Craig A. Johnson: “How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism” @ Oakland Public Library (14th Street/Main Branch) | Feb. 12
Johnson is a researcher specializing in right-wing movements and teaches at the University of California, Berkeley. His recent book, “How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism,” is a highly readable, practical guide for parents and educators. Information and tips for preventing young children and especially boys from becoming swept up in radical, right-wing ideologies is not bent on political persuasion. Instead, Johnson’s book unfolds the history of the radical right, exploring methods and motivations parents can employ to be appealing and persuasive to young men and others. Strategies for intervening or even preventing young people from ever becoming involved in radical right groups are increasingly important during the digital age, when access to extremists is but a click away. Event organizers emphasize registration to receive updates and reminders.
Feb. 12 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
“The Stories We Tell” Exhibition Opening @ Creative Growth Art Center | Feb. 13
Seven artists whose stories are told in visual form explore their real and imagined experiences. Creative Growth’s studio and exhibition space at 355 24th St. in Oakland supports artists with developmental disabilities in developing their art practice through creating work — and sometimes also exhibiting what they make. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, multimedia installations and films by Creative Growth artists are held in the permanent collections of prominent museums and leading art collections around the world. The artists’ narratives range from their personal lives to global topics such as the climate crisis, to universal and timeless themes having to do with nature, animals, geology, the planets, and more. Varied in style from realistic to abstract expression, each work is remarkable and exerts new energy in the contemporary art field. This event is a terrific family-friendly way to broaden the idea of how stories are developed and told.
Feb. 13 | 6–8 p.m. | Free | creativegrowth.org
Caroline Paul and Courtney Martin: “Why We Fly” @ Clio’s Books | Feb. 24
Paul is the author of eight books of fiction and non-fiction and appears at Clio’s with her new book, “Why Fly: Seeking Awe, Healing, and Our True Selves in the Sky.” Centered in “Why Fly” is the gyrocopter, an unusual aircraft that became her fascination while her 15-year marriage crumbled. While delving into aeronautics, Paul navigated not only maneuvers relating to flight, but the twist, turns, and nose dives of romance, love, commitment, and other matters of the heart. In conversation with writer and podcaster Courtney Martin, the evening is suitable for all ages. While at the store, pick up Paul’s previous books, among them New York Times bestseller “The Gutsy Girl, Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure” and “Tough Broad: From Bird Watching to BASE Jumping, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age.” Light food and beverages are available for purchase at Clio’s (@ 353 Grand Ave., Oakland).
Feb. 24 | 7–9 p.m. | $7.18 | cliosbooks.com
Friends of Lafayette Library and Learning Center | Sweet Thursday Author Series with Charlotte Biltekoff | Feb. 19
Charlotte Biltekoff is a Professor of American Studies and Food Science & Technology at the University of California, Davis and was previously a chef at Greens, a vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco. Biltekoff’s recent book “Real Food, Real Facts” underlines the importance of science and scientific authority when making decisions about what we eat and how our food is made. More than just a “how to,” the book addresses how people come to accept or reject scientific authority relating to personal health and well-being. Her research encompasses, in her own words, “where ideas about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food come from and the cultural role they play, the political stakes of dietary discourse, and the politics of knowledge and expertise in the food system.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with coffee and treats served before the program begins at 7 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. The Friends’ Sweet Thursdays are popular, so early registration is highly encouraged. Registration ends on Feb. 18.
Feb. 19 | 6:30–8 p.m. | Free | lllcf.org