KYLE M. JOHNSON
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

On Sept. 29, Professor Mark Wallace read from his book, “The Quarry and the Lot,” as the first event of CSUSM’s fall 2011 Community and World Literary Series.

In a nearly full classroom auditorium, Wallace, an associate professor of Literature and Writing Studies at CSUSM, gave students, faculty and the general public an opportunity to experience a literary reading from the author himself. The event provided the audience with a hybrid presentation that was both personal and professional.

A brief introduction, presented by Professor Sandra Doller, explained Wallace received the 2002 Gertrude Stein Poetry Award and authored more than 15 books and chapbooks of poetry, fiction and essays. Also, other countries translated Wallace’s writings into several other languages.

Following the introduction, Wallace read several short poems from his collection titled “Belief is Impossible.” Wallace’s poetry proposed ideas and questions that gave the audience something to consider. These considerations came from lines about art, poetry and thought-provoking questions directed at the audience.

Wallace then read from “The Quarry and the Lot,” published earlier this year. The plot of the novel follows a group of friends who reunite following the death of a childhood friend. Wallace wrote the novel using four voices that alternate between the past and the present.

Wallace forewarned the audience he would not be doing voices for his character, with laughter ensuing from the audience. He then advised that when doing a reading, one should not do voices.

A narration about childhood experiences, including a reckless bicycle stunt, first introduced the audience to the character Nick.

After reading about Nick, Wallace then read several more poems before returning to “The Quarry and the Lot,” introducing the audience to another character, Amelia, and her love for the deceased friend, Joseph. Wallace’s voice embodied Amelia as she spoke of Joseph romantically and admiringly, seeing him as not just another one of the boys, but as something deeper. From Amelia’s perspective, the audience understood Joseph as a tragic, angst ridden youth trying to escape bleak suburbia.

An opportunity for audience members to ask Wallace any questions followed the reading. These questions ranged from different topics including his book, writing style and writing process. Many students voiced what they thought of Wallace’s published work.

“I had read [“The Quarry and the Lot”] before, so it was interesting to see his perspective on the different characters,” Liberal Studies major Kelsey Carmichael said.

For those who are unfamiliar with a guest speaker’s work, the Community and World Literary Series offers audience members a free, intimate experience to listen to and interact with writers as they share their work and give insight into their writing process. The series’ next reading will present Tisa Bryant and Amina Cain on Oct. 27 at CSUSM.

Photo courtesy of agitpropreadings.blogspot.com