Literature and San Francisco go together like cups of coffee and morning pages.
The Bay Area is a book lover's paradise—and a far from fictional one, at that. Bestseller lists are rarely void of NorCal talent; suffice it to say that our literary events are, well...lit. From the much-celebrated Bay Area Book Festival to the bevy of author-attended release parties, June's a prideful month for our writerly community too. Ready your bookmarks: Here are a few of our favorite literary happenings this month.
"O Glorious City" Book Release and Signing at City Hall
An ode to all things affable in SF, Bay Area artist Jeremy Fish and Chronicle Books will be hosting a launch event to commemorate the centennial of San Francisco's City Hall on Tuesday, June 6th. The book's sub-title, you ask? "[...] A Love Letter to San Francisco." Need we say more? // sfartscomission.org
When: June 6th, pm; event is free to attend
Where: SF City Hall
Why: "I have always been rather better treated in San Francisco than I actually deserved."—Mark Twain
"A Good Country" Book Release at City Lights
A timely offering penned by renowned author Laleh Khadivi, A Good Country speaks to the disenchantments and fettered social contracts afforded to Muslim Americans in this day and age. It's a 300-plus-page meditation on post-9/11 popular culture and the religious radicalization that quickly followed suit. Join Khadivi in conversation with fellow novelist Micheline Aharonian Marcom for what's expected to be a vivacious discussion at City Lights Booksellers. // citylights.com
When: June 8th, 7pm; event is free to attend.
Where: 261 Columbus Avenue (North Beach)
Why: "We read to know we're not alone."―William Nicholson
Silent Book Club's Monthly Reading in San Jose
Wine, silence, and books? Introverts...assemble! Grab a book and veg out at The Hedley Club to read amongst other avid, contemplative readers. Enjoy a glass, start a new chapter. The night is yours for the taking. The event's BYOB (Bring Your Own Book), so feel free to take whatever's currently resting atop your nightstand. // silentbook.club
When: June 26th, 6-8pm; event is free to attend—but an RSVP is required.
Where: Hotel De Anza, 233 W. Santa Clara (San Jose)
Why: "Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them."―Lemony Snicket
Dirty Old Women Reading at Octopus Literary Salon in Oakland
Who ever said sultry page-turners were only for the young and wild? Come June 27th, self-knighted older women will be taking the open mic at Octopus Literary Salon, sharing their wisdom on sex, picked up throughout their well-lived years. What they want, what they've done, what makes them hot-'n'-heavy. Come by the salon around 7:30pm to celebrate the erotic writings by timeless women of all orientations. // oaklandoctopus.com
When: June 27th from 8pm to 9:30pm; event is free to attend
Where: 2101 Webster St (Oakland)
Why: "Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."―Mark Twain
