Percival Everett Explains Why He Hopes His Book James Gets Banned

[@bobbifergus3110]

What a fascinating, rare, wonderful soul. Thank you Seth's Mom for having your son interview him.

[@radiowatcher]

I don't know if this was a tough interview or an easy interview. It could go either way. Everett is so wry and witty, his responses so terse, that I can't tell if Seth found him a good scene partner or a pain in the ass. Either way, I loved it, and I'm glad he continues to bring authors on the show.

[@rtitelbaum]

I was thinking pretty much as I was watching it. I noticed Seth was asking a lot of Yes or No questions, which is generally not a good idea while interviewing someone. I couldn't tell if he was doing it kind of on accident because he was uncomfortable with the interview, or if he was doing it on purpose because Percival wasn't giving longer answers to the open-ended questions anyway.

[@icantollie]

It wasn't a tough interview or an easy interview, it was a Joe Pera interview 😂🥰

[@joannashelton3253]

everett crossed his legs away and leaned away from seth, which looked like. he wanted to get away?

[@aftonair]

Not that simple ​@@joannashelton3253

[@gingerhitzke9185]

I love your comment. I also love to share that something can be more than 1 thing at the same time. Knowing that is one of my favorite things in the whole world ❤

[@freefoodchef7939]

I love this guy's dry sense of humor. I always enjoy interviews with authors, but so many of them are so serious.

[@lb5368]

Author interviews keep my soul fed, thank you for having Percival Everett on the show! You navigated his reluctance beautifully.

[@ElishaGrange]

Seth’s ability to draw out even the toughest interviewee and find commonality + joy is such an inspiration. What talent!

[@tootswoots]

LOVE that Seth has writers on!!! It's fabulous content, I'm forever here for it. ☺

[@mjfamula]

Inspired. Gonna go read it. Also, I just want to say, huge props to Seth for having great authors and promoting people to buy books at their local spots. I f*cking love this show.

[@icantollie]

Ever since Seth Meyers had Ocean Vuong on I've looked to Seth as a trusted source for book recommendations

[@teeroby]

This is such a great book

[@SamClemensRIGL]

Absolutely. More author interviews please and thank you!

[@topcat192780]

Please read this book. The author was playing a quick verbal tennis match with Seth. He was having fun. Very good read.

[@VieenRennes]

"...because they don't read" was soooo good. I bet the book is fantastic.

[@sxt4447]

Nothing is cuter to me than Percival Everett coming out like a tenured professor who’s one class away from quitting for catching yet another kid texting in his lecture walking out to a crowd of eager tourists clapping and wooing for him like he’s Harry Styles ❤

[@dreambrother82]

Love Seth’s author interviews.

[@garydmercer]

Percival Everett is hilarious. Interviews are so boring. He made this one keep my attention with this witty one liners. :)

[@NewMessage]

Bullwinkle doesn't get enough props.

[@MarieClaude]

Always more authors!! Especially people as fascinating and talented as Percival Everett. This was interview was fantastic!

[@fiona149]

I literally finished Erasure last night and have never seen Percival speak (or even read an interview with him, having only read The Trees prior). Slightly surreal with that ending so fresh in my mind but he's as sharp as my mind would like and even a bit more likeable 😆 Such an incredible writer - his work makes me wish I was smarter and knew more about literature, although that doesn't stop me from appreciating it. Great to see him getting the props he deserves

[@jnbeatnik]

Wounded is my favourite, such a great book.

[@fiona149]

@@jnbeatnik Thanks! I'll check that out. I'm furiously trying to read Tom Sawyer before starting James. Never read any Mark Twain. The writing is hard going if I'm honest - so much waffle and some of the use of words is not what I'm used to at all. Have got James from the library so need to read it before the loan expires! I'll have to buy Percival's older work I think as here in the UK it's hard to find from the library

[@jnbeatnik]

@fiona149 I actually prefer Tom Sawyer to Huckleberry Finn but I agree both are hard going, it's the old fashioned language and structure that make it difficult.

[@bradfield1010]

Wow! A serious writer on a TV talk show. Thanks to both.

[@daniellebrena5585]

Thank you for giving authors this space!! Always great.

[@PatriciaHudak]

“I am very impressed.” “You should be.” 🔥🔥🔥WHOA!!! I must read this book!

[@sbrehabaddict]

It's worth the read! I read it because I saw American Fiction and learned it was based on one of his books. I found the premise of writing from Jim's perspective incredible. My book club ending up reading it and loved it too.

[@carolblades7148]

And read The Trees, too. It’s a phenomenal read!

[@dezdilly]

My guy! James is an amazing piece of literature. And MAYBE not even his best work. Big props to Percival.

[@tracymccowan4232]

Erasure, made into a movie called American Fiction, is excellent.

[@SharonMick]

This was an intense and powerful book. Rereading Huck Finn beforehand gave me some extra layers in terms of my own perceptions, but you don't have to have read it in order to appreciate James. If you really want to brush up on Huck Finn first, get the Cliff's notes. 😅

[@lorinichols9996]

I came here to suggest rereading Huck Finn, too. I was glad to find that the whole annoying part where Tom Sawyer came along was not part of James. The only thing disappointing about this book was that it went by so quickly….

[@abarfriedrich5027]

I love that dry sense of humor, it reminds me of my father. Issues? I don't care, I'm smiling 🌻🌻🌻

[@LiaKozatch]

Author interviews on the show are my favorite interviews.

[@louisestrecker2924]

I love this so much. ❤️ Thank you Seth for interviewing Percival Everett.

[@grady187]

This book is so damn propulsive you’ll finish it in a few days and then be sad that it’s over.

[@nirajsolanki8725]

Such an amazing interview. So much wit and humour on both sides. Loved it. ❤

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Hillary Meyers has impeccable reading taste. I have read almost every book recommended by her. It makes me happy she gets to meet some of the authors.

[@brandnewcole]

I liked this book a lot and love it now that I'm getting to know the author. After watching the movie, American Fiction, this is exactly who I'd expect the author behind it to be!🖤

[@Ceelle2]

Love his dry sense of humor. It's been since HS for me too with Finn but I do want to read James.

[@JayDubbluu]

It's a great book!

[@Lea-zf7lm]

​@@JayDubbluu it's going on my xmas list now, if I can wait that long. The interview cemented it for me, because he is witty. Love his sense of humour.

[@amyvanlowthian2112]

I admire Seth & his ability to make a guest like this feel as comfortable as possible . I totally get the anxiety being an introvert/ extrovert with the desire to be somewhat seen yet too anxious to be relaxed at all in the spotlight.❤

[@abstutheit]

Great interview! Seth is funny AND smart.

[@robertsimonson2341]

Seth... great interview. Percival I love the fact you're in to woodworking. Repairing guitars... whoah

[@bobwiegers]

somehow a perfect and perfectly tough interview. thanks to all for making it happen.

[@historiaefilosofiaparaoens4800]

now i get it why they cast Jefrey Wright to play him... they have similar voices

[@tracymccowan4232]

Jeffrey Wright was born to play that role.

[@TherapyTea]

Great interview

[@Byteronin]

How cool is Percival! 😊

[@icantollie]

This has all the awkward vibes and dynamics of a Seth Meyers--Joe Pera interview and I am here for it

[@Ninanufu]

I did wonder about the perspective and life story of Jim (James) when I was reading Huck Finn as a teen. I'm glad Seth thanked Professor Everett for writing it. I like his attitude as well.

[@OvSpP]

Kinda disappointed Seth didn’t ask about American Fiction, but then again, maybe Perc asked him not too.

[@joannejohnson7006]

Congratulations 🎉National Book Award 🥇 bravo 👏🏽

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

Have Mr. Everett and Nick Offerman met? If not, maybe they should collaborate? 🤔

[@Lea-zf7lm]

Omg! Seth or Stephen? I vote for Seth, lol

[@MeltedPearls]

There are a few perfect moments. This was one of them! I'm also a huge fan of Mark Twain and just bought this book. It sounds excellent and has me excited to jump back into fiction reading for the first time in a long while. Thanks, Seth and Seth's crew!

[@zoemalcolm2897]

This was an amazing interview!

[@ecamp6360]

There's also a retelling of 1984 from the girlfriend's perspective. Called "Julia."

[@icantollie]

There's also a retelling of _The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere_ from the perspective of Paul Revere's poor horse, written by Simon Rich whom Seth had on his show to promote his book 🥰

[@ericminch]

@@icantollie I’m looking forward to a retelling of “Lord of the Rings” from the standpoint of Bill the pony (who unfortunately left the story when they got to Moria).

[@michellerever3564]

Longbourn is Pride and Prejudice from the POV of the staff, which had Wickham's number right away, but who also had their own lives.

[@tarakennedy3041]

My wonderful friend gifted it to me. I didn't even know what it was about. I got hooked 5 minutes later. Great book.

[@naomibee8881]

I’m 839th in line on my library hold to read his book! My hold they say should be available in 22 weeks. 😮❤🎉

[@lorinichols9996]

It might go faster than that. It really only takes a few days of modest regular effort to read. And with winning the national book award, libraries may add more copies into circulation. It takes them a little bit of time to get it specially covered and processed into the collection, though….

[@naomibee8881]

@ So true! Libraries, be blessed.

[@vegasunset]

I listened for free since Audible is now included in Amazon Prime. You only get 1 free book a month but it was worth it! Loved it.

[@abbybrown6415]

I hope he interviews him every time he releases a book, this is my favorite interview Seth's ever done.

[@pazyuckman1174]

Best book I’ve read this year

[@joannejohnson7006]

My vision needs improvement and reading is suffering for it 😢 but, I will remember this book and listen 🎧 for it Thank you for this interview. Fun conversation;)

[@diana-wt5vn]

The audiobook is fantastically read. "The Trees" is another good listen. All of Everett's audiobooks are read superbly

[@jnbeatnik]

Great interview! I think Seth's questions were pretty elevated compared to the usual fare. Mr Everett is a force of nature, one of my all time favourites and I think he really does himself justice here "you should be" 😂 lol

[@williamthomas267]

Great interview and it makes me want to go out and buy a copy... And if it does get banned, the demand will be off the charts!

[@iamwesleyfrazier]

This is a great and fast read too. I respected but never really connected with the story of Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer. “Jim” not only tells the story from an interesting perspective but it also builds new perspectives of people we previously assumed we comprehended. Not to mention the introduction to one of the greatest characters in the story….THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!!

[@aok6694]

Wow. This is new to me. I have never watched Seth Meyers ... not a television watcher. But, I will watch now, considering he makes space for writers. Who knows what other nice surprises he has to offer. And, congratulations to Percival Everett for his accomplishments.

[@markearlemetcalf7661]

Seth has "Moby-Dick" [Easton Press edition] on his desk!

[@helenchilton7196]

The reason I was curious about the writer is because he’s the only other person with the name Percival and she’s a little girl called Percy! Now I will be delving into his writings!! I love his wit

[@CarolynEvans-iq8tp]

Reading "James" now; after re-reading Huck Finn. What a lovely read....

[@gwendolynrhett-dm3wt]

Kudos to Seth for being prepared with a lot of questions. The authors yes and no single syllable answers could have been hard to follow.

[@jaw217]

Seth shines in this interview.

[@jedwing]

This is an amazing interview and this man is awesome!

[@heatherc2939]

My GD hero. Thanks Seth for being well read and honoring authors.

[@KarenJohnson-y8x]

This was my first time hearing him speak after reading 10 of his books this year. I'm glad he's the way he is, even if he may not be.

[@aftonair]

What a fascinating man.

[@Sarcasticron]

Ha ha, wow! This was an unusual challenge for Seth, but he was up for it! What a lovely, hilarious interview. I hadn't heard of Percival Everett before, but he's so charming and funny, now I want to read his book.

[@sabretoo]

Just put James on hold at my library :D

[@insightfulguides]

He's one of my all-time favourite authors. I read The Trees a couple of years ago and it's just brilliant. Percival Everett's books are not only funny, they're important. Check out The Trees if you'd like an good introduction to his work

[@Mooncookie954]

What a great idea to have Everette on. He’s a favourite author of mine.

[@thoughtballoons]

Percival Everett is my new hero. LOVE this guy!

[@EMAINIE]

Oh, shoot. I just bought this book last night. Of course a interview with the author pops up on my recs

[@biggmonie]

I'm going to read this!😂 Good concept

[@seansmith3058]

It's surprising no one had done this before. I'm guessing it gets intense around the last chapter.

[@christieharrison9542]

Ohhh. Seth Meyers book club! Oprah ya burnt!

[@nannerz1994]

I love how Seth has authors on.

[@guywalker29]

Not the first time he's won an award, Seth. His wife you refer to is Danzy Senna, who has written the most incredible book about this kind of situation you're broadcasting titled Colored Television. Read that.

[@purpleiguana208]

Percival Everett seems like a really fun guy. Sure did make you work for that interview, tho, huh?

[@jujujoint]

Wow Seth, my hats off to you for getting through that interview, he did not make it easy for you. But you did not let that stop you, you rapid fired questions at him and I think you finally broke him, kudos. He seems annoying, but I would love to think he was beloved by his students and his family. Maybe he is just neurodivergent.

[@nannerz1994]

I love Seth's clothes they are the color of J💎E♦️W💠E♦️L💎S

[@ttacking_you]

Ooooh that IS a damn good plot for a book?! Brilliant BRILLIANT idea! ....oh but there ARE a WHOLE lotta "n-words" in the original to attempt to dissociate your reboot from(poor guy had to read all those 15 times ! Shame on you, America. Smh he deserves a tax write-off for that?)

[@IAmFJ1]

15 TIMES!

[@robinleebraun7739]

Sounds like a book that not only shouldn’t be banned, but should be required reading for everyone to get a high school diploma.

[@wlcoston]

👏👏👏

[@Largo3point0]

Oh my god… the absolute dryest sense of humor. Love it. No mention of American Fiction, though?

[@shethewriter]

lol this is great

[@diehardWNBA.fan.since.May.2024]

This interview was drier than my mother-in-law's turkey 🦃

[@clarkclarke]

You should have had your mom interview him ... sorry

[@ttacking_you]

Uh? Is Seth wearing purple and GREEN? 😬

[@BailieMailie]

Seth looks like the inverse of Shaggy

[@1therabbithole]

Yoooooooo... the premise of his book is literally a Dave Chappelle joke kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWXYo62QfpWsf6s

[@intheshell35ify]

This ridiculous guest should be in a montage of Seth's greatest one sided interviews.

[@Frybyte]

this book sucks, it is a film document and not a novel or even a premise.

[@patriciamesthos2522]

Read Trees.

[@alexaales7937]

that is THE american tragedy, people screaming for books to be banned have NOT actually read the books! have you guys leraned nothing from my countries history? probably not since you barely know your own. greetings from germany!

[@BicoastalKate]

Boy, THAT was awkward! Look at the body language. Thanks for having authors on, and I want to read the book. Sorry that getting an interview from this guy was so difficult.

[@zealotestheaussie5880]

He’s a bit too talkative for my taste…

[@paulwhetstone0473]

It’s somewhat embarrassing hearing Percival answer questions from someone as shallow as Seth Meyers but hats off to Seth for getting him on the show.

[@annestewart5741]

Seth isn't shallow. You just don't know him, apparently & obviously. Wow. He & Colbert are both incredibly caring, intelligent, genuinely kind-hearted, decent, giving people. Maybe you just don't get the humor & satire. More comes to mind, but I'll leave it at that.

[@KevinL-f7r]

No one but you is impressed by your comment.

[@PeterDoorn-h9c]

Am I the only one seeing this and thinking Everett is stand-offish and arrogant. Yes, he has a dry wit, but really is telegraphing a desire not to be there. Seth seems to be pulling teeth (and not celebrity ones) to get responses.

[@SharonMick]

While I was watching, my feeling was that he seemed nervous. I didn't get any negative vibes. 🤷

[@ItzWhat3vA]

To answer your question - yes.

[@nicolemarie7413]

You are not the only one, and thanks for saying something because I felt shy about remarking on it. Most generous interpretation - that he was nervous. Love 😍 that Seth interviews authors though!

[@lorinichols9996]

I would say more like quirky and not very comfortable in the spotlight. Pleasant enough, if not super helpful as the interviewee….

[@Sarcasticron]

He didn't seem arrogant to me at all, I don't know how you got that. He just doesn't care so much about awards and praise and climbing the social ladders or whatever. He was definitely telegraphing a desire not to be there, but I thought that was hilarious. It was a beautifully awkward interview. If you read arrogance into any of that, I think you need to look inside yourself to find out why.

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

I love that this show has authors as guests. Thanks for the conversation and the book that will be added to my list. Also, gl with the banning 🫨