Reflections on ‘An Evening with Fran Lebowitz’
Originally published on Rachel’s Choice on March 20, 2026.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with Fran Lebowitz. Prior to our conversation, I prepped as possible, which included watching her Netflix special “Pretend it’s a City,” reading sections of her book “The Fran Lebowitz Reader,” and watching interviews she did with other journalists. With all that preparation, I felt ready, but was still nervous because HELLO it’s Fran Lebowitz! Discussing the arts, life, and many other topics with Lebowitz was an experience I will not soon forget (you can read that article here).
I bring up the memories surrounding our interview because it really shaped my expectations for the Washington Center's “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz” that took place March 15th.
Altogether, I appreciate how the event was split with one third of the time witnessing the conversation with the moderator, and two thirds dedicated to an audience Q&A. This approach made it much more personable and impactful for the audience, and I genuinely hope the Center brings more of these events to us in the future.
The event was fabulous as expected, but what amazed me was the deep and enriching reflections I took home with me. Rather than "reviewing the event," I believe it would be much more telling to share my favorite moments (like the relatable discussions and incredible stories) and my personal reflections.
Relatable Discussions
There were so many good topics discussed throughout the event, but I personally loved when she described her relationship to books, nature, and her beliefs and politics.
At one point, Lebowitz described her book situation to the audience, and the way she said it made me laugh. This is my recount of it:
“I remember when I was moving to a new apartment just down the block and had to pack all my books. I had like 10,000 books and I swear by the time I had unpacked them in my new apartment, there were 12,000. I think they multiplied themselves when they were in the boxes!”
Hearing this made me think about my family and I, who collect books and dvds in a way that can feel similar to how rabbits multiply. Some could call our collections “hoardy,” but intellectuals would describe it as a “well rounded library.” The latter is my preferred description but either way, it felt good to know we are not alone.
Before the show began, I was chatting with my sister and I told her about something Lebowitz told me about, and said:
“I will bet you anything that someone in the audience tonight is going to ask her ‘what her favorite book (or something)’ is and she is going to respond with something like, ‘I don’t have favorites, I am too old and have enjoyed so many things to have favorites. You know who can have favorites? Three year olds. They will have had like 3 flavors of ice cream ever, so of course they can have a favorite because there are not that many to choose from.’”
She pretty much said that word for word, and I was truly proud to win that bet!
After the event was over, my family and I discussed what moments reminded us of one another. The moment that immediately came to my family’s mind for me was when Lebowitz discussed her relationship with nature. In a nutshell, Lebowitz enjoys nature documentaries but does not feel the need, desire, or really like she is the gal to go on hikes or explore the wilderness. Her reflections made me feel so seen, and again not alone.
There were other portions of the event where she stated her values, opinions, and viewpoints on many things including politics. There was a certain relatability to these statements because they often aligned with my personal beliefs.
Hearing people speak on what they believe is very empowering and encouraging, especially during these times when there is much opposition and the temptation to stay quiet or shy away to avoid conflict is very real.
I am so grateful for the bravery of people like Fran Lebowitz who are literally willing to travel around the country to engage in deeper conversations and speak truth.
Incredible Stories
Lebowitz’s life stories weaved their way into the discussion, and there were quite a few that stood out to me (including her friendship with Toni Morrison). The one that truly remains with me and keeps coming to mind is her memory of September 11, 2001. This is the best I can recall it:
Lebowitz heard about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center Towers from the news, and she knew right away that it was terrorism. According to Lebowitz, planes crashing into buildings is a common enough occurrence with people (like dentists) who fly their own planes. What differentiated this moment was knowing the size and type of plane that hit the towers. “Only commercially licensed pilots were allowed to fly those kinds of planes…it had to be terrorism.”
The news continued to unfold that terrible day, and Lebowitz knew people who had an extremely close view of the towers and the crashes. “Friends of mine were supposed to have a party that night, and when I called them, they told me that they were still going to welcome people over.”
The city shutdown and was on lockdown and no one was allowed to leave home or be outside except for first responders. The air was filled with extreme smoke and debris that caused much illness around the city and many fatalities in the aftermath. Putting myself in Lebowitz’s shoes, I could not fathom spending that night alone, so what she did next makes total sense to me.
She had an authentic police badge which she had managed to grab during her time guest starring on a film or television show. Lebowitz put on the badge, left her apartment, and walked 60 blocks to her friend’s house. “They saw my badge and let me through,” Lebowitz said.
Walking through New York at that moment was incredibly eerie because of the way she could hear her own footsteps, which never happens in New York. What she saw and described for us is what continues to haunt me:
“I remember seeing a bus drive by…the bus was filled with body bags.”
Sit with that for a moment…there are no words, are there?
Personal Reflections
I really wish that people like Fran Lebowitz could live on forever so she could continue to tour and personally relate her stories and speak her truth.
Do not try to comfort me with phrases like, “she will live on forever through her writing and video appearances.” There was once a time I could subscribe to that, but not today as our society is so intent on repeating history. I imagine (and deeply dread) that more extreme forms of censorship could be coming our way including more book burnings, destroying precious documents and articles, and removing access to certain films and videos. God, I hope I'm wrong.
It is deeply discouraging, but remember this: no one can take away our verbal conversations, our thoughts, or our memories. That is why it is so important to engage in conversation today and not wait until tomorrow to read books, watch films, or attend a performing arts event or moderated discussion.
Keep sharing your stories, listening to stories, creating memories, and never stop asking questions. We never know how long we will have in this world, or how long we will have certain luxuries, so we must never take them for granted.
So I compel you dear readers, do something today!
Here’s one thing you can do, buy a ticket to something at the Washington Center or subscribe to their email list so that you can stay up to date on when events like “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz” come to town!