Power. That’s certainly a topic that Washington can relate to. This
year’s PEN/Faulkner celebration at the Folger Shakespeare Library
explored the theme, with fourteen writers speaking about everything
from the power of poetry, and the power of healing, to power lunching.
With only 10 minutes allotted to each speaker, organizers of
the gala also recognized the power of brevity. Nearly 250 guests
mingled with the writers, who included Roy Blount, Jr., Calvin Trillin,
Patricia Elam, Russell Banks, Julia Glass, Susan Isaacs, Kate Lehrer
and Howard Norman, among others. The absence of writer-editoradventurer
George Plimpton, emcee of the event for the past decade,
who died suddenly the Friday before the event, was profoundly felt.
He was fondly remembered by friends for his wit and daring.
Over $180,000 was raised for educational outreach programs and
awards for writers. The power of money!
