The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
House of Books features ‘Creatures’ author Crissy Van Meter
Crissy Van Meter explores how we navigate pain, heartache and forgiveness in her acclaimed debut novel, “Creatures.” Her story is narrated by Evangeline, a woman who is about to be married.
Evie has lots on her mind, and it’s not about who ordered fish and who wanted chicken. She’s questioning her love, her family and her past. Meanwhile, a dead whale is trapped in the harbor off her island home; it’s rolling about in the water and the odor is unbearable. There’s also the matter of her fiancé, a fisherman who may be lost at sea.
A well-meaning but negligent alcoholic father, with whom she has a volatile relationship, is also part of this tale, which Kent’s House of Books has chosen as its May book club pick. “Creatures” will be discussed by those who sign into the book club via Zoom, Thursday, May 28, at 5 p.m. If you’d like to participate, just send an email to bookclub@ houseofbooksct.com.
Although the author, who based “Creatures” on her own coming-of-age experience in Newport Beach, Calif., is not participating in the Zoom event, she will join House of Books via Instagram Live, on Wednesday, June 3 at 5 p.m. The “visit” will feature
Van Meter in conversation with Gabriel Bump, author of “Everywhere You Don’t Belong.” You can view the livestream @hobookskent; just click “our story.”
Van Meter, who lives with her husband in Los Angeles, is a former surf editor at ESPN. She shared more via email.
Q: From the LA Times to the New York Times, and NPR, reviewers are raving about your debut novel. Are you surprised by the reaction it’s received?
A: It’s been exciting and surprising! When writing this book, and even after I sold it, I didn’t really allow myself to think about (good or bad!) what readers and critics would think. If I had allowed myself to worry in that way, I don't think I would have been able to write the book the way I needed to write it. I’m grateful though, and now that the book is in the world and in the hands and hearts of readers, it’s not mine anymore. That part has been exciting and freeing too. Hearing readers talk about this book has been so wonderful and insightful.
Q: Was the desire to explore your relationship with your father what inspired “Creatures,” or something else?
A: My dad passed away nearly a decade ago. I was certainly thinking about grief and losing loved ones when I began writing this book. My father and I had a very loving but tumultuous relationship and I was inspired by a lot of the good (and bad) memories growing up with him in a touristy beach town in Southern California. And California is a huge inspiration for this book, too!
Q: What can participants expect at your Zoom event?
A: I usually read a passage from my favorite part of the book about love and marriage. I love talking with readers about the book, too. They all have amazing takes and thoughts! I love when readers point out things I haven’t yet even noticed. It’s always fun to try to figure out my own subconscious after these discussions. I find that readers love to ask personal questions, especially because some of the book was inspired by my life. It does feel vulnerable at times, but I appreciate when readers care so much about these characters and this book. And, I am not too serious (I hope) so these events are usually fun!
Q: There are heartbreaking moments in “Creatures,” but it’s also darkly funny. Can you share a favorite part?
A: There’s a scene that describes Evie’s charismatic, drunk father pretending to be the captain of a whale watching boat. It’s sort of sad and funny that he’s so charming while his young daughter is seasick and puking off the side of the boat. It’s one of those moments where you want to hate him but also he’s charming and sweet and funny, so it’s hard to write him off completely.
Q: “Creatures” (Algonquin Books) is the kind of novel readers will think about for a long time after turning the final page. Is there a particular thought/ message you hope sticks with them?
A: I think the book is really about letting go and forgiving. It’s about forgiving your past and forgiving yourself, too. I hope the reader feels encouraged to open up and let love in. Yes, this book does have some heartbreak and betrayal, but I think the book ends with the feeling of hope.
Q: How/when did you know you wanted to be a writer?
A: I keep getting asked this and I keep giving different answers! But now that I’ve really had time to think about this, the answer is yes, I’ve always been a writer. I’m not sure I realized it could be a real career, but it was something I’ve always loved and have always been doing. I used to write Disney fan fiction in elementary school, bad poetry in high school, and I took classes in college. I eventually got an MFA in creative writing too. So I’m pleased to say I’ve always been writing, and now it’s a job. It seems I’ve always wanted to do this!