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28
The Sunday Salon 3.28.10: A Brief History of #Pantyworthy
2010 at 12pm Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
Blame it all on John Irving.
Last September, I packed up to head to DC for a weekend of booknerdery at the National Book Festival, the highlights of which were to be seeing John Irving (one of my all-time favorite authors) and having dinner with several other bloggers I’d never met before. As I scurried out the door, Bob kissed me goodbye, told me to have a good time, and then said those fateful words,
“Just try not to throw your panties at John Irving, okay?”
(Ah, he knows me so well.)
The Book Festival was awesome (and gave birth to the phenomenon known as #iheartthespark), and I kept my panties firmly in place, but I happened to mention Bob’s little warning to Trish during dinner, and the idea stuck. Pretty soon, I was sitting around on Twitter talking about throwing my panties at other authors whose books had a certain je ne sais quoi.
Thomas Trofimuk came up. Michael Chabon was mentioned repeatedly. Other bloggers and readers jumped in. The conversation grew, and it became clear that this was not a gender specific concept. Female authors deserved to have panties thrown at them as well. At some point, either Margie or Sue (but I don’t remember which) suggested making #pantyworthy a new, special category in how we talk about books. And a sensation was born.
Now here’s the rationale for it: no matter how individual criteria may vary, passionate readers think of authors as the rock stars of our world. We carry their words in our hearts. We fall in love with their characters and their use of language. We dream about meeting them in person, doing the stereotypical “Oh my god, I LOVE your work” gushing, and discovering that they are even more amazing than we’d always thought.
And when their writing reaches us at the deepest, most intimate level and gives us those moments of feeling “infinite” (to borrow from The Perks of Being a Wallflower), or when we find ourselves savoring every word, clutching a book close to our chests, telling everyone we know about the beautiful work of art that is the amazing book we just read (and think that EVERYONE should read), we just might decide that, if given the opportunity, we’d throw our panties (or boxers) at the author.
What makes a book pantyworthy is different for every reader (and often varies from book to book). It’s difficult to define and cannot really be captured. But I know it’s coming when, after just a few pages, I find myself thinking about how if reading were like dating, I’d be planning a way to sneak away from the table, slip out of my knickers, pass them to my date under the table, and invite him to meet for a quickie.
(Okay, maybe I’ve never actually done this—so Dad, you have nothing to worry about—but you get the idea, right?)
As in life, sometimes the pantyworthy feelings are fleeting (the reader’s version of lust), and sometimes they develop into long-lasting relationships in which the passion might occasionally wane but can be quickly rekindled by the perfect turn of phrase (a soft touch, a gentle laugh…). And, of course, it doesn’t hurt if the author is not only incredibly talented but is also the type of person one can imagine throwing one’s panties at in real life (*cough* Joshua Ferris) or who would seem unfazed by such an occurrence. (I mean, does anyone think John Irving would actually be surprised to find panties being flung at him? Or that it hasn’t happened before?)
But that’s just me.
Tell me: what does pantyworthy mean to you? Who’s on your list?
(and please also tell me if you think I’ve missed any important details about this concept—my brain isn’t used to working on Sundays)
Related posts:
Oh, I am sooo glad you finally explained this #pantyworthy business! I still can’t shake the implications, though, and have trouble applying the tag to women’s book, as well as feeling a little sheepish at putting the label on some unsuspecting, gentle-hearted, thoughtful, and brilliant male (ahem, Ted Conover). Really, I wouldn’t actually throw my panties at the poor guy, but you’re right on about certain authors being, “the rock stars of our world.” I couldn’t care less to dine with Bob Dylan, but I’m still coming down from pizza with Ted!
I think you’ve really captured the essence of pantyworthy. I think of pantyworthy authors as being in a very elite group. It’s not just about a book you loved, it’s about a book that speaks to you in such a way that you almost have no words for it. It’s about a book that, if you saw the author at a book signing, you’d be so caught up in everything that you’d want to fling your panties at the author because that’s the kind of frenetic energy you get when you see that author.
As far as my pantyworthy authors, they include:
Tana French
Justin Cronin
Joshua Ferris
Wally Lamb
I’m sure there are others, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
for me it’s Rick Bragg — panties and bra!
So, Rick Bragg is #nekkidworthy?
While I can’t imagine actually tossing my panties at any author, I love what you’ve said about the books that speak to us and the body of work of an author. (there are some musicians I love in a similar way)
I have these feelings for a few musicians, too. This is really about the way that art speaks to us.
I always wondered where and how this originated! One question though, can non-fiction authors be pantyworthy as well?
My list (assuming non-fiction counts) would include:
Paul Farmer
Abraham Verghese
Dubravka Ugresic
Assia Djebar
Oh, and I totally agree that Thomas Trofimuk is pantyworthy!
But what’s a guy to do? I could stock up on panties, but the sales assistants at Target may begin to talk. And #boxersworthy doesn’t quite have the same ring to it!
Nevertheless, if I were to start adorning my favorite authors with the more delicate items of clothing in my wardrobe, these are the people who’d need to consider stepping up their security detail:
Iain Banks
Christopher Priest
China Mieville
Gene Wolfe
Chuck Palahniuk
Donna Tartt
Guy Burt
Mary Gentle
Finally! I now fully understand pantyworthy!
For me:
Truman Capote (a red-silk thong)
Laurie Lee (lace-edged pure white tap-style hipsters)
Reynolds Price (pink bikini style)
Pat Conroy (ocean blue hi-thigh-cut)
Nonfiction definitely counts….if for nothing else than to allow Bill Bryson on the list!
Hah! I love that you broke it down to a special kind of panty for each author. I’ll have to think about this more….but I think a black lace thong is appropriate for almost anyone.
I LOVE Tana French!
You are hilarious. I don’t do thongs, but I have to say Jonathan Safron Foer and David Sedaris would get some especially nice panties from me.
The list of official pantyworthy authors is much too long. Let’s just suffice it to say, it’s a good thing I don’t see many authors in person…
Oh, there are so many, I don’t know where to begin, but Pat Conroy, Barbara Kingsolver and David Sedaris would all be on my list. I love this post!
Thanks for the #pantyworthy explanation!
I cringe a bit when I actually picture the face of some of the authors that fall into this category for me, but nevertheless, they did do something to make my heart do a little pitter-patter…
Edgar Allan Poe
Ken Follett
Wally Lamb
Khaled Hosseini
I’ve been on board with the panty-throwing since you first mentioned it. I totally get it. Not that he would want it, but David Sedaris would get a pair. Pat Conroy would get some. And Sarah Waters? My very best pair of black lace thong panties.
Well, you already mentioned the author who would be at the top of my list – Michael Chabon (and not just for his writing – have you SEEN the guy? Just don’t tell Ayelet Waldman.). I’d have to think about who else would be on it. I have a few authors, both men and women, whose every book is a must-read for me, but I’m not sure all of them would qualify as #pantyworthy. I’m really glad you’ve set out an official definition, though
.
First off … (whoops, bad choice of words there
… thank you for this explanation! Was wondering about all this when I saw all the #hashtags on Twitter.
And trish … Justin Cronin was one of my writing instructors in grad school. True story.
I’m glad you explained as well. I started scratching my head and the ideas that came up can’t be mentioned. It isn’t often that I read books that I’d consider pantyworthy, but I’d definitely put Anais Nin’s writings in that category.
I totally agree with you on Chuck Palahniuk, although he would probably care less if my panties were thrown at him. He is pretty close to the only author that I find completely #pantyworthy
I’m so glad that you explained this. I think that I started twittering in the middle of the #pantyworthy comments. It wasn’t that I was completely lost to the idea, but I definitely wanted to know what the requirements were. I’ve never felt the need to toss my precious thongs at someone (they are expensive to replace), but I can see where it is the highest compliment you can give to an author (who probably doesn’t have nearly as many panty tossing episodes as they would like to have).
I never realized until today how many of my Twitter followers must have thought I was just some kind of underwear-throwing crazy person. Glad I explained it, too!
They are the rock stars of our world!
I think you did a great job explaining the concept … I would throw panties at Michael Chabon for sure … his “Manhood for Amateurs” just did it for me. And I personally think Christopher Moore is pantyworthy … anyone who can make me laugh gets my panties (albeit granny panties but still). And as far as cute, I got a thank you tweet from Kevin Roose about my review of “The Unlikely Disciple” and .. well, he is awfully cute … and young … and pantyworthy.
Billy is wondering what Billy would throw…his glasses?
That would be perfectly appropriate. In lieu of throwing, he could also rub his horns against his favorite authors.
I love this post and I hadn’t realized what a John Irving fan you were! He is definitely at the top of my #pantyworthy authors. I’m also still chuckling about your comments about sending panties to throw at Obama in the unlikely event he comes to our Bookstore.
I can’t throw my panties because all of the authors that are pantyworthy (in my opinion) are dead!
If you get a pair in the mail from me, just keep them on hand in case it ever happens!
Love having a post that explains the #pantyworthy phenomenon. While I can’t imagine actually doing it, i love the feelings behind the idea!
If you threw your panties at Truman, he’d probably slip right into them and head off to find someone he found pantyworthy!
I’m with you Florinda, on Michael Chabon! Yum!
It’s good to know what all of that twittering was about. I think most of the #pantyworthy authors I would pick are women or dead but I’d have to include David Benioff and Michael Chabon.
Ahhhh, LOL! A chain of pantyworthy-ness! I love it.
Last year I had dinner with Patti Henry instantly became my new girl crush – not because her writing was so great, but because her writing was good and SHE was so darn nice.
As far as panty-worthy, though, I may say Wally Lamb after finishing The Hour I First Believed.
Great post.
I’m totally linking to this post anytime anyone asks me about #pantyworthy from now on.
Well put! I loved the line: “slip out of my knickers.”
Thank you for inspiring me! You just gave me a fabulous idea for cross-promotional event in Glen Ellyn. Believe it or not, across Main Street from The Bookstore is a charming lingerie boutique called . . . Knickers!
P.S. Dave Eggers, Alexsandar Hemon, Billy Lombardo #pantyworthy
This post just kills me, it’s SO true! I definitely agree that it holds true for musicians too. There’s just something about the way an artist can touch your soul that is so personal.
And for my part… Dave Eggers, Joshua Ferris, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Markus Zusak, Douglas Adams (if he was still around).
Ooh, I’m so glad to TRULY understand this hashtag now
I love what you describe- an almost spiritual connection with a book and thus a feeling of really understanding the author (or the author understanding you).
Pantyworthy authors for me are Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and… I can’t think of anyone else at this time, but I am sure there are more.
If you guys do an event w/ Knickers, I want to come!
Totally agree with others’ thoughts: pantyworthy authors are just those who capture something so brilliantly — something that speaks to me on such a deep level — that I can’t contain my giddiness or gushing for them! They’re also authors with whom I have a longterm relationship… basically, people who consistently make me swoon with their awesome books.
My pantyworthy authors? Right now:
Megan McCafferty
Jhumpa Lahiri
John Green
Jonathan Safran Foer
Sarah Dessen
Meg Cabot
How have I forgotten Jhumpa Lahiri up to this point?! So glad you mentioned her. Definitely pantyworthy.
hahaha! I had no idea about the origin of this!
[...] a joke about throwing my panties at an author ends up getting its own hashtag and becoming A [...]
[...] The Book Lady’s Blog: A brief history of #pantyworthy and #Pantyworthy photos revealed. Rebecca is one brave – and photogenic – lady. [...]
The concept is totally covered
You already know who is #pantyworthy (and #stockingworthy and #braworthy #girdleworthy and just about any other #undergarmentworthy there is) none other than Suzanne Collins herself! I’ll also add in that Garcia/Stohl — authors of Beautiful Creatures — rank up there. I also adore Kristin Harmel too
The list could go on I imagine.
So, Suzanne Collins = nekkidworthy?
Oh, this is too hilarious. Years ago, when I worked at an early lit organization, I had my own version of pantyworthy — a running list of Men I Was Going to Marry. Naturally, nearly all of them (Jon Stewart was the exception) were children’s authors/illustrators. My men were . . .
Mo Willems (nearly SWOONED when I saw him at the National Book Festival!!!)
Jon Scieszka
Dav Pilkey
David Shannon
Graeme Base
Make the list “pantyworthy” and can now add . . .
Barbara Kingsolver
Louise Erdrich
Ursula LeGuin
Emily Gravett
Maria Tatar
Marina Warner
Haven Kimmel
Susanna Clarke
Azar Nafisi
I love your pics, btw
[...] of my desire to toss my panties at deserving authors? (If you’re new around these parts, this post will explain it all….and hopefully make me seem at least a little bit less [...]
[...] The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. I’ve started reading this two days ago and love it! I even bought the audio book of this to listen to. Diaz is definitely panty-worthy. [...]
[...] After dinner, we got in line to meet Abraham Verghese, who totally made my day with exclaiming, “Oh, so nice to meet you!” and agreeing to take a photo with us. As this was happening, I was thinking to myself, “I wonder if he knows I want to throw my panties at him….God, I hope he doesn’t think it’s creepy.” (This was the first time I’ve met one of my pantyworthy authors in person. Dr. Verghese, if your Google Alerts have led you here, pantyworthy simply means a book was so good that I’d throw my panties at the author in a show of appreciation. I swear, it’s not as weird as it sounds. Click here for a full explanation of pantyworthy.) [...]
[...] Conclusion: Frederick Reiken’s Day for Night is, without a doubt, pantyworthy. [...]
[...] first time we’ve met, you might be wondering what the panty-throwing business is all about. I explain it here, but the quick and dirty is that #pantyworthy is a Twitter meme I (accidentally) started when I [...]
[...] about a Matterhorn-inspired cookbook) and my panty throwing. (Matterhorn is definitely one of my pantyworthy books of the year, and Marlantes made my day by knowing who I [...]
[...] so hard that Whitehead got distracted by it funny. And he’s cute (possibly even, dare I say, pantyworthy; I wanted to slip him my number at any rate). Sag Harbor has shot up my “to read” [...]
[...] Authors as rock stars? Why not. The way to take part in this challenge was reasonably flexible, so I’m choosing to list the authors that I think are “pantyworthy” – the one’s that have written books I can’t wait to recommend to others and those whose books have stayed with me. For more details about what it means to be “pantyworthy”, check out Rebecca’s original Pantyworthy blog post. [...]