Spotlight on: Alice Waters, Robert Reich, and City Lights Books
Chez Panisse founder/owner/chef Alice Waters’ new cookbook, “A School Lunch Revolution,” has the 81-year-old culinary icon continuing to educate people about nutritious eating. Focused primarily on young people’s access to whole foods and reimagining school lunches, the cookbook proves every generation needs an Alice Waters. Rejoice in the delicious recipes and Waters’ ongoing legacy-building.
Hitting like a heavyweight boxer, the comparatively younger Robert Reich — he is 79 — delivers a memoir, “Coming Up Short.” The book chronicles his journey from childhood to the current day; a path often made rocky by bullies he relates to the current President Donald Trump and his administration. Wrestling with how America is “coming up short,” Reich is at his most expressive, personal, and powerful.
Also on the list of great books for giving and keeping are several titles published by City Lights Books that arrive with hosted November events: “Word Time,” poet by devorah major; “Love Will Save Us, Right?: A Memoir,” by Suzette Partido; and “Fruto: Bearing the Burden of Care,” by Daniela Rea. The venerable City Lights has additional
events with local writers, such as East Bay-based Brenda Hillman in conversation with Garrett Hongo about his newest collection, “Ocean of Clouds: Poems.” Visit the website for the complete November calendar.
3rd Annual Library Comic-Con, Berkeley Central Library, Nov. 8
From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., areas in the central library will be transformed by workshops, vendors, and panels of featured artists and literary folks in conversation about their work. Among the vaunted literary storytellers of everything comic, compelling, clever, cartoony, and other fine attributes are Briana Loewinsohn, Chinaka Hodge, Thien Pham, Kiara Brinkman, Mel Gillman, Reading Rainbow’s Mychal Threets, Jon Macy, Dimitrea Tokunbom, Dr. Rebecca Hall, and dozens more. Presentations, panels, workshops and other activities range from simple storytime drawalongs to zine- making to “Riot G*rls of Comics: Hard Femmes Speaking Hard Truths,” an event geared for teens and adults. Select books supplied by Eastwind Books will be available for purchase at the all-ages event.
Nov. 8, Free, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more HERE
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Mrs. Dalloway’s 17th Annual School Benefit Fundraiser, Nov. 8-11
Support more than 30 East Bay schools by shopping in-person or online for four days this month. Mrs. Dalloway’s will donate 15 percent of the pre-tax purchases to the school(s) of your choice; it’s that easy. With a visit to the bookstore or pursuing online, the stalwart Elmwood shop proves irresistible titles appear on every shelf and in multiple categories. The annual event is a marvelous way to make holiday book gifts do double duty: pleasing recipients and supporting reading in the area’s preK-12 public and private schools. If your favorite school in not on the list, it might not be too late to add it. Ask your school librarian or PTA representative to contact Mrs. Dalloway’s to inquire about participation.
“Farming Is Female” author Rachel Sarah, in-person at Great Good Place for Books, Nov. 14
Climate journalist and writer Rachel Sarah’s new book introduces 20 women who are “shaking up the field.” Chapters are filled with stories from women farmers, homesteaders, and policymakers bringing food justice to family tables, low-income neighborhoods, and underserved communities. Aimed at middle grade readers but speaking to people of any age interested in understanding where their food comes from, the book includes recipes and offers Sarah’s suggestions for deeper engagement with hands-on projects and activities. Sarah is the author of “Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth,” and “Climate Champions: 15 Women Fighting for Your Future.” The Montclair Village independent bookstore will be selling the book at the event and copies can be ordered HERE Nov. 14, 7 p.m., free.
Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris introduce “The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate’s Revenge!”, Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore , Nov. 15
The ticketed, offsite event at The Freight in downtown Berkeley has Mrs. Dalloway’s presenting the megastar children’s book author/illustrator duo with a complete shebang: “Live music, dramatic performances, and thrilling adventure” are promised as the pair release another dazzling collaboration and add to the bestselling First Cat in Space graphic novel series. All manner of fun and freaky stuff occurs in the new book and likely, during this animated 90-minute spectacle and conversation with the Bay Area-based bestselling literary heroes. Barnettt is the 2025–26 Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a New York Times bestselling author.
Harris’ award winning books include “Her Right Foot” and “What Can a Citizen Do,” both by Dave Eggers; “Everyone’s Awake” by Colin Meloy; “A Polar Bear in the Snow” by Mac Barnett; and his own author-illustrated works “Have You Ever Seen a Flower?” and “Doing Business.” At the event, younger guests must be accompanied by an adult and both might be enticed by the offer of a “special prize” if they arrive dressed up as their favorite character from the series. All books available for pick-up or purchase will be pre-signed. There will be no personalization of copies and no book-signing line. Instead, people will have opportunity to get their photo taken with Barnett and Harris.
Nov. 15, 11 a.m., $25.13 at Mrs. Dalloway’s