Rebecca Solnit: The Beginning Comes After the End @ St. John’s Presbyterian Church of Berkeley | March 6
Presented by Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore and the Elmwood Business Association, this off-site literary event with Rebecca Solnit is not to be missed. Her new book continues the grand lineage of its predecessors with an articulate account of social, political, scientific, and cultural change. Spanning the last 75 years, this book is considered by some to be a sequel to Hope in the Dark. Annie Leonard, former Director of Greenpeace US, joins Solnit in a conversation that will focus topics that connect readers with hope, and shine a light on activism, education, innovation, and more. Worthy voices of reason, Solnit and Leonard share thoughts about the legacy of promise and peril facing the next generation. Ticket price includes one copy of the book and one general admission seat.
March 6 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. | $24 | mrsdalloways.com
Clio’s Books launches new theater series @ 353 Grand Ave, Oakland | March 7-April 4
Can a bookstore become a theater venue? It is more than possible, when it comes to Clio’s Books, one of the most unique and innovative bookstores in the Bay Area. Expanding on their already creative events and gatherings, the first production of Wallace Shawn’s The Fever opens March 7 and will run until April 4. The performance is directed by John Wilkins, formerly of Last Planet Theater, and stars Benoît Monin, who has appeared with Shotgun Players, the Oakland Theater Project, and others. The series is for night owls, with all shows beginning at 11 pm — perhaps just the right hour for weighing choices related to an ethical life or one filled with violence, pain, and mayhem. Seating is limited, so checking availability without delay is advised.
March 7-April 4 | 11 pm | $35 | cliosbooks.com
Anne Lamott and Neal Allen’s Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences @ Curran Theatre | March 17
Book Passage partners with ATG San Francisco to bring one of the area’s most loved and respected writers, Anne Lamott, and writer-speaker Neal Allen to the Curran this month. Lamott and Allen are co-authors and also co-pilots in everyday life as a married couple. The new book explores ideas and experiences from their lives as writers in multiple outlets: journalism, corporate communication, editorial essays, non-fiction books and more. There is much to learn about the best ways to craft language, tell a story, deliver fresh, genuine expression and convey wisdom — without pandering to the reader. The couple’s shared insight, sense of humor and conversation on stage promise the audience an evening filled with delight and laughter. Copies of Good Writing will be available for purchase at the event.
March 17 | 7 p.m. | $35+ | bookpassage.com
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller: The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest @ Mrs. Dalloway’s | March 26
Take an underwater tour at the Elmwood neighborhood’s beloved independent bookstore with author Josie Iselin and illustrator Ellen Litwiller. Their new book, The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest, weaves the marvelous profiles of thirteen kelp species found in eight coastal regions. The rich ecosystems support a vast trove of sea creatures such as abalone, salmon, and rockfish, along with shorebirds. Humans can operate as predators or preservationists — a drama told through Iselin’s scientific expertise and skilled literary chops and Litwiller’s compelling artwork. A slide show presentation adds visual excitement to the conversation, and a book signing follows the discussion.
March 26 @ 7:00 p.m. | Free, with books available for purchase and signing | mrsdalloways.com
Women’s History Month events @ multiple locations | March 1-31
During the 31 days devoted to celebrating women throughout history and contemporary times, there are ample opportunities to participate. The Oakland and Berkeley public libraries offer recommended book lists for readers of all ages; free, downloadable posters of inspirational women and their calls to action; and kids’ activities that earn women-in-history buttons for every biography read or documentary viewed, and more. Special events that involve reading include exhibits at Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park, the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley (on March 8 for International Women’s Day), and a Women’s History Month Artwalk on March 14 at the Oakland Museum of California (for members). Most independent bookstores highlight women’s contribution to literature and other areas human endeavors from politics to medicine, physical and mental health, the environment, science, industry, engineering, math, politics, sports and more.
All month | Multiple locations: museumca.org + oaklandlibrary.org + berkeleypubliclibrary.org + Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front_nps.gov/rori/index + lawrencehallofscience.org