Thursday, May 10, 2007

Luther Presentation: Nick Flynn 4/13/07

Author and poet Nick Flynn visited Luther and with him he brought a new perspective of the world. Flynn is most well known at Luther for his entertaining, meaningful, and shocking book called Another Bullshit Night in Suck City. The book is mind opening. It is a memoir of Flynn's life. His mother committed suicide and his father was a homeless man for five years. Flynn himself was an alcoholic. While Flynn was at Luther he read some of his poetry. It approached uncomfortable issues and familiar issues. Most of all he was able to put the listener in a different part of the world; one of uncertainty and fear. Flynn also took questions and was very perceptive of his audience.

Nick Flynn was an extremely effective presenter. Having an author come read his work is the most intriguing presentation to listen to. There is no one better to present material than the person who wrote it. Inviting authors to visit and share their work is a great way to get students interested in reading and writing.

Flynn's writing continues to challenge the comfort zone of the reader. His writing brings a fresh new perspective to important issues like poverty, loneliness, and substance abuse. His words should be explored and discussed by anyone who wants there perspective of the world and the people in it to grow. Bringing author and poet Nick Flynn to Luther College was more effective than any lecture any Professor could give about Flynn's "bullshit nights in Suck City".

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