Oct. 23, Bethany Joy Lenz visited the Meredith College campus in promotion of her new book“Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show.” The Quail Ridge Books offsite ticketed event was announced on their Instagram on Sept. 02 promoting the conversation about her new memoir, followed by a signing and photograph line, as noted on their Instagram page. The Herald was present at the event and interviewed several students and faculty about their experience at the event.
Lenz is an American actress and songwriter, probably most known for her portrayal of Haley Scott in One Tree Hill (OTH) which was filmed in North Carolina, as noted by Wilmington.c. First published on Oct. 22, Goodreads discusses the “deliciously witty and inspiring” story following her decade long involvement in a cult, while being on a cult TV show, with the book having an overall rating of 4.41. In a surprise for the audience, her former castmate Paul Johansson (who played the notorious Dan Scott), joined her on stage and facilitated conversation about the book and Lenz’s experience.
The event saw many students and faculty present, including several professors from the Psychology department. In asking about their experience of the reading and and conversation, a key topic appeared to be on Lenz’s perspective on suffering. Dr. Candalyn Rade, Assistant Professor, Psychology, shared that what stood out to her most was Lenz discussing how suffering is a part of life for everyone. Dr. Betty-Shannon Prevatt, Associate Professor, Psychology, ‘99, shared a similar sentiment with Dr. Rade. Prevatt noted that as a clinical psychologist, she sees “people struggling all the time” and that Lenz pointing out the importance of moving through the pain “brings the chance to become stronger from the experience.” Lastly, Dr. Andrea McPherson, Professor, Psychology, was drawn to the event after learning what the book was about and really enjoyed when Lenz read an excerpt from her book. All three professors have bought the book and Dr. McPherson is currently on chapter four.
The Herald also got to speak with some students who attended the event. Jordan Brooks, ‘26, attended the event because of her liking for OTH and the cast members and also really liked that free tickets were offered to Meredith students. Natasha Elder, ‘26, shared that she would “love” to have more events similar to this in the future. Elder added that she used the event for her creative writing class, but also because she believes that the memoir “shows [Lenz’s] journey about her relationship with God.” Elder shared that she made her family, who enjoy Lenz’s Hallmark movies, jealous after sharing that she got a photo with Lenz.
Brooks and Elder had insightful takeaways from the event, with Brooks sharing that she admires Lenz even more after the event and that Lenz’s growth is inspiring. One of Elder’s key takeaways is that it is “okay to need help” and that healing is a long process. Both Brooks and Elder plan on reading the book.
The event ended after Lenz’s brief excerpt reading which was then followed by a photo opportunity with her. The Jones Chapel was arguably full, with listeners and readers filling the main floor as well as the top section of the chapel. After her stop in Raleigh, Lenz headed to Nashville on Oct. 25 and Los Angeles on Oct. 28, according to Bethany Joy Lenz Web.
By Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC
Photo taken by Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC
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