Holiday gift ideas for your favorite bookworm, boozy bookswaps, and more literary events to attend this month.
Bookswap with Sloane Crosley at The Booksmith
Witty essayist Sloane Crosely has received wide acclaim for her collection of hilarious essays I was Told There Would be Cake and How Did you Get this Number? Now, Crosley is coming to San Francisco to celebrate her debut novel The Clasp, a “second coming of age” story focusing on a group of friends in their thirties. The reading and signing are free and open to the public. For $30 visitors can join Sloane at the after-party, featuring an open bar, dinner, and copy of The Clasp. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance. // Sunday, Nov. 6th; The Booksmith (1644 Haight St.); booksmith.com/bookswap
Beat Poet and Filmmaker Ruth Weiss at Mythos
A prominent figure in the 1950s and 60s Beat scene, Ruth Weiss will read her personal poetry (with musical accompaniment by well-known Motown musician Hal Davis) this month in Berkeley. As part of the reading, Weiss will also screen three of her short films: Ruth Weiss Meets Her Prometheus, Vienna Class, and Las Cuevas de Albion as well as her classic 1960’s film The Brink. Tickets are $20 ( no one will be turned away) and refreshments will be served. // Monday, Nov. 7th; Mythos Fine Arts & Artifacts (1790 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley); mythosfirehouse.com
University of San Francisco's MFA Reading Series with Adam Johnson
Stanford English professor and San Francisco resident Adam Johnson will be a guest reader for The University of San Francisco’s Master of Fine Art reading series. As a well known fiction writer, Johnson’s work has been featured in GQ, Esquire, Tin House, and more. On top of his 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Orphan Master’s Son, he has also received the Whiting Award and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation. He will be taking the stage at USF to read from and talk about his work. Admission is free and open to the public. // Thursday, Nov. 10th; University of San Francisco's McLaren Complex (2130 Fulton St.) usfca.edu/mfareadingseries
100th Year Anniversary Tribute to Joe Hill at Octopus Literary Saloon
In celebration of the 100th year anniversary of Wobblies labor organizer and songwriter Joe Hill’s death, The Octopus Literary Saloon is hosting a night to pay tribute to the late industrial worker and musician. This homage will feature a night of songs, an open mic, and poetry readings from Bay Area musicians. The lineup includes: Barbara Dane, Eleanor Waden, Elliot Kenin and David Welsh, who are on schedule to perform some of Hill’s most well-known songs as well as readings by and about him. // Saturday, Nov. 19th; The Octopus Literary Saloon (2101 Webster St.); oaklandoctopus.org/joehill
Litquake Fundraiser + Bookworm Gift Ideas at Book Passage
To prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Litquake is partnering with Elaine Petrocelli, owner of literary event mecca Book Passage, to give some much needed gift advice for your picky bookworm. Petrocelli will highlight the best books of the year as well as help you pick the perfect novel for every person in your life. Genres are not limited: a selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and even cookbook’s will be up for discussion. Tickets are $20 and include wine and savory treats. // Wednesday, Nov. 30th 6:30-8:30pm; Book Passage ( Ferry Bldg #42) litquake.org/bookpassage
