Author Talks

9th Ave: Bonnie Tsui with Caroline Paul

Join us on Tuesday, April 22 at 7pm when we welcome Bonnie Tsui for the release of her latest book, "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters," with Caroline Paul at 9th Ave! The event is free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and masks are encouraged for in-person attendance. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will be available to watch live on YouTube. Bonnie Tsui, a longtime contributor to The New York Times, brings her signature blend of science, culture, and personal narrative as she explores the significant role of muscle in our lives. Caroline Paul, author of several bestselling books, will join her in this engaging conversation.

Green Apple Books
Tues, Apr 22 β€’ 7:00 PM

Personal Essay: Stepping Stone to Memoir

In this introductory lecture and discussion, Jane Ganahl will talk about personal essay and memoir, how they’re related, and how personal essay can be a valuable building block toward a longer memoir. On a basic level, essays offer the writer a chance to hone their writing skills and writer’s voice. And writing essays can also challenge the author to focus on a theme that might be used for a longer work, dig deep into it, and explore the perspective and life lessons critical to a good memoir. With memoirs-in-essays enjoying a wave of popularity in recent years, writing essays can lead to fantastic new projects. Jane Ganahl is a writer, teacher, and co-founder of the Litquake festival.

Kepler's Books
Wed, Apr 23 β€’ 1:00 PM

OFFSITE EVENT! Roy Choi β€’ The Choi of Cooking

Join us for an exclusive offsite event featuring Roy Choi, renowned chef and author of 'The Choi of Cooking'. This fully booked event at Zuni Cafe will showcase 7-8 dishes inspired by Roy’s latest cookbook, paired with some of Zuni's signature offerings. Food lovers will enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the flavors and techniques from the cookbook, complete with a chance to meet Roy Choi and have your book signed. The event highlights a culinary philosophy centered on balance, featuring vibrant, nutritious recipes that make vegetables the star while providing comforting, delicious options. Don't miss this interactive encounter marked by incredible cuisine and engaging conversations.

Omnivore Books
Wed, Apr 23 β€’ 5:30 PM

Andrew North

"Anyone who wants to learn about Afghanistan, its people and its turbulent history must read War & Peace & War" - Zarghuna Kargar, author of Dear Zari: The Secret Lives of Women in Afghanistan. War & Peace & War begins with Andrew North's account of being abducted by the Taliban in 2022. By then, he had been covering Afghanistan for 20 years and his book brings together his own reporting with the experiences of five Afghans from different walks of life to tell the story of the country's long wars with foreign powers and the return of the Taliban. Andrew North is an award-winning journalist and former BBC Afghanistan correspondent. He now contributes to a wide range of media outlets and also sketches; War & Peace & War is illustrated with his own drawings.

Kepler's Books
Thurs, Apr 24 β€’ 6:00 PM

The Memoir Writer's Workout with Melissa Cistaro

Join bestselling memoirist Melissa Cistaro for 'The Memoir Writer's Workout' on April 27, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM Pacific Time. This unique online workshop is designed for aspiring writers who want to focus on creativity and storytelling. Participants will spend two hours in a supportive environment, exploring new story ideas and crafting six new story starts. Cistaro, author of the award-winning memoir 'Pieces of My Mother', will guide writers through exercises that stimulate creativity and enhance their writing practice. The workshop is ideal for anyone looking to invigorate their writing journey and make progress on their memoir or creative writing projects. Online registration is required, and participants should bring either a notebook or a laptop.

Book Passage
Sun, Apr 27 β€’ 4:00 PM

Anne Soon Choi: LA's Coroner to the Stars, Dr. Thomas Noguchi

Join author Anne Soon Choi as she reveals the life of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, infamous as the 'coroner to the stars' who performed autopsies on Robert F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Natalie Wood. This enlightening event delves into Noguchi's controversial press conferences and his involvement in the complicated racial politics of the 1960s and 70s Hollywood. Choi, who authored 'L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood,' provides unique insights into Noguchi's most significant cases set against the vibrant backdrop of celebrity culture. Her conversation includes moderator Helen Zia, a noted journalist and author. Don't miss the chance to uncover untold stories behind iconic figures in Hollywood history.

Commonwealth Club
Mon, Apr 28 β€’ 6:00 PM

Joaninha β€’ Recipes For A Good Life

Join us for an engaging author talk featuring Joaninha and her book, 'Vegetarian Recipes For A Good Life.' This event will take place on Monday, April 28 at 6:30 PM at Omnivore Books on Food. The event is free to attend and will offer first come, first served seating. Joaninha's book combines decades of culinary expertise and holistic health philosophies with a variety of vegetarian recipes aimed at improving health and happiness. With a degree in Home Economics and experience living around the globe, she brings unique insights and practical tips to encourage a joyful relationship with food. Attendees can pre-order the book for pick-up at the event or purchase copies on-site.

Omnivore Books
Mon, Apr 28 β€’ 6:30 PM

Susannah Cahalan with Meg Josephson, LCSW - The Acid Queen (Corte Madera Store)

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of Susannah Cahalan's new book, The Acid Queen! Joined in conversation with Meg Josephson, LCSW, the event will explore the untold story of Rosemary Woodruff Leary, who played a critical role in the counterculture movement. Cahalan delves deep into the life of Leary and her family dynamics with Timothy Leary, revealing her as more than an accessory but as an influential figure in psychedelic history. This insightful conversation will address the challenges and triumphs of Leary's life and her contributions to the counterculture. The event is free to attend and will take place in-person at Book Passage's Corte Madera Store on April 30th, 2025.

Book Passage
Wed, Apr 30 β€’ 6:00 PM

Curator’s Choice Lecture | McSweeney’s 78: The Make Believers

Join us as Natasha Reichle, Associate Curator of Southeast Asian Art, leads a special curator’s choice discussion with McSweeney’s 78: The Make Believers co-guest editor Vu Tran and contributing author Doan Bui. Following this program, enjoy refreshments and a walking tour from the museum to Myrtle Alley in Little Saigon, where the Tenderloin Museum will host an evening program as part of First Thursdays Art Walk. This event presents a unique anthology exploring the Vietnamese diaspora, combining highbrow and lowbrow narratives. Published on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, contributors share their collective experiences through a mix of perspectives and languages.

Asian Art Museum
Thurs, May 1 β€’ 3:45 PM

DANIEL MENDELSOHN – THE ODYSSEY

America’s greatest living classicist brings new life to the ancient epic with his landmark new translation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Celebrated translator, critic and classicist Daniel Mendelsohn, widely known for essays bringing the intricacies of classical literature and culture to modern readers in The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books, will discuss his new translation, which captures the music of Homer’s original in all its grandeur. Joining him in this conversation is Robert Alter, emeritus professor of Hebrew and comparative literature at UC Berkeley, known for his translations of the Hebrew Bible. This event promises a deep dive into why The Odyssey continues to captivate audiences thousands of years after it was written. All seating is first come, first served.

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Tues, May 6 β€’ 7:00 PM

Gala for the Gardens

Join us on Saturday, May 10 for Gala for the Gardens, a benefit for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park celebrating nature, community, and the wonders of our planet. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the San Francisco Botanical Garden’s Celebration Garden, the Gala is an occasion to bring together friends old and new. Get ready to don your garden finery, toast with a signature floral cocktail, and peruse rare and exotic plants during the silent auction reception. Then sit down for an alfresco lunch and live auction in the company of fellow garden enthusiasts. We are thrilled to have as our special guest speaker Ferris Jabr, an award-winning science writer. Gala for the Gardens is the Gardens’ only fundraising event of the year.

San Francisco Botanical Garden
Sat, May 10 β€’ 11:00 AM

Pat Thomas / Evergreen Review: Dispatches from the Literary Underground: Covers & Essays 1957-1973

Join us for an engaging discussion with Pat Thomas about his new book, 'Evergreen Review: Dispatches from the Literary Underground: Covers & Essays 1957-1973'. This event celebrates the publication of an awe-inspiring compilation that reflects the radical art, essays, and photography from the groundbreaking magazine of the Beat Generation. The discussion will delve into the contributions of notable figures like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs and explores the magazine's historical impact on outsider literature. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a vibrant exploration of a cornerstone of countercultural history, which will include full-color reprints of all issues from 1957 to 1973 and insights from the author himself.

City Lights Bookstore
Tues, May 13 β€’ 7:00 PM

Jemimah Wei

Stegner Fellow Jemimah Wei joins us with her dazzling debut novel that explores the formation and dissolution of family bonds in a story of ambition and sisterhood in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore. Before Arin, Genevieve Yang was an only child, but when Arin appears, the shameful legacy of a grandfather long believed to be dead, everything changes. The sisters navigate the intensity of life, driven by their parents’ high expectations, ultimately forcing Genevieve to weigh ambition against familial love. The Original Daughter is a major literary debut, rich with emotional clarity and social insight. Jemimah Wei, currently a Stegner Fellow at Stanford, has received numerous accolades for her writing and creative contributions.

Kepler's Books
Thurs, May 15 β€’ 7:00 PM

Shelby Van Pelt - Remarkably Bright Creatures

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of the paperback release of Shelby Van Pelt's highly acclaimed debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures! The novel tells a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova Sullivan seeks solace in her nightly work amidst memories of her vanished son, leading to a remarkable friendship with Marcellus, an octopus who holds the key to Tova's past. This debut novel is a gentle reminder of the healing power of unexpected connections and the importance of facing one’s past to uncover a brighter future.

Book Passage
Sat, May 17 β€’ 4:00 PM

Rick MartΓ­nez Author Talk β€’ Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking

Join celebrated Mexican-American chef, author, and food personality Rick MartΓ­nez for an engaging author talk as he discusses his latest cookbook, Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking. The event will take place on Monday, May 19, at 6:30 PM, at Omnivore Books on Food. Attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere as Rick shares insights into his vibrant cooking style and the cultural heritage of Mexican cuisine. The event is free to attend, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot. Pre-order a copy of the book or purchase one at the event to enjoy delicious salsas and easy meals that celebrate the joy of Mexican cooking.

Omnivore Books
Mon, May 19 β€’ 6:30 PM

Hawa Hassan Author Talk β€’ Setting a Place for Us: Recipes and Stories

Join us for an engaging evening with Hawa Hassan, a James Beard Award-winning author and celebrated chef, as she discusses her upcoming book, 'Setting a Place for Us: Recipes and Stories of Displacement, Resilience, and Community from Eight Countries Impacted by War'. The event, which is free to attend, will take place at Omnivore Books on May 21, 2025. Hawa will share compelling narratives from her experiences as a refugee and her culinary journey. Expect intimate storytelling complemented by a discussion of the recipes that bridge cultural divides. The event offers first-come, first-served seating with an overflow room available outside. Pre-orders for the book can be made for pick up at the event.

Omnivore Books
Wed, May 21 β€’ 6:30 PM

Andrea Aliseda & Srishti Jain Author Talk β€’ Make It Plant-Based! Mexican & Make It Plant-Based! Indian

Join us for an engaging author talk with Srishti Jain, a Californian-Indian food writer and recipe developer, along with Andrea Aliseda, an established writer and plant-based recipe developer from Los Angeles. This event takes place on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 PM at Omnivore Books. The authors will discuss their books, which explore delicious vegan versions of traditional Mexican and Indian dishes, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned plant-based cooks. The event is free and promises to be a delightful evening of discussion about food, culture, and identity. Seating is first come, first served, with overflow outside if needed. Everyone is welcome!

Omnivore Books
Tues, May 27 β€’ 6:30 PM

David Sandberg with Sheryl Sandberg

Join us to hear from internationally renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr David Sandberg. His new book, Brain and Heart, is a warm and brilliant memoir that captures the medical and emotional intensity of pediatric neurosurgery. In this moving, unflinching, and inspiring book, Sandberg combines his deep scientific and medical knowledge with raw emotion and unforgettably powerful stories of courage and love. The brain is the most complicated and perplexing of our organs, and it is also the one that makes us human. When it comes to a child's brain, the hearts of those who love them become inextricably linked to that story. Dr. Sandberg describes the joy, heartbreak, uncertainty, and physical and emotional challenges that come with performing brain surgery on children. He understands deeply how every one of his patients is an entire world, and his devotion to his patients and his work shines through on every page. This unforgettable book will strengthen our sense of compassion and hope.

Kepler's Books
Wed, May 28 β€’ 7:00 PM

Shelley Sella, MD - Beyond Limits (Corte Madera Store)

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of Shelley Sella's new book Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester Abortion Care! This event, taking place on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at 11:00 AM, promises a compassionate perspective on late-term abortion, challenging preconceived notions about abortion care. Dr. Sella, a board-certified ob-gyn and a prominent figure in third-trimester abortion, will share inspiring stories from her years of experience. Attendees will gain insights into the lives of women who face tough decisions regarding their pregnancies. This free event is an opportunity to engage with vital discussions surrounding reproductive justice and human rights.

Book Passage
Sat, Jun 7 β€’ 11:00 AM

Danielle Teller - Forged: A Novel

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of Danielle Teller's new book, Forged: A Novel! This thrilling and immersive tale, set in the Gilded Age, follows an impoverished woman turned con-artist as she navigates the harsh realities of societal expectations and the alluring promises of wealth. With her sharp observational skills, Fanny transforms into Kitty Warren, a forger and thief who builds her own castle in the sky. However, her pursuit of happiness is fraught with challenges, as her foundations begin to crumble. Danielle Teller, the author, has received accolades for her previous works and is set to share insights into her latest narrative at this free event.

Book Passage
Sat, Jun 7 β€’ 1:00 PM

Brian Anderson - Loud and Clear (Corte Madera Store)

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of Brian Anderson's new book, Loud and Clear: The Grateful Dead’s Wall of Sound and the Quest for Audio Perfection! This event will feature the first book that tells the full story of the Grateful Dead’s β€˜Wall of Sound,’ an unprecedented speaker system that has shaped the band's legendary sound. The event promises insights into the band’s adventurous journey with audio technology from 1965 to 1974, enriched by discussions and anecdotes from Brian Anderson based on interviews with numerous band associates. It is a not-to-miss experience for music fans, audiophiles, and cultural history enthusiasts.

Book Passage
Sun, Jun 22 β€’ 1:00 PM

Mary Anne Trasciatti / Exploring the Life & Work of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn

Join us for a virtual event where Mary Anne Trasciatti discusses her new book, 'Elizabeth Gurley Flynn: The Rebel Girl, Democracy, and Revolution'. This book, published by Rutgers University Press, sheds light on the life of Flynn, a revolutionary labor leader and civil rights activist. Trasciatti will trace Flynn’s journey through the tumultuous landscape of the 20th-century American Left, reflecting on her significant contributions to labor movement history. Attendees will gain insight into the broader social issues faced during Flynn's life and the relevance of her work today. This event is free, but registration is required.

City Lights Bookstore
Mon, Jul 28 β€’ 6:00 PM