 Tom Murphy :
Charis Circle Donor of the Month!
Tom Murphy knows books. Today, and for the last 16 years, Murphy has been a sales representative for small and university presses. Like his father before him, who also called on bookstores as a salesperson, Murphy is a book-loving, Charis-loving man.
Murphy jokingly describes himself as the “youngest person to escape from St. Petersburg, Florida.” In his cozy Decatur home, his warm and welcoming manner reminds one, not of a salesperson, but of a good friend.
His friendship with Charis began in 1988. He was working at the Ansley Mall Bookstore and going through an intense period of reading every piece of feminist literature he could put his hands on.
“It was Linda (Bryant) who introduced me to Alice Walker’s book, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens, and, through that book,” says Murphy, “I became familiar with Zora Neale Hurston.” Murphy talks passionately about Hurston’s, Their Eyes Were Watching God. It is discernable in the way he talks about the book that the story has stayed with him more than most.
“Oh…that part!” Murphy exclaims as he remembers one of the book’s most poignant “scenes.”
For Murphy, Charis represents “that which is progressive.” The conversation with him moves easily from politics to the current state of bookselling and the struggles non-profit organizations often experience.
“Charis has shown a lot of creativity over the years while figuring out how to continue to exist.” He acknowledges the positive changes he has seen in Charis over time and believes the work the organization does with young writers and readers “exemplifies the highest form of Charis Circle’s mission.”
One of Murphy’s fondest memories is meeting the late author Octavia Butler for the first time at a Charis Circle program.
“So many of my encounters with Octavia Butler would not have occurred if not for that first meeting at Charis,” Murphy says. He pauses and then adds, “She was one of the most wonderful and kind authors I’ve ever met.”
Clearly, Murphy’s 24-year history with Charis has given him a lot to be nostalgic about.
“At this point,” Murphy says, referring to his long-term relationship with all things (and people) Charis, “we’re family. And I can only imagine that it has been the same participatory life for all of us who have stayed close (to Charis).”
The way Murphy says “family” gives one the distinct impression he’s talking about something very, very dear.
|
