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7 FEBRUARY 2017 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Tim Z. Hernandez, poet, novelist, and performer, celebrates the release of his harrowing account of "the worst airplane disaster in California's history," which claimed the lives of thirty-two passengers, including twenty-eight Mexican citizens—farmworkers who were being deported by the U.S. government, All They Will Call You, with special guests Margi Dunlap, Connie Ann Mart, and musician Lance Canales, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-4921, www.citylights.com)
  • Tuesdays at North Beach, a weekly poetry series celebrating international poets and showcasing local talent, presents a reading by Dorothy Payne and Amos White, curated by Jack Hirschman, North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/522-8602, www.friendssfpl.org/events/tuesdays-at-north-beach.html)
  • Screenwriter and fiction writer Terry Tarnoff reads from his memoir, The Reflectionist, about eight years he spent during the 1970s traveling throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, Books Inc., 1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (510/525-7777, www.booksinc.net)
    NORTH:
  • Benicia's First Tuesday Poets Group presents its monthly "Mystery Poet" featured reading, followed by a Group read-around, bring a poem to share or just come and listen, Benicia Public Library, Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street, Benicia, 6:45-8:45 (707/746-4343, www.benicialibrary.org)
  • Historian Helen Horowitz presents her book on France, A Taste for Provence, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 7:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Panel: critically-acclaimed nonfiction author Veronica Chambers, Mama's Girl, discusses her tribute to Michelle Obama in her book, The Meaning of Michele: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own, also featured: Los Angeles Times reporter Julie Makinen and Elodie Mailliet, Senior Director of Content Partnerships and Business Development at Getty Images, Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 7:00 (650/321-0600, www.booksinc.net/PaloAlto)
  • Remix Reading Series presents An Evening of Poetry with Peter Everwine, Listening Long and Late, Remix Reading Series, Tokyo Garden, 1711 Fulton Street, Fresno, free, 8:00-9:00 (619/261-2524, remixreadings@gmail.com)
  • College admissions adviser David Montesano shares his invaluable guide, Brand U: 4 Steps to the College of Your Dreams, Books Inc., 301 Castro Street, Mountain View, 7:00 (650/428-1234, www.booksinc.net/MountainView)

8 FEBRUARY 2017 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Lisa Atkins and Stan Yogi present Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, the real-life story of a fight for justice when a family is forced into internment by the U.S. government during World War II, Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (www.pegasusbookstore.com)

9 FEBRUARY 2017 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Lyall Harris, fine art painter and writer-turned-book artist, presents an array of her work illustrating the potential of book art, Arion Press, 1802 Hays Street, The Presidio, San Francisco (west on Lake Street, north on Fourteenth Avenue, to building with tall smokestack), refreshments 5:00, talk 6:00 (415/668-2548, grabhorn@arionpress.com)
  • City Lights Books presents "Remembering Tom Hayden," the principal author, in 1962, of the founding manifesto for Students for a Democratic Society, for his activism in the opposition of the Vietnam War, the Chicago Seven trial, and for serving nearly twenty years in the California Legislature, his book Hell No: The Forgotten Power of the Vietnam Peace Movement will be celebrated, moderated by Steve Wasserman, with Clara Bingham, Willie Brown Jr., and Judy Gumbo, Mechanics' Institute Library, 57 Post Street, San Francisco, $15/free to members, 6:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
    NORTH:
  • Shaun David Hutchinson reads from his new novel for young adults, At the Edge of the Universe, Diesel Books, 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 6:30-7:30 (415/785-8177, dieselbookstore.com)
  • Thumbprint Cellars Series presents fiction writer Meredith Jaeger reading from and signing her debut historical novel, The Dressmaker's Dowry, attendees will also be part of Thumbprint's Wine Club, which means fabulous deals on wine, Copperfield's Books, 106 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, 6:00 (707/433-9270, www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/thumbprint-cellars-series-meredith-jaeger)
    SOUTH:
  • David Lee reads from his action-packed debut novel, Primrose Courier, partly based on his experience in the military, Books Inc., 301 Castro Street, Mountain View, 7:00 (650/428-1234, www.booksinc.net/MountainView)

10 FEBRUARY 2017 — friday

    CENTRAL:
  • Fiction author and screenwriter Elan Mastai shares his critically-acclaimed debut novel, All Our Wrong Todays, about the versions of ourselves that we shed and grow into over time, Books Inc., 1344 Park Street, Alameda, 7:00 (510/522-2226, www.booksinc.net)
  • Last Word Reading Series presents a poetry reading by Ron Weisberg and Barbara Atkinson, plus open reading, hosted by Dale Jensen, Ralph Dranow, John Rowe, and Grace Grafton, Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, near Hearst, Berkeley, 7:00 (cafe: 510/841-6374)
  • Joel Whitney, co-founder and editor at large of Guernica: A Magazine of Art & Politics, discusses his book, Finks: How the C.I.A Tricked the World's Best Writers, Books Inc., 1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (510/525-7777, www.booksinc.net)

11 FEBRUARY 2017 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • Benefit reading for the S.H.E. (Safe House Education Fund for Maasai Girls) College Fund with acclaimed poets Ellen Bass, Like a Beggar, Marie Howe, The Kingdom of Ordinary Time, and Jane Hirshfield, The Beauty, with special guests Melanie Demore and Kim Rose, Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words, on behalf of the S.H.E. College Fund, St. John's Episcopal Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley, $25, special seating and pre-reading reception for donors of $100 or more, 7:00 (karincarr@aol.com; tickets: shecollegefundpoetryevent.bpt.me; www.shecollegefund.org)
  • Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis launch their new book, Harvest: Unexpected Projects Using 47 Extraordinary Garden Plants, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, 4:00 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com)
  • Writers with Drinks! presents cartoonist Tom Tomorrow, theoretical physicist Sean Carroll, science writer Jennifer Ouellette, poet Julia Vinograd, and fiction writers Alia Volz and Sarah Schulman, with host Charlie Jane Anders, proceeds benefit the Center for Sex and Culture, The Make Out Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco, $5-$20, doors open 6:30, show 7:30-9:30 (www.writerswithdrinks.com)
  • An afternoon of poetry by Nancy Wakeman, Stephen Kopel, Jennifer Barone, and Clyde Always, hosted by Stephen Kopel and Robert Carlson, San Francisco Public Library, Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, 2:00 (415/355-2880, sfpl.org/)
    NORTH:
  • Screenwriter Elan Mastai reads from All Our Wrongs Todays, his novel about family and friendship, heartbreak and love, technology and society, ambition and responsibility, time travel, and alternate realities, Copperfield's Books, 850 4th Street, San Rafael, 2:00 (415/524-2800, www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/élan-mastai)
  • Spiritual teacher Acharya Shunya presents her narrative-based guidebook, Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 4:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Poets @ Play, a writing group where writers can share their work; theme for this meeting: "Political Landscape," bring an existing poem to work on, or an idea for something new, diverse viewpoints respected, Poetry Center San José, Edwin Markham House, History Park, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, free (408/368-0353, www.pcsj.org)

12 FEBRUARY 2017 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Reading and book signing with critic, author, and long time The New Yorker staff writer Lawrence Weschler and Academy Award-winning song and film editor Walter Murch read from and discuss Weschler's new book, a profile of Murch, Waves Passing in the Night: Walter Murch in the Land of the Astrophysicists; film legend Murch is an amateur astrophysicist whose outsider investigations could reshape our understanding of the universe, Berkeley Art Museum, 2155 Center Street, Berkeley, event included with museum admission, 2:30 (www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/event/reading-and-booksigning-lawrence-weschler-and-walter-murch)
    NORTH:
  • Poetry reading by Raphael Block, Strings of Shining Silence: Earth-Love Poems, accompanied by music by guitarist David Field, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, free, 1:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)
  • The Wide Net: a gathering of readers and writers of poetry with poet and editor Terry Lucas, ongoing for eight weeks, drop in, come with a poem, forty lines or less, by you or a favorite poet, and be prepared to read it aloud, all welcome, Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley, free, 1:00-3:00 (rsvp: lucas.t274@gmail.com, mtumc.org, www.terrylucas.com)
  • Valona Deli Second Sunday Poetry Series features poets Camille Miller and Elaine Brown, hosted by Connie Post, Valona Deli, 1323 Pomona Street, Crockett, 3:00-5:00 (510/787-2002, www.benicialibrary.org)
  • Acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates, recipient of the National Medal of Humanities, reads from her new novel, A Book of American Martyrs, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 4:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)

13 FEBRUARY 2017 — monday

    NORTH:
  • Drop-in freewrite group for poets, creative prose writers, playwrights, and other creative writers led by poet, prose writer and director Robin Leslie Jacobson, meets second Monday of the month, Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission, at E, San Rafael, free, 7:00-9:00 (marinpoetrycenter.org/programs.php)

14 FEBRUARY 2017 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Bay Area Writing Project presents a Valentine's Day reading, bring a love poem and join in the group open mic, hosted by Judy Bebelaar and Marty Williams, refreshments; the Bay Area Writing Project is a collaboration between UC Berkeley and Bay Area schools dedicated to improving writing and teaching at all levels, all disciplines, Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, free, 3:00-4:30 (judy@judybebelaar.com, www.bayareawritingproject.org)
  • Tuesdays at North Beach, a weekly poetry series celebrating international poets and showcasing local talent, presents a reading by Sarah Menefee and Gary Hicks, curated by Jack Hirschman, North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/522-8602, www.friendssfpl.org/events/tuesdays-at-north-beach.html)
    SOUTH:
  • Poetry Center San José's Well-RED Reading Series presents Venus Jones, an Austin International poetry slam finalist and former MTV correspondent, open mic follows, Works/San José, 365 South Market Street, San Jose, $2, doors open 6:30, reading 7:00 (www.pcsj.org)
    EAST:
  • The Distinguished Writers Series of the Department of English at CSU East Bay presents a reading by Frances Lefkowitz, widely published fiction and personal essayist; her work has appeared in The Sun, Tin House, Glimmer Train, New World Writing, Catamaran Literary Review, and more, Biella Room, University Library, California State University East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., free, on-campus parking fee, 7:00 (steve.guiterrez@csueastbay.edu)

15 FEBRUARY 2017 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • David Hartsough, Executive Director of Peaceworkers and cofounder of the Nonviolent Peaceforce, discusses his new book Waging Peace: Global Adventures of a Lifelong Activist, in conversation with nonfiction author, columnist, and activist Normon Solomon, Made Love, Got War: Close Encounters with America's Warefare State, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
  • Min Jin Lee reads from and signs her new novel, Pachinko, following one Korean family through generations, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.thebooksmith.com)
  • Lyrics and Dirges monthly reading series features emerging writers to highlight the diverse literary community of the Bay Area, hosted by Mk Chavez and Sharon Coleman, Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (www.pegasusbookstore.com)
    NORTH:
  • Fiction writer and Santa Rosa native Marc Bojanowski reads from his second book, Journeyman, about an itinerant carpenter who rediscovers home, Copperfield's Books, 775 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 7:00 (707/578-8938, www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/marc-bojanowski)
  • Aimee Carter presents the first book in her newest series of young adult/middle grade fiction, Simon Thorn and the Wolf's Den, a boy discovers a secret race of animal shape-shifters, Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, 4:00 (707/762-0563, www.copperfieldsbooks.com)

16 FEBRUARY 2017 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Ellen Klages reads from Passing Strange, her historical novella on being queer in San Francisco at the dawn of World War II, Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, 6:00 (415/835-1020, www.bookpassage.com)
  • Poetry Flash presents a poetry reading by Kathleen Winter, Nostalgia for the Criminal Past, and Gregory Mahrer, A Provisional Map of the Lost Continent, request ASL interpreters one week in advance at editor@poetryflash.org, wheelchair accessible, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
  • Ethel Rohan discusses her debut novel, The Weight of Him, in a conversation with novelist Edan Lepucki, Q&A, book signing follow, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • The SFSU Poetry Center presents a poetry reading with Oki Sogumi, Salt Wedge, and Wendy Trevino, Brazilian is not a Race, Humanities Building, Room 512, Poetry Center, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
    NORTH:
  • Third Thursday Poetry & Jazz Improv Reading Series features Albert Flynn DeSilver, hosted by blake more, reading begins with live jazz by local musicians and an open mic with jazz improv, 215 Main Pub, 215 Main Street, Point Arena, free, 7:00 (707/884-9189, blake@snakelyone.com, www.facebook.com/215Main)
  • Writers of the Mendocino Coast present "How to Honor the Creative Self," a workshop/talk on memoir with San Francisco Chronicle columnist Kevin Fisher-Paulson, author of the memoir A Song for Lost Angels, bring pen and paper, Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main Street, Mendocino, free, 6:00 (writersmendocinocoast@gmail.com, www.writersmendocinocoast.org)
  • Marin Poetry Center presents a poetry reading by Gerald Fleming, One, and Lynne Knight, The Persistence of Longing, light refreshments, Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Street, San Rafael, $5 non-members/$3 members, students free, 7:30 (415/388-4033, events@marinpoetrycenter.org, marinpoetrycenter.org/events.php)
    SOUTH:
  • Poetry Center San José presents a poetry reading with artist and writer Janet Trenchard, open mic to follow, Willow Glen Library, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, 7:00 (408/808-3045 or 408/266-1361, willowglenpoetry.com)

17 FEBRUARY 2017 — friday

    NORTH:
  • San Francisco Chronicle columnist Kevin Fisher-Paulson reads from his memoir, A Song for Lost Angels: How Daddy and Papa Fought to Save Their Family, book signing follows, Gallery Bookshop, 319 Kasten Street, Mendocino, free, 6:30 (707/937-2215, www.gallerybookshop.com/event/kevin-fisher-paulson)

18 FEBRUARY 2017 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • Kwame Alexander presents and signs copies of his new children's book, The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, noon-1:00 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com/events/kids-kwame-alexander
  • Poet Dara Barnat reads from In the Absence, a collection of poems on her father's illness, fiction writer Vanessa Hua, Deceit and Other Possibilities, fiction writer Reese Okyong Kwon, and poet Ashley M. Jones, Magic City Gospel, Laurel Book Store, 1423 Broadway, Oakland, 5:00 (510/452-9232, www.laurelbookstore.com)
  • "From All Points But the Center," brunch potluck reading and mini-writing workshop, with featured readers Jessica Hahn, Shara DeShara, and Terrilynn Cantlon; poet and multimedia artist Mg Roberts, ANEMAL, UTER MECK, leads the writing workshop, bring a dish to share, Liminal, 3037 38th Avenue, Oakland, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 (gina@theliminalcenter.com, www.oaklandliminal.com)
  • Poetry reading by Lynne Knight, The Persistence of Longing, and Bill Mayer, Articulate Matter and A Truce with Fantasy, Mythos Fine Art, Firehouse Gallery North, 1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, free, 3:00 (510/277-2269, www.mythosfirehouse.com)
  • Long Form Reading, an open for longer readings and pieces, twenty-thirty minutes of work, two-three readers and performers, email to submit work, Liminal, 3037 38th Avenue, Oakland, 7:00-9:00 (gina@theliminalcenter.com, www.oaklandliminal.com)

19 FEBRUARY 2017 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Small Press Traffic presents a reading and performance with disability culture activist and performance artist Petra Kuppers, PearlStitch, poems, Stephanie Heit, The Color She Gave Gravity, poems, and Ching-In Chen, The Heart's Traffic; Heit is a poet, dancer, and teacher of somatic writing, Contemplative Dance Practice, and Kundalini Yoga, California College of the Arts, MFA Writers Studio, 195 de Haro, San Francisco, $6-$10, no one turned away for lack of funds, SPT members free, 5:00 (smallpresstraffic.org)
  • Poetry Flash presents a poetry reading by Raina J. León, sombra: (dis)locate, and Michael McLaughlin, Countless Cinemas, request ASL interpreters one week in advance from editor@poetryflash.org, wheelchair accessible, Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue, Oakland, 3:00 (510/653-9965, dieselbookstore.com)
  • Release party and reading for Sunnylyn Thibodeaux's new poetry chapbook, What's Going On, Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 2:00-4:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
    NORTH:
  • Benicia Love Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony, winners read their love poems, open mic for love poems only follows if time permits, Benicia Public Library, Benicia Historical Museum/Stone Hall, 2060 Camel Rd., Benicia, 2:00-4:00 (707/746-4343, www.benicialibrary.org)
  • The Wide Net: a gathering of readers and writers of poetry with poet and editor Terry Lucas, ongoing for eight weeks, this is the second meeting, drop in, come with a poem, forty lines or less, by you or a favorite poet, and be prepared to read it aloud, all welcome, Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley, free, 1:00-3:00 (rsvp: lucas.t274@gmail.com, mtumc.org, www.terrylucas.com)

20 FEBRUARY 2017 — monday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poetry Express presents a featured reader, Hollie Hardy, plus an open reading, hosted by Bruce Bagnell, Himalayan Flavors, 1585 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00-9:00 (PoetryExpress@gmail.com)
  • POETS! poetry reading featuring local legends and traveling poets to be announced, open mic follows, hosted by Jerry Ferraz, Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00-9:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
  • Novelist Ian Rankin presents the twenty-first book in his Detective Inspector John Rebus series, Rather be the Devil, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
    EAST:
  • Sacramento Poetry Center presents Indigo Moor, the new Sacramento Poet Laureate, in an Inaugural Reading with novelist and children's book author Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), A Series of Unfortunate Events, bassist Gerry Pineda, and previous Sacramento Poet Laureate Jeff Knorr, Standing Up to the Day, with host Penny Kline, refreshments, California Stage Theatre, 2509 R Street, at 25th and R, Sacramento, free admission and parking, doors open 7:00, reading 7:30 (www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org)

21 FEBRUARY 2017 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Marc Bojanowski reads from Journeyman, his novel of dwelling, building, belonging, love, and the value of home, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Tuesdays at North Beach, a weekly poetry series celebrating international poets and showcasing local talent, presents a reading by Jewelle Gomez and John Curl, curated by Jack Hirschman, North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/522-8602, www.friendssfpl.org/events/tuesdays-at-north-beach.html)
  • National Humanities Medal recipient and acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates reads from her new novel, A Book of American Martyrs, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-4921, www.citylights.com)
    NORTH:
  • New York Times best-selling novelist Jessica Day George presents the conclusion to her series, Saturdays at Sea, Copperfield's Books, 3740 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa, 4:00 (707/252-8002, www.copperfieldsbooks.com)
  • The Wide Net: a gathering of readers and writers of poetry with poet and editor Terry Lucas, ongoing for eight weeks, this is the third meeting, drop in, come with a poem, forty lines or less, by you or a favorite poet, and be prepared to read it aloud, all welcome, Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley, free, 1:00-3:00 (rsvp: lucas.t274@gmail.com, mtumc.org, www.terrylucas.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Award-winning documentary filmmaker and author Martyn Burke reads from his tragic-comic novel of love and war, Music for Love or War, Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 7:00 (650/321-0600, www.booksinc.net/PaloAlto)

22 FEBRUARY 2017 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • John Darnielle, best-selling fiction author of Wolf in White Van, reads from his second novel, Universal Harvester, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, tickets must be purchased in advanced, $21.50 includes copy of book, 7:00 (415/863-8688, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2789281)
  • Release party and reading for Rad Families: A Celebration, an anthology edited by Tomas Moniz, founder and editor of the award-winning zine Rad Dad, with readings by local contributors to the anthology and guest readers, Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (www.pegasusbookstore.com)
  • Award-winning novelist Yiyun Li reads from her memoir, Dear Friend, from My Life I Write to You in Your Life, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com/events/yiyun-li)
    SOUTH:
  • Local author Susan Alice Bickford celebrates the release of her debut novel, A Short Time to Die, two women from opposite sides of the country find their lives inextricably bound by blood, fear, and revenge, Books Inc., 301 Castro Street, Mountain View, 7:00 (650/428-1234, www.booksinc.net/MountainView)

23 FEBRUARY 2017 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Rachel Aspden, reporter for The Guardian and literary editor of the New Statesman, discusses her new book, Generation Revolution: On the Front Line Between Tradition and Change in the Middle East, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-4921, www.citylights.com)
  • The SFSU Poetry Center presents a poetry reading by Hank Lazer, Poems Hidden in Plain View, and Andrew Maxwell, Peeping Mot, Humanities Building, Room 512, Poetry Center, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
  • Fiction writer Calder G. Lorenz launches his debut novel, One Way Down (Or Another), a conversation with poet Micah Ballard, Afterlives follows, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Daphne Merkin, Edward Lewis Wallant Award-winner, reads from her memoir, This Close to Happy: A Reckoning with Depression, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com/events/daphne-merkin)
  • Poetry Flash presents a poetry reading by Alicia Suskin Ostriker, Small Change, and Anita Barrows, We are the Hunger, request ASL interpreters one week in advance at editor@poetryflash.org, wheelchair accessible, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
    NORTH:
  • Children's book author Judd Winick presents the latest installment in his New York Times best-selling graphic novel series, Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom, Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, 4:00 (707/762-0563, www.copperfieldbooks.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Film and cultural studies professor Tom Zaniello discusses his book, California's Lamson Murder Mystery: The Depression Era Case That Divided Santa Clara County, an examination of the details of a notorious case, Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 7:00 (650/321-0600, www.booksinc.net/PaloAlto)

24 FEBRUARY 2017 — friday

    CENTRAL:
  • "Evening of Remembrance," a film and poetry event honoring the late poets David Meltzer and Adelle Foley, filmmaker Mary Kerr will show clips from her films of David Meltzer taken during the 1950s Beat scene, with poetry readings by Jack Foley and Roseta Egan, Carl Landauer, and Julie Rogers, in conjunction with an exhibit celebrating the life of painter Karen Zullo Sherr, Mythos Fine Art, Firehouse Gallery North, 1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, free, 6:00-7:30 (mythosfineart@gmail.com, www.mythosfirehouse.com)
    NORTH:
  • Fiction writer Deborah Crombie presents the seventeenth installment of her New York Times best-selling Duncan Kincaid/Gemma Jones series, Garden of Lamentations, Copperfield's Books, 999 Grant Avenue, Novato, 7:00 (415/763-3052, www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/deborah-crombie)
  • Novelist Min Jin Lee, Pachinko, in conversation with Calvin Crosby, Executive Director of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association, Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, 7:00 (707/762-0563, www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/lit-night-min-jin-lee)
  • Risa Kaparo Bon Voyage Party and Poetry Flash Benefit, great music and dancing, all genres: latin, tango, reggae, jazz, world fusion ecstatic poetry and music; surprise performers in dance, music, and poetry; musicians include Sasha Jacobson on bass, Adrian Jost on bandoneon, Mika Scott on drums, and surprise guest artists. Dancers include Andrea Fuchilieri and more special guests, brief poetry reading by Risa Kaparo, Katayoon Zandvakili, Richard Silberg, Joyce Jenkins, more, light refreshments and beverages, bring your favorite gluten free dish or bottle to share, proceeds will benefit Poetry Flash; Risa Kaparo, somatic-psychotherapist, creator of Somatic Learning, dancer, and poet is moving to Kona, Hawaii, to open a retreat center; Translucent Studios, 3095 Kerner Blvd., Suite Y, San Rafael, $20 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds, 8:30-midnight (510/499-1958, risa@somaticlearning.com, www.poetryflash.org/give)

25 FEBRUARY 2017 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • 15th Annual MFA in Creative Writing Scholarship Fund Benefit for St. Mary's College, with literary toasts by poets Louise Glück, Robert Pinsky, The Inferno of Dante, novelist Natalie Baszile, Queen Sugar, novelist and poet Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient, and writer and editor Linda Spalding, enjoy bountiful noshes, a hosted beer and wine bar, virtual reality painting, music, and a scholarship fund raffle with fabulous prizes, Dolby Chadwick Gallery, 210 Post Street, Suite 205, San Francisco, $50-$250, rsvp online required by February 20, space is limited, cocktail reception with authors 5:00, benefit event 6:00-9:00 (925/631-8556, www.stmarys-ca.edu/mfa-in-creative-writing/support-the-mfa-scholarship-fund)
  • Ruth Beckford and Careth Reid present The Picture Man: From the Collection of Bay Area Photographer E.F. Joseph 1927-1979, telling the story of the Bay Area's African American community, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, 2:00 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com/events/ruth-beckford-careth-reid-offsite)
  • "Voices of Conflict: Writing During Wartimes," an afternoon of poetry written and read by veterans, followed by a discussion, featuring internationally known poet, writer, and cultural theorist Judy Grahn, poet and Iraq War veteran Victor Inzunza, writers and veterans Colby Buzzzell, memoirist Grady Smalling, and poet E.S. Smutny, this event is part of a series of public programs in conjunction with "Not Alone: Exploring Bonds Between and With Members of the Armed Forces," through March 4, SFAC Community Room, Suite 125, War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, free, 2:00-4:00 (www.sfartscommission.org/gallery/2017/veterans-poetry-reading-panel-discussion)
  • Poetry at Florey's presents an evening of poetry and music with poets Clara Hsu and Greg Pond, aftermoon, reading from Lao-Tzu's Tao-te Ching and Infusions, translated by Clara Hsu, and other poems by Xu Zhimo and Su Shi, musician David Wong plays the guqin, a seven-stringed zither, three-minute limit open mic follows, hosted by Sherri Rose-Walker, Florey's Book Company, 2120 Palmetto Avenue, Pacifica, 7:30 (650/355-8811, SherriRose-Walker@hotmail.com)
  • LIMINAL's Annual Soiree,"Embodying Spaces: A Night of Women's Narratives," features readings and performance by Oakland Poet Laureate Alison Luterman, Desire Zoo; writer and artist Indira Allegra; Kate Schatz, Rad American Women A-Z, New York Times best-selling feminist children's book; writer, storyteller, and blogger Akilah Monifa; spoken word poet Audacious Iam; poet and multimedia artist Mg Roberts, ANEMAL, UTER MECK, Liminal, 3037 38th Avenue, Oakland, $15-$25, limited seating, purchase tickets online, 7:00-10:00 (gina@theliminalcenter.com, www.oaklandliminal.com)
  • Guest Poet Series features a poetry reading by novelist and poet Mariana Ruybalid, Daring to Write; her novels include Coyote Healer, Coyote Curandero, an interview and discussion follows, The Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Avenue, Berkeley, free, 2:00-3:30 (510/981-6280, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org)
    EAST:
  • Ina Coolbrith Circle presents "A Snare of Refuge a Revenge," a poetry reading by Robert Eastwood, Snare, open reading follows, refreshments, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, 2:00 (www.coolpoetry.org)

26 FEBRUARY 2017 — sunday

27 FEBRUARY 2017 — monday

    NORTH:
  • Jumpstart Workshop, where creative prompts inspire writing, workshops are facilitated by Susan Bono and Marlene Cullen in alternating months, bring a notebook and a fast-moving pen, all writers encouraged to come, Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, $15, 6:30 (707/762-0563, www.thewritespot.us/jumpstart.php)

28 FEBRUARY 2017 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Meg Elison launches her second novel, The Book of Etta, a Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Spring 2017, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Bill Hayes reads from his memoir, Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me, about Oliver Sacks, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/704-8222, www.mrsdalloways.com/events/bill-hayes)
    SOUTH:
  • Mystery Writers of America Mary Feliz celebrates the launch of her latest thriller, Scheduled to Death, Books Inc., 301 Castro Street, Mountain View, 7:00 (650/428-1234, www.booksinc.net/MountainView)

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