After perusing megnut and kottke.org, I realized how in agreement I am with them concerning listening to authors read their work. While on spring vacation, I read AHWOSG and was mostly amused and touched by Dave Eggers' story. Sometimes though, I was also impatient with his flashbacks and intertwining of the past with the present. I have heard reviews of his readings, and have only heard positive things about him. I think if I were to attend one of his readings, my opinion of his book would change immediately, as well as inspire me (like megnut said) to do more of my own writing. The last authors I saw, who inspired me, were probably Chuck Palahniuk and David Sedaris. Extremely bright, charming, and witty individuals.