Author and Drink Specialist Jennifer Newens @ Mrs Dalloway’s Books | June 11
Newen’s latest book, “Wednesday Night Wine-Down: 52 Drinks for Low-Alcohol Midweek Sipping,” serves up the perfect springboard for midweek libation. With 52 recipes featuring low-alcohol, wine-based refreshment, mindful drinkers can celebrate festive occasions — or simply bridge Wednesdays — with less guilt or worry about health. Her previous outing, “Monday Night Mocktails,” proved reliable in offering alcohol-free options for sober curious folks.
Newens is an Oakland-based cookbook editor, cooking teacher, and literary agent with culinary training from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. She is also an artist when it comes to presentation; her books consistently arrive with stunning photographs. People seeking flair for the aesthetics and great tastes of mid-week drinking are sure to find satisfaction. Bonus: sample treats are on the menu for this event.
June 11 @ 7 p.m. | Free | mrsdalloways.com
Author Jon Agee (new book and pizza!) @ A Great Good Place for Books | June 11
The award-winning author/illustrator knows how to throw a party. His new book, “George & Lenny Are Always Together,” arrives with free pizza at the cosy bookshop in Montclair Village. In the charming book’s story, a rabbit and bear are inseparable best friends until one of them decides alone time might be worth testing. The conflict tosses chaos onto the mix — kind of like pineapple on pizza, for some folks. Will taking a risk and asserting a need for space permanently disrupt their friendship? Agee’s other books (“It’s Only Stanley”, “Little Santa”, “Terrific”, “Milo’s Hat Trick”, and “The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau”, and more) present winsome artwork and warmhearted messages of empowerment that land lightly. Join the wonderful staff, dig into a slice of pie, and bring the kiddos for dinner and a chat with a children’s book dynamo.
June 11 @ 6:30 p.m. | Free | ggpb.com
Ken Widner and Mike Lynch sign “The Last Escape” @ Alcatraz Island | June 12-14
Widner and Lynch will return to the Rock for this three-day book signing and unlock the stories behind their bestselling book, “Alcatraz: The Last Escape.” Widner is the nephew of escapees John and Clarence Anglin. Along with co-author Lynch, check in early in the day to hear about new insights, artifacts, and startling realizations about the 1962 prison break. The escapees’ connection to mob boss Mickey Cohen, a covert flight to Mexico by pilot Fred Brizzi, and rare photographs combine to tell a long-buried story. Mystery and history break their locks and reveal the truth that rewrite the narrative of what really happened post-escape. Tickets to the island vary and are available through Alcatraz City Cruises.
June 12-14, 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets required for travel/entry to Alcatraz, but signing is free | Tickets to the island available through Alcatraz City Cruises HERE
Authors Nana Brew-Hammond and Carol Jameson @ Book Society | June 18
Book Society hosts local authors Brew-Hammond and Jameson in a conversation about their respective works of fiction,” My Parents’ Marriage” and “Adam and Leonora.” Collectively, the books touch on marriage, family, identity, traditional Ghanian culture, romance, and journey to worldwide locations to highlight important moments and events. family, community, class and self-identity. Relationships anchor the narratives from four-time author Brew-Hammond and Jameson, an educator, swimmer and pianist with an MFA in creative writing and literature from Mills College. Tickets include an exclusive opportunity to shop from Brew-Hammond ’s fashion line and enjoy Exit 14 Wine (or a non-alcoholic beverage) and lite bites during and after the discussion.
June 18 from 6-8 p.m. | $30-40 | booksociety.social/event-details/tangled-threads-family-romance-self-in-fiction-fashion-pop-up
Lift Gifts perfect for Teachers, Grads, Families and more | June 2025
A favorite last item on the annual June Local Lit is at least one specific book that suits almost any recipient, along with a find-it-all repository packed with potential—and playfulness—for summer travel and vacations.
Sarah Ruhl is an acclaimed playwright and author, a MacArthur genus, and a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. Her new book, “Lessons from My Teachers” offer Ruhl’s signature humor and wisdom in a swift package with short essays on things she has learned from classroom teachers, family, cranky neighbors, nature, headless gerbils, bleeding—yes, all true—and many others. Save the bother of multiple orders and shipping by picking up a dozen copies from a local independent bookstore. The perfect book for anyone age 8 and above.
For the one-stop-local-shop with items for all ages and interests, head to Chronicle Books. The always-reliable Bay Area publisher this year offers new and favorite travel-themed books, journals, games, puzzles, craft projects, cards, guides, and more. Too many to list, but not too many to pack in the suitcase or enjoy on land, sea, or in the air during the journey.
Purchase in your favorite bookstore, or order online HERE or HERE