Lewis Buzbee: “Diver” | A Great Good Place for Books | March 6
The award-decorated San Francisco Buzbee performs a star turn by launching his new book, “Diver.” Set in California in the 1960s, the novel tells the story of a dynamic father-son relationship. Told from the son’s perspective after the abrupt, unexpected death of his father, a military “hero,” the boy grows into manhood while grappling with memories, loss, grief, love, and understanding, The appearance in Montclair Village’s venerated indie bookshop is not Buzbee’s only public event. If this item springs to the forefront too early, look for opportunities later in the month and beyond. Buzbee is a former bookseller and the author of books for youths and adults, among them, “The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop.” Anticipate a well-attended gathering and lively conversation.
March 8 @ 7 p.m. | Free | ggpbooks.com
Producer Daveed Diggs and Filmmakers Jaye and Adam Fenderson: “The Class” | Grand Lake Theater | March 16
Technically, this is a premier screening previewing KQED’s new documentary series, “The Class.” The event begins at 11 a.m. with excerpts of the series, then rapidly shifts from live journalism writ large to an Q&A with Diggs, the filmmakers, and several of the students who are subjects of the films. Seniors from Deer Valley High School in Antioch display their courage and resilience during the pandemic. A heroic college advisor, “Mr. Cam” works to maintain their passionate pursuit of higher education as they prepare for graduation. Diggs (Blindspotting, Snowpiercer, Hamilton), Executive Producer Nicole Hurd (President, Lafayette College), and the Fenderson filmmaking team (First Generation, Unlikely) have created a six-part series chronicling the 2020-2021 school year, but the inspiring dreams of young folks and their growing wisdom offer lessons for a lifetime.
March 16 @ 11:00 a.m. | Grand Lake Theater | $10 | kqed.org
To screen at home, “The Class” airs on KQED TV channels as follows:
- Fridays at 8pm on KQED 9 starting 3/21
- Saturdays at 6pm on KQED 9 starting 3/22
- Mondays at 9pm on KQED 9 starting 3/24
- Sundays at 8pm on KQED Plus starting 3/23
Alexis Madrigal | “The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City” | BLOC 15 | March 27
The Oakland journalist and co-host of KQED’s “Forum” releases his new book, “The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City.” Detailing the social and political history of Oakland that Madrigal claims “has transformed urban America,” the event center is a perfect venue. He has conducted countless conversations with a broad range of people in Oakland who speak to how technology, globalism, and other forces have crafted the city’s soul and shaped its future. The event includes an installation, drinks, and a dance party featuring sets from to-be-announced local DJs.
March 27 from 7-9 p.m. | $24.38 | kqed.org or events.com/r/en_US/event/globalization-and-the-soul-of-oakland
Kate DiCamillo: “Ferris” and “Because of Winn-Dixie” | Book Passage | March 31
This ticketed event at the bookstore’s Corte Madera location is a marvelous opportunity to hear from the award-winning author. Her “Tale of Despereaux” and “Flora & Ulysses” each received a Newbery Medal. Celebrate the paperback issue of the book about Ferris Wilkey, his family’s, and how he is kept hopping during a wild summer filled with ghosts, his wanna-be-an-outlaw younger sister, a raccoon invasion, and more. The event also marks the 20th anniversary of DiCamillo’s first novel about a beloved, scruffy dog named Winn-Dixie. The book was made a major motion picture; the signature anniversary edition features a redesigned cover, an introduction by the highly lauded author Ann Patchett, and an afterword by DiCamillo.
March 31 @ 6 p.m. | $10-$32 (includes one or both books) | bookpassage.com
Women’s History Month: Events celebrating women | All of March | Around the Bay
This month, choose to pay tribute to the unique contributions of women in literature. While this action might happen year round, there’s a special poignancy and urgency to a deliberate focus during the 31 days specifically devoted to women in history—and today. A few notable suggestions: Amy Tan’s Backyard Birds Exhibition highlighting “The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” is a series of drawings by Tan related to her bestselling book of the same name; WomenSing: Songweavers, Women’s Bond and Resilience in the Voice of Celtic Traditions, the performance honors women on the international day by focusing on the heritage of Celtic music and includes storytelling. The program presents the Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers, pianist Shauna Pickett-Gordon, percussionist Peter Maund, storyteller Dana Sherry and the WomenSing vocal ensemble. Amy Schneider: “Who is Amy Schneider?” The history-making Jeopardy contestant is joined by Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo to toss trivia and delve into life as a lifelong learner, the issues related to transgender representation, how she spent—or saved—the $1.4 million in winnings from her new book, and other topics. Might be the perfect forum for asking those women in history stumpers and find out how well Schneider volleys.
- Amy Tan: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Through Friday, June 27 | The Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley (510-642-3781) | www.lib.berkeley.edu
- WomenSing: Sunday, March 16 @ 4 p.m. | $15-$40 | St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 Saint Stephens Drive, Orinda (925-297-5289) | www.womensing.org
- Amy Schneider: Wednesday, March 12 @ 6 p.m. | $8.24-$30.90 | Manny’s, 3092 16th St., S.F. (415-896-4052) | www.welcometomannys.com