Sit in the Front Row

I recently attended an author event at Parnassus Books. Ronald White was discussing his new book, On Great Fields, with Jon Meacham. I love Parnassus Books, and one of my goals for 2024 is to read more and to connect with other book lovers.

It was a sold-out event. I got there early to get a good seat. I noticed that the front row was empty, but the other rows were filling quickly. I grabbed a place in the third row, put my coat on the chair, and browsed the store while I waited for the talk to start.

When I returned to my seat, I realized that the front row wasn’t reserved; it was open seating, too. A few people had already claimed spots there, and I decided to be bold and sit front and center.

When the talk started, I had an unobstructed view of the author as he was interviewed by Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Vanderbilt University historian. I am a fan of Meacham’s work. I watched his “Super Soul Sunday” episode and listened to his book The Soul of America on a long road trip. It was compelling to sit just six feet away from these two men as they talked about history and one of its lesser-known figures.

When I got home that night, I realized that the night could be a metaphor for my life. Not that long ago, I would choose to blend into the background. The third row was my comfort zone. Today, however, I’m not afraid to be seen and become a part of what’s happening around me.

I’m taking the front-row seat at events and, more importantly, in my life.

The front row gives you the best view … unless, of course, you’re at a movie theater. You do make yourself vulnerable to being called upon by the speaker, but that keeps you engaged and on the edge of your chair. Sitting in full view of the presenter also holds you accountable. You have to listen instead of whisper to your neighbor or scroll your phone. But why attend if you’re not going to truly pay attention?

I’ll admit, snapping the photo did make me feel a little conspicuous. When you sit in the front row, you feel like you are part spectator and part active participant.

I also found that being close to the speakers humanizes them. For example, I noticed that Jon Meacham’s clothing was very fitting of a distinguished professor, but he wears comfortable-looking sneakers with black dress socks. Ronald White wears a gold ring on his pinky finger. I wondered what that piece of jewelry must mean to him.

While it helps to plan to ensure your view, you don’t always have to be early to get the best seat. The event was sold out, and the very last chair taken in the room was the one next to me.

Be brave. Sit in the front row. It’s often where the wows happen. I’ll save you a spot!