Conversation of the Week: Top Five Authors I’d Invite to Thanksgiving Dinner

November 21, 2011 by Daniel Beyfuss

Thanksgiving is upon us once again. It’s time to eat too much, drink too much, and hang out with people you normally wouldn’t associate with – your relatives. Screaming kids, bickering adults, that aunt or uncle who drinks all the wine and passes out on the couch – these are the things that mark the beginning of the Holiday Season.

I’m kidding of course. Well, sorta. I’ve always enjoyed Thanksgiving, it’s a chance to show off your culinary chops and enjoy a guilt free feast with the family. It’s a great day. How often do you get to eat food made with actual lard? (Hopefully, not very often.)

One of best things about sitting down to a spectacular dinner, where everyone is enjoying themselves and the wine is flowing, is the conversation. Dinner conversation with your family  and friends is effortless and usually hilarious. And that got me thinking about who I’d might invite to Thanksgiving dinner given the chance. Who would be cool, and interesting, and really bring something to the table conversation-wise. This being a site devoted to literature, I asked myself: Which author would I like to sit and share a fine holiday meal with? Here’s who made the short list:

1. Anthony Bourdain – Not only would he bring his considerable cooking skills and maybe a delicious pork dish, Anthony Bourdain is a pretty good writer, and a great storyteller. I’ve always enjoyed his non-snobbish way of looking at food. Sure, he’s rich and famous, but he’s also down to earth, and seems like he’d be right at home watching football with Grandpa and Uncle Eddie.

2. Stephen King – Could you ask for a better storyteller? In terms of mass appeal, he’s the guy. And he’s kinda weird looking, which I like. He might scare the kids, but I think he’d make a heck of a dinner guest. I might get some heat from the too-hip-for-Stephen-King-crowd, but come on, who wouldn’t want to chat with him over some turkey and stuffing?

3. John Irving – Thanksgiving is pure American, the first holiday we, as a nation, ever invented. And for quirky stories about Americana, John Irving is at the top of the list. Plus, he’s a New England guy, so, you know, New England, pilgrims, etc.?

4. Kurt Vonnegut – Okay, he’s deceased, so that would be a problem, but it’s my list so I’m adding him. Vonnegut is the first author that really grabbed me. His stories are bizarre and beautiful, and he made writing look easy. I can’t think of another author whose work is more accessible and engrossing.

5. Brooke Beyfuss-Powell – Well, she’s my sister, so I’d be having Thanksgiving dinner with her anyway, but the fact is, she’s written a great novel. (Nepotism? Maybe, but again, my list.) Brooke will soon be published and possibly wealthy, which would be nice for all of us. And besides that, she makes really good pies.

So ends my list of authors I’d like to share my Thanksgiving bounty with. This being the Conversation of the Week, I invite you to critique my list or, better yet, add your own list of authors and let us know why you want to eat with them. Post your Thoughts below and have a happy Thanksgiving.