Events

We're pleased to be hosting the launch party for A River Closely Watched, the fantastic new novel by local author Jon Boilard. Come by the Granny Smith Room at 7PM on January 11th to meet the author, enjoy some refreshments, and hear Boilard read from this eerie tale of a family in turmoil in western New England.

About the book:
The all-male DuBois clan is well known to local police. Though Grandfather Earl is now senile, his two adult sons, Blackie and Thaddeus, are still trouble. Thaddeus has just been released from prison but has already violated parole and is on the run. Blackie, teenage Bobby’s father, has just killed a policeman. Is Bobby headed to foster care? Not if Uncle Thaddeus has anything to say about it. Whether Bobby wants it or not, Thaddeus takes the boy on the lamb with him and together they head for the high timber, pursued by the police; by Blackie, who has escaped from custody; by Ed, a soulless tracker; and by various aggrieved others. And then a hurricane blows in, and all bets are off. Boilard’s first novel is an exercise in noir, or perhaps it might be better described as Southern gothic come to rural New England. Whichever, it is a darkness-drenched celebration of violence.

We promise a cozy atmosphere and food and drink to offset the darkness therein. See you there!

We're pleased to host the book release party for young adult author Erica Lorraine Scheidt's debut, Uses for Boys, a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age novel about a girl who grows up loveless and alone and, following in her mother's footsteps, begins to believe that if she gives boys what they want, they will give her what she needs. We'll also be screening the trailer for Uses for Boys created by three local teenage filmmakers: Julia Retzlaff, a sophomore; Tiffany Robinson a senior; and Evatt Carrodus an 8th grader. All three are alumni of TILT, the Youth Program of the Ninth Street Independent Film Center in San Francisco and were mentored by TILT Media Arts Educator, Kapi'olani Lee.  

A longtime 826 Valencia volunteer and teaching artist, Erica runs the Writers’ Workshop at the YMCA Teen Center in Berkeley. Join us for a celebration of this fantastic debut from 7-9PM on January 15th. 

Praise for Uses for Boys:  

“Haunting, frank and un-put-downable.”—STARRED Kirkus Review

“Scheidt’s novel packs a punch; this fast-moving book can be devoured in one sitting, but reveals even more upon rereading.” – STARRED Publishers Weekly Review

“Lots of teens will see themselves in the pages of this beautiful, honest novel.—STARRED Booklist

“I wish every young woman could gain the wisdom found in these pages. Quiet. Stark. Possibly life changing.” —Ellen Hopkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Like its narrator, Uses for Boys is poetic, edgy and strong . . . I finished it in two sittings and sobbed at the end.” —Francesca Lia Block, New York Times bestselling author

Author Tony Fletcher will be here on Friday, January 18th at 7PM to discuss A Light That Never Goes Out, the definitive book about The Smiths, one of the most beloved, respected, and storied indie rock bands in music history.

Hailing from Manchester, England, The Smiths--Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce--were critical and popular favorites throughout their mid-1980s heyday and beyond. To this day, due to their unforgettable songs and lyrics, they are considered one of the greatest British rock groups of all time. In A Light That Never Goes Out, Tony Fletcher paints a vivid portrait of the fascinating personalities within the group, not the least of which is Morrissey, the witty, literate lead singer whose loner personality and complex lyrics made him an icon for teenagers who felt forlorn and forgotten.

Fletcher is the author of six books, including Moon, the bestselling biography of Keith Moon, and Remarks Remade, the definitive biography of R.E.M. He has contributed to many publications and television shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including Newsday, Spin, Mojo, and more.

Whether you're a diehard fan or the memory of Morrissey's crooning brings out your converse-wearing teenage angst in a good way, this evening is sure to be a fascinating look at The Smiths as only their biographer could deliver it.

Join us at Coast Wine Bar in the Outer Sunset to meet and greet award-winning journalist and surfer Jaimal Yogis, author of The Fear Project.

In The Fear Project, Yogis sets out to better understand fear—why does it so often dominate our lives, what makes it tick, and is there even a way to use it to our advantage? In the process, he plunges readers into great white shark-infested waters and brings them along to surf 40+ foot waves in the dead of winter. In this entertaining, often laugh-out-loud narrative, Yogis also treats himself like a guinea pig for all of his research, pushing his own fears repeatedly to the limits—in his sport, in his life, and in love. Ultimately, Yogis shares with his readers the best strategies to emerge triumphant from even the most paralyzing of fears.

Come by Coast Wine Bar at 7PM on January 31st for this party celebrating the book, complete with booze, book signing, surf videos and to hear Yogis speak about the process of writing the book. We'll see you there!