanted Bust your brain and I didn't want to go somewhere up in Vermont or New York You know, they had you know, how they you're one of I was like in the top and the school But I grew up on the south side of Chicago all black school and I didn't want to go to some of those schools I just said nah, I want to go where the friends are going and party, you know, that's what I did But in retrospect, I don't know who knows No, I went to Calumet, you know Chicago, you know Calumet you wouldn't send your child there now No, I used to go to the metal detectors. My niece goes there though. Now Yes, journalism. I don't think I took creative right journalism. I was on the school newspaper See this woman and I just have a conversation there. I rest of these people just forget about them. Yes What else would you like? No, what else? I played softball. No, no, I didn't know Took Spanish No, it takes a lot. No. Okay. Next. No, this is she's raking notes Well, this is on the library Yes, now they're afraid they're afraid of me She won't she's not as intimidating. I'm not as intimidating. She's sweet nurse horn. Look at it. I talked to nurse horn They're afraid. They're afraid. They're afraid of me. They're on there. I know they're being Okay Most fun It's hard to say there were different experiences different places in Taxes was unique. I'd say Chicago in a way because that was my home and they came out in force and especially the black women's Expo I went to Chicago two months in a row I did two bookstore readings there and a lot of you know media stuff But then I went back in March was there in February and went back in March and I did the black women's Expo And it was like hundreds of women it was thought, you know But in the the room that was auditorium for the black women speak and there were several of us And so they treated me like a home, you know coming home They're like, yeah, you know, they were crazy and it was fun And they were just right there and there are people from the high school like I said We're never like it was really, you know that I would say probably because it was a home But I had fun and what was hard to say fun because was grueling because I was like in some cities one day I was in New York a day and then DC and I like I left that morning went there and that night Leave it and I've gotten to some places at two something in the morning and all that stuff And then had to do a radio show at six or seven. So my schedule was grueling but Places that stand out in the way Philadelphia they came out in droves. I was surprised. I mean, you know, it was nice It was like I was famous there, you know, like some places you go the 30 people and then there are 100 There was like there was over a hundred. You never know where how place is gonna be and so Philadelphia They really came out and that was good Houston and Dallas were interesting because well, Houston was interesting because they had food They had rock shrimp or something, you know those gold shrimp they were like, I can't see it. Oh, you have food You know different places and she said, of course we have food, you know, you never know Different parts of the country are different like they wouldn't come without food. No, no, no They just believe in the hospitality They had their punch and the food and what have you come in and eat and it was Valentine's Day I think they might have something they had a lot of couples What And so and then in Dallas, they really Texas I'd say they really put out what do they say put on the dog or put out the dog They put the dog out the house, you know, like some people say out the dog put them out and that was You know, we put on the dog because in Dallas, too They came it was like a community thing really it was touching. They came they had cameras a lot of people I mean child got a whipping in my audience than that in in Dallas, you know, it's like everybody came You hit this child one more Preacher but I said girl she wore out. I mean, why would you bring a three-year-old? So anyway, but I took a picture with the girl. I tried to you know, help our self-esteem And I said she's gonna grow up and be a writer and I had her held up in them. She's grinding They gave her a little free. I made them and I asked them to give her something and that kind of stuff But nobody flinched with me, you know, you're from the south. They don't I'm reading almost ready cry So that was kind of one But they really in Dallas were very warm, but the thing is they started very late. They're slow in taxi from Texas It's true. I believe we started about 45 minutes late maybe an hour. It was like they're calling. I hate to say I'm not gonna say their country. I'm gonna try not to say that because it's on tape But they were beautiful warm wonderful people, but it was just like they say so-and-so on her way You know It's like, you know, it's already eight o'clock and they said well don't start so much. She just called, you know They just you know, they just finish it eating. They're just doing the dish there beyond their way They're coming and this is how it went on I mean, I swear we started 45 and Houston was late too But it was like the people came on in any old kind of time and I was like on the last page I swear I'd read for a half hour and then I came and they were still coming in sauntering in and they Didn't even rush about it and they were just coming on in anytime. They're like, oh and then they came when I was signing You know, they were still coming in and they said, oh, did you read already? I said, well, it's nine o'clock. Yes You know that kind of thing, but it didn't bother them. They bought the book anyway That was another thing somebody said they probably having affairs and they said well, this is a proof I was there. I got the book. She read forever, you know They came at nine o'clock everyone. I mean everyone bought the book in houston Everyone in Dallas almost they all bought the book. It didn't matter whether they had heard a line or anything. It was like Oh, you finished already. Okay. I have six, you know sign these six It was like, you know, how do you know you want it? It was like the event of the, you know, you do it So they were different Milwaukee and they came in out Milwaukee and blizzard and droves They're kind of considered themselves part of Chicago. I guess so they saw it as a home And that was like I was in February and March most of February as you can imagine and They were tough that midwest, you know, like they try to tell you what to do too. Unlike California was like What's gonna happen to steve, you know, people just get all of you know, why won't steve do this? I want steve to do that. Why won't this but it was so cute in uh in houston when this one woman said I don't believe it was the last question. Those are always the you know, you never know You can make it through you think you made it through. Okay. This is one woman said I don't believe that steve was really that way Something to come up like that and it was just I just think she just liked the woman, you know, because nurse horn she was white But she was nice But you know what I mean, she was nice And I don't think she was that way. I think that people are trying to put that on steve But I don't really think no, I don't really think she was like that You know, so she never said anything but that way and like that. This was Like so it was and then when I first hit texas voice you're talking about texas. So our first hit texas It was like this radio come what are your undermining family values? No, this that's the other book is tain the library is nominated I didn't know that now it's nominated for book of the year for young adults. I mean What's not to like about that? You know, how can I be undermining family values? But anyway, so it was interesting going some part different parts of the country because the attitudes are different somewhat Not totally, but it's just more concerned. I'd say a little more in the midwest Um, too But then you get hip cool people everywhere too because I did another texas radio show where they were, you know Really cool. In fact, they were talking about reparations. You never know who you're gonna get and you do this radio show I might do one conservative show and then the next Minute they whisk me off to someone talking about one person saying why Why do you think black people are going down the drain? You know or something then the next person I go to What about reparations and you know, press people blah blah blah? What do you think sister? And I it's just woman hadn't read my book But I you know, you want the commentator to like you this is in Dallas and she's like so This sister is really kicking check it out On the radio, I'm like, you know, I'm not gonna antagonize her so but she goes but I had to I'm also with this publishing company major publisher And they do check you out what you say, you know, you don't get back to them sometimes I said I got she said, what do you think about reparations for African people or whatever, you know And I'm on the radio and I'm thinking well, how do I get out this now? I gotta, you know, I said, well, we need something I don't know about reparations. So she said write on sister. I saw the girls Sisters kicking check it out coffee will make you play. I was like, all right You know Because they can't get back to you know, you know hyperin is owned by Walt Disney They're wonderful too. No So anyway, how are we Paul standing up? We have five minutes this woman. Yeah, will you I'm gonna get him in the back and I'm writing the sequel the coffee will make you black. I can't tell you the title but um No, you'll never guess and um This is a two book deal when we sold the book, I'm gonna see if some of the little stories that get out are not all True, let me make sure I'm gonna tell you what happened in a real short version I had most of it was true Paul. You're pretty close, but you can't believe everything you read I can tell you that but um, let's see. I had I did do 20 pages that were the middle of the book when I read my first reading 125 not 100 and No, but that was close We had half a book when I sold it I found an agent and you're right the agents a few of them came to me because of the readings And so half a book and a synopsis sent it out to eight publishers Hyperion jumped the gun we gave them like two weeks or something Excuse me that that carbonated water. I'm telling you and so, um They they wanted it in three days. Most of them hadn't read it yet. I wasn't like I was known I wasn't unknown but hyperion read it first I suppose there were a couple crown at call they were interested avon wanted it So they did the paperback rights. They did we just sold them Uh, the paperback rights. We had like a two-day auction. So it was good. They were bidding war So we got and sold it to them. It was good. I'm out of I'm out of the red basically because of that so, um with my advances So it was like we sold the first half and they said we they gave us a me a take it or leave it offer that day Now see I didn't know you know, they probably would have stuck around at the time You know, I wasn't gonna pass it up because I didn't have anything So and mama hadn't raised no fool So they just said you have a two book deal And I took it take it or leave it So that's why I'm doing that's one reason I'm doing the sequel. I have no choice Other reasons. I probably want to do a second book anyway at some point But this way I was really locked into the contract to do a sequel with them So it will be coming out. I'm supposed to finish at the end of this year One final question that's you know with this We start 20 We hope so, um Disney Has the ask for the exclusive for the film rights. They let it run out But they haven't they won't say anything they won't pass they haven't passed and there are a few other people I think jody foster has it. They asked what harple opera has it She um, they called for it now that they couldn't we mail had to mail them the book too Could have bought it in the bookstore my mother said You mean to say opera couldn't go by that book as much money as she has you had to see I had to pay for these books I get a 40 percent. What do I get 40 percent? You know 40 percent I have to pay 40 percent or whatever or offer one of you know, the whatever the discount You mean to say opera have my mother you mean to say opera had to call out to california San diego to my asia to have you Uh, federal federal express a book to her and you have to pay for those books and you haven't seen a royalty check As much money as opera has just like you'd be just so excited to say opera wanted your book She could have sent someone down to buy but you know, of course now. I know she has it So I don't mind, you know, who wants a few dollars. So maybe she'll do something with it. Who knows Anyway, is that it? Oh, we're wrapping up. Okay. Like we're finishing our filming and I was supposed to be till 8 30 I'll take a few questions after you shut down. So Yeah, are you shutting down? Yeah Thank you audience Look, even if I was doing something how could you help me? Could you get me the pill without my mother knowing the only pills I can give you are aspirins, you know that But I can't help you determine what you want out of life Maybe I don't want to determine what I want out of life. Maybe I just want to live There's horn sugar ahead. I just know what can