To the editor:

I just drove home from the Lawrence Arts Center after being turned away for the talk with author and psychologist Harriet Lerner because we were told it was “sold out.” I was not alone. Many others were turned away as well. While I enjoyed your article about Lerner in the Sunday Journal-World, I fail to understand why a more complete story regarding her talk was not provided.

Nowhere in your article does it state that tickets needed to be purchased. If it had I would have definitely purchased them. Your article only stated there was a “suggested $5 donation.” There was quite a turnout of people being turned away, and if I were the author I’d be surprised at the disorganized and chaotic way the talk was handled. Especially since it is to promote Lerner’s new book!

I have read/purchased many of Lerner’s books and found them to be extremely helpful and well-written. I was quite disappointed to not have an opportunity to hear her speak. In the future I would appreciate better informational coverage of an event. Perhaps it was the Arts Center being unprepared for the number of people who showed up … I don’t know. But to not have an opportunity to purchase tickets, and then to be told when you show up that an event is “sold out” is disrespectful and inconsiderate to people who’ve taken the time out to go hear an author.

Sharon Riley,

Lawrence