Enjoy the spring weather with a glass of rosé and a good book outdoors.
Known for his extensive list of critically-acclaimed memoirs, including bestseller Running with Scissors, American writer Augusten Burroughs is bringing his literary genius to the Bay Area. His latest memoir, Lust & Wonder chronicles his past relationships and love experiences in New York. Burroughs examines the difference between love and lust, and shares personal tales of his experiences with both. In celebration of the memoir's debut, Burroughs is visiting the Castro's Books Inc. to discuss his latest memoir and sign copies for lucky patrons. Tickets come with a personal copy of Lust & Wonder and each purchase benefits a charity of your choosing through Brown Paper Tickets. // $26, Wednesday April 6, 7pm. Books Inc, 2275 Market St. (Castro), bookinc.net
In 1972, ten San Francisco-based female cartoon artists came together to create Wimmens Comix, the first all-women comic anthology. In its twenty-one year legacy, this iconic work has tackled topics ranging from abortion and feminism to witchcraft and more. While most copies have been out of print for years, bookworms and illustration junkies of all kinds will be able to stop by Green Apple Books and pick up their very own hardcover copy (for $100, that is). In addition, artists Trina Robbins, Sharon Rudahl, Lee Marrs, Caryn Leschen, and Kay Rudin will be visiting Green Apple's Sunset location to discuss the anthology and answer questions for visitors. // Tuesday, April 12, 7:30pm. Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Ave. (Sunset), greenapplebooks.com
Litquake National Poetry Month
In honor of National Poetry Month, literary giant Litquake is holding a special night of cuisine, libations, and phenomenal poetry readings. Curated by Guggenheim Fellow D.A. Powell, patrons will be able to enjoy a three-course prix fixe meal with complimentary wine courtesy of new San Francisco Italian restaurant Gardenias. Also on the menu are readings and performances by emerging poets Kimberly Grey (The Opposite of Light) and Solmaz Sharif (LOOK). Join Litquake for this special night and embrace both your inner foodie and bookworm; it's the best of both worlds. Grab your tickets here. // $75-$125, Thursday, April 21, 6pm. Gardenias, 1693 Sutter St. (Lower Pac Heights), litquake.org
Write of Way Literary Festival
Spring means festival season is upon us, and The San Francisco Art Institute is holding their own funky festival this month. The first annual “Write of Way Literary Festival" is a day-long celebration of the Bay Area's best independent literary organizations, featuring readings and a special bazaar for Bay Area bookworms. Visitors will be able to peruse works from over 25 organizations including 826 Valencia, Untitled Magazine, Red Light Lit, Queer Rebels, SF Writers Grotto, and more. This event is free and open to the public—a way better deal than Coachella. // Saturday, April 23, 2-10pm. The San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut St. (Russian Hill); facebook.com
Sure it's easy to pop into Barnes and Noble and snag one of mass-produced bestsellers off the shelves, but why not get lost in your neighborhood literary hangout, instead? In order to show our appreciation for local independent book stores, Bay Area bookstores Pegasus Books and Diesel will be participating in Independent Bookstore Day—a celebration of live readings, music, tasty treats, fun prizes, and special merchandise. This event is free and the party doesn't stop 'til late. Who said bookworms can't party? // Saturday, April 30, 9am-10:45pm, Multiple Locations (Berkeley & Oakland), indiebookstoreday.com
