How many times per day do you gaze into the eyes of your own reflection? It comes as little surprise to me that the word “vanity” uses its noun-ness to define both vapid, overt self-interest, as well as that mirrored fixture where so many of us concoct our daily façade. Americans are world-renowned for our indulgent “me” society, and the tell-all memoir has become a staple volume on the best-seller lists – reflecting the cultural desire for self-proclamation. In his latest book, Vanishing Point: Not a Memoir, award-winning writer Ander Monson uses his clever meditations to explore the mystique of “the memoir” and flesh out the American obsession with self-interest. Catch him at Carmichael’s Bookstore tomorrow at 4pm for a good look at that notorious capital “I”.
Leading with the thought “how many layers of a life can be peeled back before the self vanishes?”, Monson grapples with the beast of self-mania by scrutinizing his own transgressions and idiosyncrasies. With Vanishing Point, Monson redefines the parameters of the essay and uses his own breed of observation and wit to expose “truth” in all its manifestations. Honored with the Graywolf Prize for non-fiction and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle award, Vanishing Point tells the provocative narrative of “me” culture at its peak.
Ander Monson is also the author of seven additional books including the novel, Other Electricities, as well as the poetry collections, Vacationland and The Available World. His multi-talented expressions as a writer has spawned numerous works of fiction, non-fiction, essays and poetry and won him notoriety as a robust voice. Monson is the recipient of several accolades, including the John C. Zacharis First Book Award, the Great Lakes Colleges Association New Writers Award and a Christopher Isherwood Foundation fellowship. Monson currently teaches at the University of Arizona and acts as editor of the literary magazine, DIAGRAM.
Spend your Saturday afternoon at Carmichael’s for a chance to face down the idea of “self” in the mirror and explore Monson’s point-of-view before he Vanishes.
Carmichael’s Bookstore has two area locations 1295 Bardstown Road and 2720 Frankfort Avenue
For more information about this event, visit the Ander Monson event page or call the Frankfort Avenue location at 896-6950
Photo: Courtesy of the Carmichael’s website www.carmichaelsbookstore.com
