Read to Lead: Women’s Leadership Circle Info Session @ Book Society | Sept. 8
Led by founder Laura Guzman, the casual gathering introduces new and potential members to the Women’s Circle. The Book Society, a book and wine lounge now open in Berkeley, CA, is where members and guests gather for one-off author events and in themed book clubs. They also have the opportunity to participate in six-week sessions like the leadership series. This one-hour event includes an overview of the books and exercises used, information about costs, and exposure to the kinds of conversations and interactions of the club. With an open Q&A and a complimentary glass of wine or NA beverage, the evening is a fine time to explore the many programs and activities available. The get-together is free; RSVP’s strongly encouraged.
Sept. 8 @ 6:30 pm | Free | booksociety.social
Meet the Author: Cynthia Gómez @ Oakland Public Library | Sept. 10
Local author Cynthia Gómez’s debut novel, “Muñeca,” takes place in late 1960s Oakland, at the height of the Chicano and Black Power movements. The gothic horror story involves a queer, Latine, working class witch who must rescue an heiress from a spell cast upon her. Muñeca loses her powers, along with her heart during the ensuing action. and her heart in the process.the new book follows Gómez’s 2024 debut story collection, “The Nightmare Box and Other Stories.” Gómez will be in conversation with an OPL librarian about the politics of her writing, especially during a time when centering queer, Latine characters in novels and other books is under attack. Registration is recommended to receive updates and reminders. As always, masks are encouraged and will be provided.
Sept. 10 @ 6 pm | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
History, Memory, and the Power of Storytelling @ Brower Center | Sept. 17
Earth Island Journal presents a salon featuring writers Annie Leonard and Jason Dove Mark. Leonard led Greenpeace USA as executive director, created The Story of Stuff Project, and co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. Mark is an environmental journalist who has served as editor-in-chief of Sierra magazine and Earth Island Journal. His book, “The Earth Said Remember Me: How to Revive Our Memories and Restore the Planet,” and essays written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Atlantic focus on fact-based storytelling that inspires social change. Joined by environmental activist and thinkers, the evening is moderated by Earth Island Journal Editor-in-Chief Maureen Nandini Mitra. The big question they will discuss, how independent journalism can help people to resist historical and environmental amnesia, is sure to provide provocative answers. At the very least, the group will generate new conversations and issue a rousing wake-up call.
Sept. 17 @ 6 pm | $10-20 @ eventbrite.com/e/history-memory-and-the-power-of-storytelling-tickets | earthisland.org
Children’s Book Festival @ Children’s Fairyland | Sept. 19
Children’s Fairyland hosts the annual event welcoming more than 30 published children’s literature authors, illustrators, and storytellers from across the Bay Area. The festival brings together young readers, writers, and artists for a joyful day of storytelling, meet and greets, book signings, and interactive programming, all included with general admission.
Tickets and more information are available here.
Sept. 19 from 10 am – 4 pm | Tickets: children @ $19.08, adults @ $21.20 | fairyland.org/book-festival
Meet the Author: Susanna Kwan @ Oakland Public Library, Montclair Branch | Sept. 22
Author Susanna Kwan leads a discussion about her new novel, “Awake in the Floating City.” Kwan is an award-winning artist and writer based in San Francisco. Her debut novel tells the story of a city—San Francisco—devastated by climate change-related flooding and a young artist considering whether or not to flee and follow her family members to Vancouver. A caretaking relationship with a 130-year-old woman pins her with paralysis. Questions about identity, resilience, and endurance rise up. Kirkus calls Kwan’s writing “graceful.” The book is already winner of the Asian Pacific American Award for Literature in Asian American Adult Fiction and is in line as a finalist in numerous other awards. The event is supported by donations of the Friends of the Montclair Public Library. A book signing session will begin at 7 pm.
Sept. 22 @ 6 pm | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
Annie Barrows @ Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore | Sept. 28
Favorite local author Barrows shows up at the Elmwood bookstore with her latest book, “Ghost Guild: The Lost Three.” In the supernatural story, three young siblings—Genie, Fenella, and Tillotson Maconochie—are ghosts. There’s trouble at the Ghost Guild and without their handy copy of the Ghostology, the threesome lack clues about navigating the afterlife. They become trapped in the mansion of Serena Aster and are forced to do her bidding. There’s a young orphan who’s been adopted by Aster and is therefore caught in the swindler’s clutches. But the youngster sympathizes with the ghostly guests and supports their attempts to escape. Illustrated by Chloe Bristol, the fast-moving story is typical Barrows: entertaining, rewarding, reminiscent of much-loved books like Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and always clever with surprising twists and turns. Barrows is the author of the New York Times bestselling Ivy + Bean series and the adult bestselling novel “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” She invites you to visit her online at anniebarrows.com or on Instagram (@anniebarrowsauthor). She will sign copies of the new book following the presentation.
Sept. 28 @ 6:30 pm | Free | mrsdalloways.com