Your Week in Virtual Book Events, Dec. 7th to Dec. 13th
Zong! Global
Monday, December 7th – Wednesday, December 9th
M. NourbeSe Philip continues the first online global iteration of the annual durational reading of Zong!, her acclaimed book-length poem from November 30th, 2020 to December 9th, 2020. The 10-day durational reading commemorates the massacre of some 150 enslaved Africans, which began on November 29th, 1781 and continued for the following 10 days. In its eighth year of production, there will be pre-recorded readings/collective performances of the text, interspersed by 3 live simultaneous collective readings. Free, register here.
Ten Evenings with Ta-Nehisi Coates
Monday, December 7th, All-Day
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures brings National Book Award-winner Ta-Nehisi Coates in conversation with fellow author Damon Young (What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker) about his debut novel, The Water Dancer. Tickets are $15, $10 for students. Registrants will receive a link to the pre-recorded event you can watch at any time for one week. Get your virtual pass here.
Katherine May and Marlee Grace – Wintering
Monday, December 7th, 3:00pm EST
Katherine May discusses her new book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, with dancer and writer Marlee Grace (Getting to Center). Free, with donations welcome. Via Crowdcast.
Black Futures at BAM
Monday, December 7th, 7:00pm EST
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) will host co-editors Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham in conversation with activist Racquel Willis and artist Naima Green to celebrate the launch of the new book collaboration, Black Futures. The event will include ASL interpretation and Closed Captioning. Tickets are $15 for admission and $45-50 with a copy of the book. 50% of ticket revenue from this event will be split between BAM and the Campaign Against Hunger. Reserve your spot here.
Big Friendship: Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman in conversation with Ashley C. Ford
Monday, December 7th, 7:00pm EST
Join Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, acclaimed writers and hosts of the hit podcast Call Your Girlfriend, as they discuss the complex power of female friendship in America and their New York Times-bestselling book, Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close. They will be joined in conversation with writer Ashley C. Ford (Somebody’s Daughter). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
P&P Live! Sabaa Tahir
Monday, December 7th, 7:00pm EST
Politics and Prose hosts author Sabaa Tahir to discuss A Sky Beyond the Storm, the fourth and final book in her #1 New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes series. She will be joined in a conversation moderated by Everdeen Mason with author Tochi Onyebuchi (Riot Baby). Tickets start at $5, with other ticketing options available including a book purchase. Reserve one here.
Mouth to Mouth: Open Mic and Showcase
Monday, December 7th, 7:00pm EST
Hosted by poets Kay Ulanday Barrett (More Than Organs) and Ashna Ali, and presented by the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, this edition of Mouth to Mouth features readings from Venus Selenite (The Fire Been Here), Jake Skeets (Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers), and Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola (i shimmer sometimes, too). Free, with registration.
Powell’s Books presents Ernest Cline
Monday, December 7th, 8:00pm EST
Join Powell’s Books for a virtual conversation with author Ernest Cline in celebration of his newest release and anticipated sequel, Ready Player Two. To tune into the event, purchase a copy of the book here.
In Conversation: Michael Eric Dyson and Jemele Hill
Monday, December 7th, 8:00pm EST
Author Michael Eric Dyson will discuss his new book, Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America, and race in America with Atlantic contributor and sports journalist, Jemele Hill. Hosted by the California African American Museum. Free, via Zoom.
Erin Brokovich in Conversation with David Cwiertny
Monday, December 7th, 8:00pm EST
Prairie Lights Books hosts a special reading with activist, public speaker, and author Erin Brokovich to discuss her new book, Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It, in conversation with University of Iowa’s Director of Graduate Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering, David Cwiertny. They will also be joined by Brokovich’s co-author, Suzanne Boothby. Free, via registration.
Philip Metres: Shrapnel Maps, a Poetry Reading and Discussion
Tuesday, December 8th, 11:00pm EST
In the second event of Maynooth University’s Poetry and Poetics reading and discussion series, multi-award-winning poet Philip Metres will read from and talk about his new poetry collection, Shrapnel Maps. The event will include an interactive Q&A with the poet, featuring questions from Maynooth students and attendees of the webinar. Free, via Zoom.
On Edward Said: Remembrance of Things Past
Tuesday, December 8, 12:00pm EST
Join scholar Hamid Dabasi and novelist Ahdaf Soueif (Cairo: My City, Our Revolution) as they discuss Dabashi’s new book, On Edward Said: Remembrance of Things Past. Sponsored by Haymarket Books and the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies at Columbia University. Free, with solidarity donations welcome from those who are able. Register here.
Matthew B. Kelley and Phillip B. Williams
Tuesday, December 8, 4:30pm EST
The Center for Literary Arts at Cornell will host this reading featuring fiction writer and creative writing teacher at Cornell College, Matthew B. Kelley, alongside Whiting Award-winning poet Phillip B. Williams (Thief in the Interior). Q&A to follow. Free, via Zoom.
2020 RWB Jackson Lecture: Dionne Brand with Rinaldo Walcott
Tuesday, December 8, 5:00pm EST
The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education presents a virtual lecture from the school’s alum and literary giant, Dionne Brand (Theory) in conversation with renowned Black studies scholar, Professor Rinaldo Walcott (BlackLife). Free, with registration.
Uncle Bobbie’s Presents: Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham
Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm EST
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books welcomes co-authors Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham for this discussion with Philadelphia artist Tiona Nekkia McClodden on their recent release Black Futures. Free, via Crowdcast.
Belladonna* In-Flux: Cameron Awkward-Rich and jayy dodd
Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm EST
Belladonna* Collaborative welcomes acclaimed poets Cameron Awkward-Rich (Dispatch) and jayy dodd (The Black Condition ft. Narcissus) for a reading. To commemorate the event, Belladonna* will be launching a new chaplet written by jayy and a broadside of Cameron’s work. Tickets start at $5, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Donations over $5 will be given to the Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network. Reserve a ticket here.
KGB Bar Homecoming Festival – Jonathan Lethem, Karen Green, Aimee Bender
Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm EST
KGB Bar Lit Series invites former readers to read their acclaimed and current work to raise funds to keep the landmark KGB Bar alive, post-pandemic and beyond. This evening’s event will feature the authors Jonathan Lethem (The Arrest), Karen Green (Frail Sister), and Aimee Bender (The Butterfly Lampshade). Tickets start at $12 for students and $18 for general admission, to be purchased here.
Danielle Evans and Laura van den Berg: Writers @ Grinnell
Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm EST
Acclaimed short story masters Danielle V. Evans (The Office of Historical Corrections) and Laura van den Berg (I Hold a Wolf by the Ears) share work from their new collections, followed by a conversation on the craft of short fiction with writer Dean Bakopoulos (Summerlong). Free, via Zoom.
The Best Women’s Travel Writing, Volume 12 with Editor Lavinia Spalding
Tuesday, December 8, 9:00pm EST
Lavinia Spalding, editor of The Best Women’s Travel Writing, Volume 12, and many of the book’s 34 contributors will virtually launch the newest volume of this bestselling series with Book Passage. Free, with registration.
Alta Asks Live: Ken Layne
Wednesday, December 9, 3:30pm EST
Alta Journal welcomes author and radio/podcast host, Ken Layne, for a discussion about his publication Desert Oracle: Volume 1: Strange True Tales from the American Southwest. He will be joined by Alta managing editor Blaise Zerega. Free, via Crowdcast.
Doing the Work: Writers Coming Together in Times of Crisis
Wednesday, December 9, 4:00pm EST
Three organizers of literary communities come together for a discussion on this form of building. Presented by NYFA and PEN America, poets Ariana Brown (Sana Sana), Francisco Gutierrez, and Marwa Helal (Invasive Species) will speak on a panel discussion to be moderated by Alejandro Heredia of PEN America. Free. Register here.
Palestine: A Socialist Introduction, Book Launch and Discussion
Wednesday, December 9, 5:00pm EST
Sumaya Awad and brian bean, editors of Palestine: A Socialist Introduction, will be joined for a discussion about themes of socialism and anti-imperialist solidarity across borders alongside contributors Khury Petersen-Smith and Jehad Abusalim to mark the release of the book. The event will be recorded and have live captioning. Hosted by Haymarket Books. Free, with registration.
Afua Cooper in conversation with Brandon Wint
Wednesday, December 9, 5:00pm EST
Fernwood Publishing will host award-winning author and historian Dr. Afua Cooper in conversation with poet and author, Brandon Wint (Divine Animal). They will explore topics and themes from Dr. Cooper’s new co-authored book, Black Matters. Free. Register here.
P&P Live! A Stress-Free Evening with Four of America’s Leading Humorists
Wednesday, December 9, 6:00pm EST
Four of the top humorists in the country, Bob Eckstein (The Elements of Stress), Alexandra Petri (Nothing is Wrong and Here Is Why), Mike Sacks (Slouchers) and Michael Shaw (The Elements of Stress), will be featured to discuss their comedy-filled work for a stress-free evening. Free, with registration.
Authors in Conversation: Isaac J. Bailey and Claudia Smith Brinson
Wednesday, December 9, 6:30pm EST
Itinerant Literate Books will host an evening of civil rights history joined by South Carolina journalists and authors Claudia Smith Brinson (Stories of Struggle: The Clash over Civil Rights in South Carolina) and Isaac J. Bailey (Why Didn’t We Riot?: A Black Man in Trumpland). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
Deesha Philyaw and Megha Majumdar in Conversation
Wednesday, December 9, 7:00pm EST
National Book Award nominees Deesha Philyaw (The Secret Lives of Church Ladies) and Megha Majumdar (A Burning) will speak about their respective books, both longlisted for the 2020 National Book Award. Free, via Zoom.
Matilda Bernstein Sycamore in Conversation with Maggie Nelson
Wednesday, December 9, 8:00pm EST
The Poetry Project celebrates the release of Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s latest book, The Freezer Door, in this virtual conversation with Maggie Nelson (The Argonauts). The event will be transcripted live. Free, via Zoom.
Secret Science Club presents Astronaut and Author Kathryn Sullivan
Wednesday, December 9, 8:00pm EST
Kathryn Sullivan, an astronaut who has spent over 500 hours in space and veteran of 3 NASA shuttle missions, will discuss the epic space tales in her book, Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut’s Story of Invention. Free. Register through the mailing list here.
Author Scott James Discussing Trial By Fire
Wednesday, December 9, 10:00pm EST
Author Scott James will discuss his recently published book, Trial By Fire: A Devastating Tragedy, 100 Lives Lost, and a 15-Year Search for Truth with journalist and author Frances Dinkelspiel (Tangled Vines). Free, via Zoom.
UW Castalia
Wednesday, December 9, 10:30pm EST
Castalia is a monthly reading series featuring graduate students, faculty, and alumni from the University of Washington MFA program. Cass Garison, Erin Strubbe, Rachel Edelman, and David Bosworth (Conscientious Thinking: Making Sense in an Age of Idiot Savants) will read. Free, with registration.
Samantha Irby and Scaachi Koul: Wow, No Thank You
Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm EST
Cultural critic, comedian and blogger Samantha Irby discusses her newest book of essays, Wow, No Thank You, with Buzzfeed Culture writer and author Scaachi Koul (One Day We’ll Be Dead And None of This Will Matter). Free, via Crowdcast.
Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James in conversation with Jeff Kinney
Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm EST
Hosted by An Unlikely Story, author Derrick Barnes and illustrator Gordon C. James share their latest picture book, I Am Every Good Thing, in a virtual event hosted by Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid). Free, via Crowdcast.
Special Sci-Fi Panel: Discussion of Dune with Three Authors
Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm EST
In anticipation of the 2020 Dune film reboot, speculative fiction writers Sara Daniele Rivera, Peter Medeiros, and Marcella Haddad will discuss the classic in a panel, with an opportunity for Q&A. Free, via Zoom.
Book Discussion – The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty
Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm EST
NC State University Libraries will host a facilitated conversation about The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty as he traces his Black and white ancestry through food in this memoir of Southern cuisine. The discussion will be facilitated by T’ana Williams, NC State Master of Science in Communication Candidate. Free, with registration.
New Works: Blacqueer Debuts
Thursday, December 10, 7:30pm EST
Hear three extraordinary Blacqueer poets read from and discuss new work in this event hosted by Cave Canem. Jubi Arriola-Headley (original kink), Taylor Johnson (Inheritance), and Romeo Oriogun (Sacrament of Bodies) will be read. Free, via Zoom.
Black Futures with Jenna Wortham, Kimberly Drew, and Texas Isaiah
Thursday, December 10, 8:00pm EST
Co-authors Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham will join in conversation with photographer Texas Isaiah as they celebrate the release of Black Futures in this virtual book store stop hosted by the California African American Museum. Free, with registration.
Jeff Porter in Conversation with Ann Hood
Thursday, December 10, 8:00pm EST
Prairie Lights will host this event to launch Planet Clare: Suite for Cello and Sad-Eyed Lovers by author Jeff Porter, featuring a reading and conversation with novelist Ann Hood (Kitchen Yarns). Free. Via Zoom.
Love’s Sweet Arrow presents: An Erotic Evening
Thursday, December 10, 8:00pm EST
Love’s Sweet Arrow bookstore presents a virtual event featuring authors Evie Bennet, Katrina Jackson, Naima Simone, Mia Hopkins, and Olivia Waite, with editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, to discuss their stories in the new adventure-themed anthology Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 6. Free. RSVP here.
MISSING THEM Memorial Event Kickoff: Holding Space for Grief
Friday, December 11, 6:00pm EST
THE CITY’s MISSING THEM project is an ambitious effort to track down every New Yorker that died due to COVID-19 and write a story about them. The event will include performances, writing workshops and, most importantly, stories and memories shared by the families who have written into the MISSING THEM memorial. To kick off the event, poets Ellen Bass (Indigo), Ross Gay (Be Holding), and Aracelis Girmay (The Black Maria) will read works on loss, grieving, and celebrating life. The night will also include a short video of community members from across NYC reciting a poem they wrote based on the 200+ obituaries written by THE CITY’s MISSING THEM writers and reporters. Presented by the Brooklyn Public Library’s Poetry of Comfort Class. Audience members are invited to share, participate and fully bear witness to the stories shared. Free, with registration.
How To Get Published in Recommended Reading
Friday, December 11, 6:00pm EST
Electric Lit will host a candid chat with their editors as part of their Winter Salon Series, presented by Reedsy. Learn how to make your stories stand out among thousands of unsolicited submissions in a publication that hosts work by Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners. Recommended Reading’s editorial team — Halimah Marcus (Horse Girls), Brandon Taylor (Real Life), Erin Bartnett, and Alyssa Sondsiridej — discuss candidly their editorial decision-making process and offer invaluable advice to short story writers planning to submit. Q&A to follow. Reserve a spot for $10, via Crowdcast.
Kenya Hunt with Ebele Okobi: Girl Gurl Grrrl
Friday, December 11, 6:30pm EST
Join fashion director and writer Kenya Hunt for the launch of her new book, Girl Gurl Grrrl. Hunt will be joined in conversation by public policy director for Facebook in Africa, Ebele Okobi. Hosted by the Strand Bookstore. The event will be live-streamed through the Strand’s Facebook page.
Launch: Hallelujah Science
Friday, December 11, 7:00pm EST
White Whale Bookstore will host the launch of Kelli Stevens Kane’s new collection of poetry, Hallelujah Science. She will be joined by Rose M. Smith (Unearthing Ida), Adriana E. Ramírez (Dead Boys), and Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie (Layla’s Happiness) for a reading. Free. RSVP here.
Book Chat: Parable of the Sower
Saturday, December 12, 5:00pm EST
In this mini-series presented by PRONTO, author Kathryn H. Ross (Black Was Not a Label) discusses inspiring works of literature and their influence on race, culture, and writing. This event will focus on Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. Free, with registration.
Mediocre Author Event with Ijeoma Oluo and dream hampton
Saturday, December 12, 6:00pm EST
Source Booksellers hosts New York Times-bestselling author Ijeoma Oluo in conversation with award-winning filmmaker and writer, dream hampton. The event will celebrate Oluo’s new book, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America. Tickets include a copy of the book, for $36 total, to be reserved here.
Patrick Earl Ryan in Conversation with Jewelle Gomez
Saturday, December 12, 6:00pm EST
New Orleans author Patrick Earl Ryan will discuss his award-winning debut short story collection, If We Were Electric, and topics of writing and queerness with writer, icon, and activist Jewelle Gomez (The Gilda Stories). Free, with registration.
Conversations with Authors — Jane Smiley
Saturday, December 12, 7:00pm EST
Author Jane Smiley will discuss her latest novel, Perestroika in Paris, with fellow author David Francis (Stray Dog Winter) in this virtual book event for Book Passage. Register to access this free event series here.
COUNTERpult Showcase: A Storyteller Showcase to Benefit Emerging BIPOC Storytellers
Saturday, December 12, 7:00pm EST
Hosted by Roots, Wounds, Words, this event will showcase emerging BIPOC writers Benjamin Garcia (Thrown in the Throat), Cleyvis Natera, Elisabet Velasquez, Faylita Hicks (HoodWitch), Irvin Weathersby, Jimena Lucero, Michael Torres (An Incomplete List of Names), Natalie Lima, S. Erin Batiste (Glory to All Fleeting Things), Seren Sensei, Alexis Smithers, Australia Fernandez, Dominic Cinnamon Bradley, Elara Cáceres, Heather Stokes, 김효리 Hyo Rhi Kim, Krystal Kavita Jagoo, LaTasha Sherell James, Tonya Abari and Wendy Angulo. Tickets are free for anyone, with a $20 suggested donation if the means are available. RSVP here.
Black in the Middle Virtual Book Conversation Series, Pt. 1: “Home”
Saturday, December 12, 7:00pm EST
Contributors to the new anthology from Belt Publishing, Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest, respond to questions about the concept of home. The “Home” panel will include discussions from Tara L. Conley, Aaron K. Foley, Kisha Nicole Foster (Bloodwork), Njaimeh Nijie, Courtney Wise Randolph, Mark V. Reynolds, Terrence Shambley Jr. and Terrion L. Williamson (Scandalize My Name). Free, with registration. Hosted by White Whale Bookstore.
Women Speak: Poetry & Prose Reading Series
Saturday, December 12, 7:30pm EST
Two online literary journals, The Rumpus and Marías at Sampaguitas, will debut the first installment of WOMEN SPEAK, a new monthly reading series geared toward creating a stage for BIPOC women poets and prose writers of all stages of their career. December’s featured readers are Tiana Clark (I Can’t Talk About the Trees Without the Blood) and Vanessa Angélica Villarreal (Beast Meridian), and joining them will be Khalisa Rae (Ghost in a Black Girl’s Throat), Ashley M. Jones (dark // thing), Natalie Lima, Gaia Rajan (Moth Funerals), Jihyun Yun (SOME ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY), and Nikki Wallschlaeger (I Hate Telling You How I Really Feel). The event will be emceed by Taylor Byas. Free, via Crowdcast.
Bushwick Book Club Seattle x Hugo House
Saturday, December 12, 10:30pm EST
Three Hugo House authors will provide literary inspiration for three Bushwick Book Club Seattle musicians each. Seattle’s Adra Boo, Okanomodé, and Shaudi Bianca Vahdat will play songs inspired by Anastacia-Reneé’s debut book of poetry (v.). JusMoni, Joe Seamons & Briar, and Shaina Shepherd will each lend an original song inspired by poet Amber Flame’s book, Ordinary Cruelty. Lastly, Adé A Cônnére, Julia Massey, and Nottingham/Wicks will play songs inspired by Kristen Millares Young’s book, Subduction. In lieu of a ticket charge, donations to participate in this one-of-a-kind virtual show start at $10, which can be reserved here.
Words & Pictures with Lauren Tarshis
Sunday, December 13, All-Day
Lauren Tarshis is the New York Times bestselling author of the I Survived series, telling stories of young people and their resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. She will present her latest I Survived book, the 20th in the series, about two children who battle the terrifying flames of the 2018 California Wildfires and find hope in the ashes. Presented by the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures series. Closed captioning will be available for this event. Tickets are free and can be reserved here. Once registered, the program will be available on any device that supports YouTube for one week.
A Special Hanukkah Zoom Poetry Reading
Sunday, December 13, 2:00pm EST
Bookstore1Sarasota will host a digital poetry reading featuring the poets who contributed to the forthcoming anthology 101 Jewish Poems for the Third Millennium,which features an international selection of both Jewish and non-Jewish poets such as Ellen Bass, Ed Hirsch, Jane Hirshfield, Ilya Kaminsky (Deaf Republic), David Lehman, and many more. The event is free, with the option to pay a $7 donation. The book is set to be released in January 2021, but copies will be available for purchase early for this special event. Via Zoom.
Claire Marie Stancek with Dan Beachy-Quick and Jennifer Firestone
Sunday, December 13, 5:00pm EST
Booksmith and The Bindery will host an event with poet Claire Marie Stancek in celebration of her new book of poems, wyrd [bird. She will be joined by poets Dan Beachy Quick (Variations on Dawn and Dusk) and Jennifer Firestone (Story). Free, with registration.
Erosion: Essays of Undoing—An Evening with Terry Tempest Williams in Conversation with Linda Bryant
Sunday, December 13, 6:30pm EST
Charis Books and the Agnes Scott College Office of Religious and Spiritual Life welcome author and activist Terry Tempest Williams for a conversation with Charis co-founder, Linda Bryant, about William’s newest collection, Erosion: Essays of Undoing. Free, via Crowdcast.
Conversations with Authors — David Harris
Sunday, December 13, 7:00pm EST
Reporter and author David Harris will discuss his newest book release, My Country ‘Tis of Thee: Reporting, Sallies, and Other Confessions, an anthology of his career-spanning work conveying the spirit of the 1960’s and 70’s. He will be joined in conversation with fellow author Peter Coyote (The Rainman’s Third Cure: An Irregular Education). Free, with registration.
Open Mouth Presents: A Reading with Jen Karetnick and Sumita Chakraborty
Sunday, December 13, 8:00pm EST
The Open Mouth Reading Series will host poets Jen Karetnick (The Burning Where Breath Used to Be) and Sumita Chakraborty (Arrow) for a feature reading following a round of introductory readings by members of the Open Mouth poetry community. The event will have captioning from Otter Live Captions and an ASL interpreter will be present. Access copies of all poems read will be provided via Google Docs. Free, with a suggested donation of $5 to support future programming and pay ASL interpreters. Register here.
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