Doris Kerns Goodwin

 Sunday, October27, 2024

After having a lovely dinner with Teri Miller, Doug and Cheri, Teri and I arranged to attend the free talk by Doris Kerns Goodwin at the Wilson Center in Brookfield.  The first fifty people were promised a free copy of her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story.  I anticipated a large crowd and suggested leaving at 4:30 p.m.  We compromised and decided on 5:00 p.m.

I saw a Facebook message with a link to get tickets to the event.  I got one for myself, and another for Teri that came in our e-mail.

Teri noticed that the tickets were to watch the talk streaming.  I was really disappointed, but we decided to go anyway to see what would happen.

When we arrived at the Wilson Center at about 5:15, there were about eight people already waiting at the door that would open at 6:30 p.m. We got into a discussion about our tickets with Teri's being virtual, a couple had a printed ticket and mine was on my phone as a verified ticket.  A woman behind said that her friend could not attend and Teri was welcome to the friend's ticket.  It was a long time to stand outdoors as the night was turning colder.  I had a fleece jacket and was not too uncomfortable.

Shortly before 6:30, the owner of Boswell Books arrived and carried cartons of books inside.  When the doors opened shortly after 6:30, we filed inside and were told that the first two rows would have books at each seat.  We did not have to present any tickets or any other forms for admission.  So all the fuss was for nothing.  Teri had decided to give her copy of the book to the woman who offered her a ticket.  But there was an extra book in our row so Teri got her book also.

Doris Goodwin was marvelous, keeping a steady stream of conversation about a few presidents and their contributions to democracy.  She has a brilliant mind with many facts about the historical impact of their presidencies.