Author E. Lynn Harris died during a west book tour today, he was 54 years old. A few months ago, I saw Mr. Harris speak at the Akron Public Library.
I never read any of his books, but I knew of him from college friends who were religious fans of his work, plus as a fellow author, I wanted to show some support and learn a few literary tricks.
Prior to his appearance, Harris said that he wasn't in the best of moods, but the warm reception he received from the mostly female audience, made him forget about his problems and treasure is time in the former "Rubber Capital of the World".
During his talk, the openly gay father of one son, told the story how he left a good job, yet unfulfilled job at IBM to write his first novel, "Invisible Life".
When he could not find a publisher, Harris published the book himself.
The book's success which led to string books that dealt with relationships and sexuality including "Just As I Am" , "And This Too Shall Pass", "If This World Were Mine", "I Say A Little Prayer", "Just Too Good To Be True" among others, all published by Doubleday.
Before leaving Akron, Harris read passages from his still unfinished book "Basketball Jones", which revisited some of his former characters, (a Harris staple).
As he exited the stage, Harris told the audience that Akron would be on his next book tour when "Basketball Jones" would be released.
Sadly, this will never happen.
However much like Michael Jackson, E. Lynn Harris literary works will live on forever.
I too was at the event at the Akron Public library. He was a great writer.
ReplyDeleteJust a note, he did not read from Basketball Jones, that book was released in Jan 2009. He read from a new unpublished book which will continue on with one of his characters from Yancy. She appeared in several of his other books.