Why I’m an Ayelet Waldman Superfan

This is a Guest Post by Nina Badzin, a Pushcart Prize-nominated short story writer and aspiring novelist. She blogs about the writing life, marriage, and motherhood at http://ninabadzin.com.

New York Times Bestselling author Ayelet Waldman is coming to the Sabes JCC on Sunday, March 6th at 6pm. I’ll be the freak in the front row wearing my “President of the Ayelet Waldman Fan Club” t-shirt.

Fine, I’m exaggerating about the shirt. But I am squealing on the inside like a crazed groupie knowing I’ll see Ms. Waldman discuss her novels and essays in person.

WHY AM I A WALDMAN SUPERFAN?

Because Ms. Waldman is the kind of author I aspire to become. Her writing flows seamlessly between humorous, spot-on insightful, challenging, and brutally honest–all in one novel or a single essay.

Pick up her novel Love and Other Impossible Pursuits (which was made into the movie The Other Woman, starring Natalie Portman) and you’ll find a story simultaneously heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud witty. I’ve read it twice and recommend it to constantly to friends and family. I told you–Fan Club President.

Her book of essays, Bad Mother, is about, in Ms. Waldman’s words, “the perils and joys of trying to be a decent mother in a world intent on making you feel like a bad one.” I read Bad Mother in a day, nodding all the way through. She’s written essays for The New York Times, Salon, and recently, The Wall Street Journal ,where she responded to the Tiger Mom sensation from a Jewish mom’s perspective. I thought she nailed it.

Her versatility astounds me. Waldman’s recent novel, Red Hook Road, begins with such delicate language it’s hard to believe she’s describing a devastating accident and the sorrow of the characters who must rebuild their lives.

I admire my Ayelet–I mean Ms. Waldman–for her consistent high quality. I love the presence of Jewish themes, customs, and Yiddish words in her characters’ lives and in her personal essays. I’m enthralled by her general chutzpah on Twitter and elsewhere. Other than her husband, her children, her family, and her friends–I know I’m her biggest fan. Darn it, I’ll wear that creepy shirt if it knocks out my competition.

Even if you haven’t read Ayelet Waldman’s work (what’s wrong with you?) she’s known as an excellent speaker and you don’t want to miss her appearance in the Twin Cities. Guess what? The uber-connected TC Jewfolk is giving away one pair of free tickets.

HOW TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE TICKETS:

Answer this question in the comments below–Are you the unofficial president of somebody’s fan club? (writer, musician, artist, celebrity)--before Tuesday, March 1st at midnight.

Of course as President of the Ayelet Waldman fan club, I encourage you to buy tickets if you don’t win them. The evening includes a discussion, book signing and reception with Ms. Waldman.

For more information and tickets call 952.381.3499 or email [email protected]. Cost : $12 General Public; $10 Premium and Community Members $8; Students