Thank you for writing this-Kingsolver and especially 'Demon Copperhead' has been on my radar for a long time. It feels like a treat to be able to read about an author event that I wouldn't usually get the chance to experience (I live in Austria, I think Richard Powers is the only English-speaking writer I've ever heard in person...) I especially agree with your point that making a classic appear contemporary again is a noteworthy achievement-probably explains the success of 'James' by Percival Everett this year.