I cheated. I know I made a resolution to attend at least one book event this week and although I did, I still feel like I cheated. I actually attended two but one was on accident and the other was a late addition to the blog. What can I say? It was a tough week, I was busy. On the evening of the event I really wanted to go to I ended up meeting with a professor at UC Berkeley, that’s a legitimate excuse. One of the events I did, sort of attend I stumbled upon on accident. Believe it or not I went on a date and was a little early. So, I decided to stop in at the Booksmith where Marilyn Chin author of Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen was speaking. My timing was good. This is where the whole “I cheated” thing comes into play though, I didn’t really stick around. In fact I was really only there for 5 minutes, so, it doesn’t really count. But, I did redeem myself later in the week by attending another event which I will be reviewing and most likely posting on this coming Wednesday! Ok, now for this weeks goodies…
Monday, September 28th
@ 730pm
- Like last weeks event at Skylight books in Los Angeles, The Booksmith is hosting their own Infinite Summer Reading Group party. You know the party for people who have had an entire summer to read a single book, Infinite Jest. By David Foster Wallace. Ok, that’s a bit harsh, not everyone reads religiously. If you’ve read it and want to converse about the book you should hit this up and see what other people have to say, you know, compare notes. If I had read it, I’d be there. I thought about going regardless but realized that it would most likely damage my own interpretation of the book when I do read it.
Tuesday, September 29th
@ 730pm
- Sam Barry, author of How to Play the Harmonica and Other Life Lessons will be at The Booksmith (they have a lot of events). I’m not really sure what this book is all about, it appears to be about life, having fun and being yourself, something each of us need to be reminded of every now and then. I think I’ve picked this event out cause I’ve seen this book quite a few times and have always wondered exactly what it’s about. Clearly I haven’t quite figured it out and maybe if I were to go and see Mr. Barry, I could be enlightened.
Tuesday, September 29th
@ 8pm
- This is one of those times when I tell you about an event that is not exactly book related but still should be attended. As part of the City Arts & Lectures, David Byrne (yes the musician) will be hosting an event titled “Bike Advocacy and the Urban Environment” at the Herbst Theater. Before you get excited I feel the need to tell you that the event is already sold out, maybe you could get a pair of tickets on craigslist though. Byrne is a passionate cyclist and advocate. Byrne has actually written a new book titled Bicycle Diaries that chronicles his cycling through city streets all over the world. The main scope of the event, I think, is that of advocacy, urban planning, civic responsibility and how great it is to see the world from the saddle of a bicycle.
Friday, October 2nd
@ 7-9pm
- Alison Bartlett, author of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession which I spoke about in my post for the week of 9/14 will be at Cover to Cover in Noe Valley, a bookstore I never knew existed but may very well visit on Friday. Want to join me?
- Saturday, October 3rd
@ 3pm
- Deborah Beale and Tad Williams, co-authors of The Dragons of Ordinary Farm will be at Borderlands Books. Yes, another bookstore I’ve never referenced but will most likely review in the near future. They feature or specialize in fantasy, science fiction and horror books, something I know very little about. Anyhow The Dragons of Ordinary Farm caught my eye and here I am suggestion you go and meet the authors. The book is a story about two characters (who may or may not be siblings) learn that their great uncle is raising dragons, unicorns and other mystical creatures on his farm. I bet you’re wondering if there is something about your great-uncle you don’t know about now, right?
- Saturday, October 3rd
@ 3pm
- Ralph Nader, author/public advocate/presidential candidate will speak about his new book Only the Super Rich Can Save Us! at Modern Times Bookstore. Mr. Nader’s latest book examines the stories of 17 billionaires that are helping the world by addressing some of our most pressing issues. Surprisingly, these 17 have actual done some pretty amazing things. Confession time: If this book had been written by anyone but Ralph Nader, I don’t know that it would have made my events list. Can you blame me? Who wouldn’t want to hear Mr. Nader speak whether your for or against him.
