Speaking of Walter Mosley...

Since the first books I read in both 2011 and 2010 were novels by Walter Mosley, (2011-The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, 2010-Walking The Dog), and since I just reviewed Mosley's latest novel, I figured this picture would be an appropriate addition to my blog. 





This was taken in 2009, when I met him at a book reading for 'The Long Fall' at Vromans bookstore in Pasadena, California.  I went back in 2010 for the reading of 'Known to Evil', and while I didn't get a picture with him, I did get a funny story. 

I arrived late to the reading, and so was only able to get an(other) autograph.  I brought my copy of 'Killing Johnny Fry', which is easily my favorite Walter Mosley novel. 

For those unfamiliar with this novel, it is an erotic fiction novel about a man whose life is turned upside down one day, and who awakens from his poor excuse for a life and unwittingly embarks on an adventure through a New York he had never known existed.  It's a great read, and I highly recommend it.  That being said, it is probably not the novel you want to read on the bus or on your lunch break at work, due to some risque and rather explicit parts.  Anyway, as I waited in the line for autographs, I could see that I was pretty much the only one who had decided to choose this book to be signed.  Once I was at the front of the line, I patiently waited as a middle aged lady spoke to Mr. Mosley rather briefly and casually.  Then, as he reached over to get my book to sign, he glanced up at me and said hello, then commented on the book. 

"Killing Johnny Fry," he said to no one in particular.  Then he turned to the lady who was ahead of me, as well as his publicist behind him, another middle aged lady. 

"Have you read this one?" he asked them both. 

Both shook her heads, but their eyes were inquisitive as to the nature and plot of the story.  He glanced up at me, mischievously and said, "There are 32 graphic sex scenes in this book, and I think one gay one." 

Now, at this point, I was at the front of a line of mostly middle-aged readers who seemed to be fans of Mosley's mystery novels more than his erotic fiction novels.  I immediately felt the stares of every person in the line, and when I looked up to explain that there was also a great story in the novel, and not just raunchy sex scenes, I found that the countenance of the woman ahead of me had taken a rather shocked and appalled look, while the look of his publicist was pure disgust and judgement.  Mr. Mosley just smiled and chuckled to himself. 

With the women ahead of me looking at me like I was the biggest pervert in the world, a line full of now uncomfortable mystery readers, and a smiling Walter Mosley looking at me, I could only think of one thing to say. 

"It's...my favorite book..." 

I'm sure Mr. Mosley said something after that, but I was rather embarrassed, so I thanked him for the autograph, and quickly made my way past the line and out the door, before someone called the Vice Squad on me. 

I was already a huge fan of Walter Mosley, but after this experience, I think he pretty much became my favorite author ever.