Natalie Baszile: Friends and Family @ Rakestraw Books | Nov. 4
A not-to-miss appearance by writer and filmmaker Baszile at Rakestraw Books in Danville begins the month with a splash. Joined in conversation by writer Julie Lythcott-Haims, they will discuss Baszile’s new novel, Friends and Family. Centered on the friendship of Babs and Nora, the story set in the Bay Area has charismatic characters, intense drama, and rich themes concerning race, identity, privilege, discrimination, parenting, and of course, friends and family. Baszile’s first novel, Queen Sugar, was adapted for seven television seasons by writer/director Ava DuVernay, and co-produced by Oprah Winfrey. Her book, We Are Each Other’s Harvest, combined essays, poems, photographs, quotes, conversations, and first-person account to tell the story of Black farmers in America. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Bitter Southerner, O, The Oprah Magazine, and numerous anthologies. The event is free, but reservations are encouraged.
Nov. 4 @ 7 pm | Free | rakestrawbooks.com
W. Kamau Bell and Adam Mansbach @ Oakland Public Library | Nov. 7
Spend two hours with one of the Bay Area’s most rambunctious duo literary teams. Bell and Mansbach powered up their imaginations to create their new picture book, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Cheese! Lively illustrations by Breanna Chambers dance across every spread as a family jazzes up the classic no-tech game. Underneath the silliness, there is respect for healthy boundary testing, for kids having dreams and surprising perspectives to celebrate. The award-winning writers will discuss their collaboration and reading in family settings. Marcus Books hosts the after-talk book signing, making it a tribute to the many literary gifts found in Oakland.
Nov. 7 from 10:30am–12:30 pm | Free | Main Library branch | oaklandlibrary.org
Joyce Maynard: In Wonderland @ Lafayette Library | Nov. 10
Orinda Books partners up with the Lafayette Library to host best-selling writer and local resident Maynard. Her storied career incudes authoring 17 books, among them the novel To Die For and the best-selling memoir, At Home in the World. With books adapted to films, appearances with NPR, workshops she leads near and far, Maynard is a marvelous, spontaneous storyteller. Her latest book travels a favorite Maynard track: a protagonist realizes a dream land is not so dreamy after all as romance and real danger collide. A collection of Maynard’s books courtesy of Orinda Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Nov. 10 @ 7 pm | $20 | llcf.org
Mrs. Dalloway’s 18th Annual School Benefit Fundraiser @ Mrs. Dalloway’s | Nov 13-16
This annual event benefits partnering schools with 15 percent of the pre-tax price of any purchase at the Elmwood bookstore. Adding to the ease of registering any school not already listed on the shop’s website, the fundraiser applies to both online and in-person purchases. Which leads to the question: Why shop from home when Dalloway’s is a warm home-away-from home? With its knowledgable, personable staff, a smorgasbord of local or unique gift items relating to gardening, homeware, and literature for all ages, a visit is best. Get a jump start on holiday gift book buying and raise support for the family’s favorite school in the process. Schools must be listed by the start of the four-day offer, so don’t hesitate to register now.
Nov. 13-16 | store hours | Free | mrsdalloways.com
Libro.fm @ local independent bookstores | Now and ongoing
Did you know? Audio books aficionados should tune into this nationwide program that gives 10 percent of membership payments and 15 percent of all à la carte audiobook sales to independent bookstores. Customers’ digital editions can be played on a phone, laptop, or tablet. Unlike audiobooks acquired through a competing (big name) online retailer, customers own their books forever. If an account is ended, they keep the books previously purchased. Membership is currently $14.99 USD each month and incudes one audiobook credit and 30 percent off individual audiobook purchases. Choosing or adding a favorite bookstore to support involves only a simple, on-time online process. Most participating shops in the Bay Area offer free apps for listening, or members my select options to use the Libro.fm web player or downloaded, DRM-free audiobook file. A quick scan of the libro.fm website shows participating stores include Walden Books, Marcus Books, Mrs. Dalloway’s, Diesel, Pegasus Books, Rakestraw Books, East Bay Bookseller, Moe’s Books, and more.
Ongoing | For more information and to join, visit libro.fm