Litquake 2024, multiple locations, Oct. 10-26
Copious literary talent, marvelously chaotic conversations, serene dips into genres from fiction to poetry, nonfiction, graphic novels, and picture books for people of all ages, the annual cornucopia is back. Celebrating 25 years with two-plus weeks of mostly free events, Litquake’s festival includes the opening night Booksellers Ball, a Small Press Book Fair, along with author talks, word-out loud readings, symposiums, panels, workshops, films, and live music and multimedia performances. Among the established or rising stars shining brightly this year are Kaveh Akbar, Roddy Doyle, Dave Eggers, Rachel Kushner, Hernan Diaz with Steve Young, Maxine Hong Kingston, Carell Wallace, Michelle Tea, Samuel Kọláwọlé, and more. Although most events are free, some are ticketed. Best advice is to visit the website and secure a seat or entry with early registration.
Oct. 10-26, times vary, most free, with a few ticketed events, litquake.org
Jason Reynolds, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, Oct. 13
This offsite ticketed event hosted by Mrs. Dalloway’s has New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds presenting his latest Young Adult novel, “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . .: A Love Story.” The performing arts center at Laney College in Oakland offers ample space for readers to learn all about Neon, the book’s central protagonist. Neon is consumed with the insecurities, possibilities, tenderness, and troubles of young love and races pellmell into action—and anxiety—about “taking the next step” in a new romance. Reynolds has an enormous following, well-earned and acknowledged with multiple awards and honors. His books include among others, “The Boy in the Black Suit,” “Stamped,” and “Long Way Down,” which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Honor. The in-person event offers admission with or without purchase of a book.
Oct. 13, 3 p.m., $10-32.48, mrsdalloways.com
Elizabeth Partridge Book Launch, Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore, Oct. 18
Celebrating the publication of her latest children’s picture book, “Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge,” the award-winning author introduces the iconic symbol of perseverance and vision to young readers. Filled with rich, often orange-hued artwork by illustrator Ellen Heck and published by San Francisco’s Chronicle Books, it’s a tribute to local literary talent as much as an homage to the people and history behind the Golden Gate Bridge. While the world’s longest suspension bridge was under construction, lighthouse keeper’s kids kept watch of the goings-on and appear often in the images. Along the way, Partridge’s light touch with essential facts fits organically with expressive stories told mostly by workers, parents, and other adults. She will be joined after reading the book in conversation with San Francisco Chronicle columnist Peter Hartlaub.
Oct. 18, 7 p.m., free, mrsdalloways.com
Ellie Yang Camp, Pegasus Books Berkeley, Oct. 24th
Asian American writer and educator’s new book, “Louder Than the Lies: Asian American Identity, Solidarity, and Self-Love,” is a primer on identity, anti-racism and solidarity. With special focus on racist stereotypes and structural stigmas negatively impacting people of Asian descent, Camp puts her researcher’s eye on history, personal experiences, and racial justice movements generalized to include all people of color. Unearthing the roots of bias, examining the health and wellbeing impact of erasure, hatred, unwarranted fear, and outright violence, the book published by Bay Area-based Heyday Books calls readers, activists, and advocates wishing the community and beyond to set a higher bar. After a reading, Camp will be joined in conversation with Erna Kim Hackett, founder of Liberated Together, a cohort that creates community for Women of Color, Queer WOC, and non-binary folks.
Oct. 24, 7 p.m., free, pegasusbookstore.com
Matthew Zapruder, Clio’s, Oct. 29
Poet, Saint Mary’s College associate professor, editor-at-large, including a stint at The New York Times, Zapruder sets up for a chat at Oakland’s newest bookstore. The hybrid shop is also a bar, finely suitable for readers who enjoy sipping while reading or listening to words. The Oakland-based, award-winning writer has a new collection of poetry as of September, “I Love Hearing Your Dreams.” Joined at Clio’s by a partnership with literary journal and book publisher ZYZZYVA, Zapruder and fellow poet, professor and editor Brenda Hillman, the evening promises “dream songs for an age of insomnia” (swiped from the book’s back cover blurb), and a voyage through mystical places that might just have listeners and sippers emerging transformed. Clio’s works with Eventbrite and listings post closer to the actual events, so check for updates in mid October.
Oct. 29, 7 p.m., free, https://www.eventbrite.com/o/clios-books-59173081243