Attending a book reading in Bangalore recently, I was struck by how different such events are in India from those in America, and how the contrasting styles epitomize the two cultures. In the United States, the publisher manages the event to celebrate the author and then sell as many books as possible. By contrast, for "the argumentative Indian" it's all about a well-spent evening of discussions and disagreements, regardless of how few copies were sold at the end of it.
Indian book readings are "launches," usually performed by a pair of luminaries who ceremoniously tear open the gift wrapping around a new book and hold it aloft for clicking cameras. Then three to four guests (it helps if they are famous) hold a panel discussion about the work. The book-signing seems almost tacked on, as if selling the book was almost shameful.
In the U.S., everybody accepts that there's a mini cult of personality around the writer. Here is how the Barnes & Noble store in Princeton announced a recent book reading: "Renowned author and Newberry medalist Kate DiCamillo reads and discusses her latest book, 'The Magician's Elephant.'"
Full report here WSJ
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