by Jessica Weems
Austin is on its A-game with some fantastic upcoming literary events. This week, there are awesome book clubs, readings, shows, and more to start the summer off right! And parents, don’t fret! There are tons of kid-friendly, fun-filled, activities to keep your already-bored-away-from-school tyke busy with you!
The Events
On Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m., Book People is hosting the release party for The Breakup Doctor by author Phoebe Fox at Langford Market. The event will kick off the summer season with a fashion show, mini-makeovers, a “Breakup Bar” featuring Tito’s custom cocktails, a reading, author Q&A and book signing, and fabulous giveaways!
On Saturday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m., Malvern Books will be hosting a B&C (Beer & Cookies) Book Club for some light, literary discussion. No cost to join in! Click here for their current & upcoming book picks.
Also on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m., Book People will present Middle Grade Mayhem! with local authors Jennifer Ziegler (Revenge of the Flower Girls), Varian Johnson (The Great Greene Heist), and Greg Leitich-Smith (Little Green Men at the Mercury Inn).
The Austin Review’s Issue 2 Lawn Party will also be on Saturday, Jun 14 at 7 p.m. at Co-Lab Projects. There will be food, drinks, lawn games, and readings from several Issue 2 authors (Ursula Villarreal-Moura and Vincent Scarpa). The after-party will be held at Bar 2211, starting at 10:30 p.m.
David Jewell And Brian Cutean will be at Hyde Park Theatre on Sunday, June 15 at 7 p.m. to perform Wordstring Ouroboros, a creative literary show full of music, spoken word, and special guests.
And on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m., Mystery People will present acclaimed author Jenny Milchman for a speaking and signing of her newest novel, Ruin Falls, a suspenseful story of a mother searching or her children.
Book People will host Tai Moses for a discussion on her latest book, Zooburbia, on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. Moses will speak about the importance of a connection to wildlife no matter where you live. Nature and animal lovers alike should make sure not to miss this awesome talk!
Book People will also present author Cristina Henriquez for a reading and signing of her newest novel, The Book of Unknown Americans, on Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m., Finnegans Wake Reading Group will be at Malvern Books to “to dive into the depths of James Joyce’s greatest, weirdest, and most notorious masterpiece.” Attendees will take turns reading aloud and event is free of charge. The book club will discuss 2-3 pages of the famously complex work.
Finally, the Writers’ League of Texas will be at Book People on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m., for Pitch Practice. This session is part of the Writers’ League’s yearlong series for authors and publishing professionals to share and enrich their writing practices. Pitch Practice will give authors a chance to polish their own three-minute “pitch” for their work.
Last Week’s Events
Barn owner Bethany Hegedus celebrated the release of her new picture book, Grandfather Gandhi, at Book People last Saturday. The event was an awesome success. Check out the recap here!
Links of the Week!
“How Reality Became the Hot New Thing in YA” by Sue Corbett
“Ashamed of reading YA? The fault lies not in our stars but in our stores” by Alexandra Petri
An interview with Jennifer Ziegler by Jessie Gearson
“Praising Creative Minds” by Julie Danielson
This writing prompt from The Writer