Learning: Three events at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts | January 11, 14, 21
The stalwart bookshop digs into the new year with a terrific selection of in-person appearances. Among them, a “Learn To Prune Like The Professionals” workshop with professional pruner and teacher Joseph Ganglione (The Art of Pruning: How To Look At a Tree) and local fruit specialist Ann Ralph, whose “Grow a Little Fruit Tree: Simple Techniques for Small Space Easy Harvest Trees” is a much-favored book.
A few days later, Oakland-based Elizabeth Husserl, a registered investment advisor representative, financial advisor, and cofounder of Peak360 Wealth Management, arrives with her new book, “The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money.” Learn the best tools for escaping the accumulation mindset and discover what brings lasting joy and purpose in life.
Award-winning film director, screenwriter, actor, and novelist John Sayles comes to the store with “To Save The Man.” His latest novel is based on true history and explores the lives and cultural losses of young Native American children at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. They suffer demoralizing instruction to “learn to be white” and will feel for generations the scorn of a country’s racism.
January 11 (Learn to Prune), 14 (Power of Enough), 21 (To Save the Man); all at 7 p.m. | Free, registration required@ mrsdalloways.com
Books about family: Two events at A Great Good Place for Books | January 14 + 23
After taking a hiatus from in-person author appearances at the cozy bookshop in the heart of Montclair Village, two events thematically connected to family stories prevail. On Jan. 14, Brooklyn-based author and journalist Gayle Forman presents her new novel, “After Life.” Forman is joined by local authors Nina LaCour, Jandy Nelson, and Maggie Tokuda-Hall in a discussion about life, death, love and family relationships after a tragedy occurs.
On January 23, Jennifer Griffith introduces and reads from her new memoir, “Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment.” The book tells stories drawn from her life and that of her mother, who together share an intimate, fraught history with issues such as unwed mothers and adoption in pre-Roe America, family secrets, the search for healing, and more.
January 14 and 23, both at 7 p.m. | Free | ggpbooks.com
Variety Reigns: Events at Oakland Public Library branches | January
In addition to the main library in Oakland opening after renovations closed it for months, local branches offer multiple opportunities beyond books and reading. At the Piedmont Avenue branch, Jens Paltiel leads a “Mark Making and Meditation” class suitable for all skill levels and open to people age 13-adult. All materials are provided and the emphasis is on individual self-discovery in a community setting. In Montclair, Master Instructor Terri Giamartino, a 7th degree black belt, conducts a free safety and self defense class with special strategies for older adults or people with moving impairments. The Rockridge branch hosts kid-friendly art and craft workshops, visits from East Bay Regional Park District naturalists, and California Writers Club continues 25 years of gatherings on Saturdays with an invitation to writers of all abilities. Visit the website for more events at these and other locations.
January, various dates and times | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Marcus Books and Paramount Theatre | Jan. 18
Combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, literature and music, beginning with a stop at Marcus Books. The oldest independent Black-owned bookstore in the country named after author Marcus Garvey and opened in 1960 showcases books by and about Black history, people, and culture. Pick up the latest bestseller or a book by iconic Black authors such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosley, Angela Davis, Terry McMillan, and others.
Then head over to the Paramount Theatre to participate in the annual “In the Name of Love” tribute to the great civil rights leader. This year’s performance presented by Living Jazz highlights the music of Aretha Franklin. Led by music director Kev Choice, featured musicians include Dee Dee Simon, Chika Di, SōLauren, Destiny Muhammad, Terrence Brewer. Howard Wiley’s Band, Awesöme Orchestra Collective, SFJAZZ High School All-Stars & Alumni, Oaktown Jazz Workshops, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Ensemble, and the 200 member Living Jazz Children’s Project Choir led by Bryan Dyer, among others. The 2025 Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award will be presented to Andrew Park, Executive Director of Trybe.
Jan. 18: Marcus Book store hours HERE (free) | Paramount Theatre from 7-10:30 p.m. (tickets: $19-119+ @ livingjazz.org)
Onyx Storm book release party: Books Inc. Alameda | Jan. 20-21
Dragonriders have held their breath while awaiting New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros’ new book. Onyx Storm is the follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame; the third book in the projected five-book romance/fantasy series. The party at the Alameda store incudes threshing, trivia, giveaways, and other activities and surprises drawing on themes of the book. Already high on the literary lists across the country, the anticipation is enormous. Pre-orders are available—the book releases at 12:01 a.m. on January 21—but the party is open to all. Romantasy reading is a marvelous launch into the new year. Yarrows’ narrative promises a powerful female protagonist, dramatic battles, magic, storms, and a young warrior’s dangerous journey to protect her family, home, and dragons.
Jan 20-21 @ 10 p.m.-12 a.m. | Free | booksinc.net