Your Week in Virtual Book Events, Feb. 15th to Feb. 21st

P&P Live! Jed Rakoff | Why The Innocent Plead Guilty and the Guilty Go Free
Monday, February 15th, 6:00pm EST
Politics and Prose welcomes senior federal judge Jed Rakoff to present his new book, Why the Innocent Plead Guilty and the Guilty Go Free and Other Paradoxes of Our Broken Legal System, in conversation with NYU Law Professor Troy McKenzie. Free, with registration.

KGB Monday Night Poetry: Terrance Hayes + Fran Quinn
Monday, February 15th, 7:00pm EST
For this iteration of KGB Monday Night Poetry, acclaimed poets Terrance Hayes (To Float in the Space Between) and Fran Quinn (A Horse of Blue Ink) will read their work. Hosted by Matthew Yaeger (Like That) and Jada Gordon. Free, via Zoom.

Trans & Friends presents: Spin with Me — Ami Polonsky in conversation with Arin Yost
Monday, February 15th, 7:30pm EST
The Charis Trans and Friends Group welcomes Ami Polonsky in conversation with Arin Yost for a celebration of Polonsky’s middle-grade novel about non-binary identity and first love, Spin with Me. Free, via Crowdcast.

Betina González | American Delirium with Heather Cleary and Idra Novey
Monday, February 15th, 8:00pm EST
Award-winning Argentinian novelist Betina González discusses her English-language debut novel, American Delirium, with translator Heather Cleary and author Idra Novey (Those Who Knew). Free. Register here.

BookPeople Presents: An Evening with Ethan Hawke
Monday, February 15th, 8:00pm EST
Acclaimed actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke will join in conversation with musician and award-winning author James McBride (Deacon King Kong) for a conversation about Hawke’s first novel in nearly twenty years, A Bright Ray of Darkness. Tickets begin at $32.95 and ticket buyers will receive a signed copy of the book. Reserve a spot here.

Skylit: Speculative Los Angeles with editor Denise Hamilton, Alex Espinoza, and Aimee Bender
Monday, February 15th, 9:30pm EST
Skylit Books welcomes the editor and contributors of Speculative Los Angeles, a new city-based anthology series featuring all-new stories with speculative, sci-fi, and paranormal themes, in celebration of the book’s release. Editor Denise Hamilton will join in conversation with contributors and authors Alex Espinoza (Cruising: An Intimate History of a Radical Pastime) and Aimee Bender (The Butterfly Lampshade). Free, via Crowdcast.

Meena Harris with Busy Philipps
Tuesday, February 16th, 6:00pm EST
For an Unlikely Story, New York Times-bestselling author Meena Harris will share her new picture book, Ambitious Girl, and join in conversation with comic actress and author Busy Philipps (This Will Only Hurt a Little). Free, via Crowdcast.

Between the Lines: Susan Conley
Tuesday, February 16th, 6:30pm EST
Author Susan Conley will read from and discuss her new book Landslide for the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library. Free. Register here.

John Jennings and David Brame | A Rain Taxi Event
Tuesday, February 16th, 6:30pm EST
Rain Taxi presents a virtual conversation with John Jennings and David Brame, the adaptor and illustrator, respectively, of After the Rain — a graphic novel adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor’s short story, “On the Road.” Free, via Crowdcast.

YA Author AMA featuring Namina Forna & Friends
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
Brookline Booksmith will host an ask-me-anything session with YA novelists Namina Forna (The Gilded Ones) and Stephanie Garber (Caraval). Submit a question during registration to be potentially answered during the event. All registrants receive a 15% off coupon for featured titles through the bookshop. Free, with registration.

Vermont Studio Center Visiting Writer Reading: Joy Priest
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
Author Joy Priest (Horsepower) will give a featured virtual reading via Zoom. Free. Register here. Additionally, a limited number of slots are available to work one-on-one with Priest for $100, if registered here. Financial assistance is available.

Black Diamond Queens: African American Women and Rock and Roll
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
Musician Toshi Reagon and scholar Maureen Mahon will discuss Mahon’s new book, Black Diamond Queens: African American Women and Rock and Roll, for the Brooklyn Public Library. Free, with registration.

Launch — Unsung: Unheralded Narratives of American Slavery & Abolition
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host a launch event for Unsung: Unheralded Narratives of American Slavery & Abolition, with editor, curator and associate director of the Lapidus Center, Dr. Michelle Commander. Commander will be in conversation Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, Joy Bivins, and Jonathan McCrory. The evening will also feature multi-genre readings from the anthology performed by playwright Donja R. Love, actor/director LeVar Burton, actors Kara Young and Nuri Hazzard, as well as a special reading produced by National Black Theater. Free, with registration.

Book Launch and Fundraiser: Zibby Owens
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
To celebrate the book launch of Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology, edited by Zibby Owens, a fundraiser will be held to benefit the Susan Felice Owens Program for COVID-19 Vaccine Research at Mount Sinai Health System. Ticket packages start at $50 and include a copy of the book, which can be purchased here.

Virtual Event: Sarah Gailey
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:00pm EST
Harvard Book Store will welcome bestselling writer Sarah Gailey for a discussion of their latest novel, The Echo Wife. They will be joined in conversation by author Tochi Onyebuchi (Riot Baby). Free, with registration.

PEN Out Loud: Brandon Hobson with Rebecca Makkai
Tuesday, February 16th, 8:00pm EST
National Book Award-finalist Brandon Hobson (The Removed) and Pulitzer Prize-finalist Rebecca Makkai (The Great Believers) will join in conversation for PEN America’s PEN Out Loud series. Presented in conversation with Strand Book Store and Scripps Presents. ASL interpretive services are provided by ProBono ASL. General admission starts at $20 per ticket and can be reserved here.

NBF Presents: Secrets of the South
Tuesday, February 16th, 8:00pm EST
National Book Award-honored authors Jericho Brown (The Tradition), Tayari Jones (An American Marriage), and Deesha Philyaw (The Secret Lives of Church Ladies) will join in conversation on Southern literature and how Black writers are redefining stereotypes of the South. Moderated by critically acclaimed author Kiese Laymon (Heavy: An American Memoir). Free, with registration. 

Powell’s Books Presents Julia Kaye in conversation with Shena Wolf
Tuesday, February 16th, 8:00pm EST
Powell’s Books welcomes Julia Kaye to discuss her newest autobiographical comic, My Life in Transition, documenting the artist’s life post-transition. She will be joined in conversation with Shena Wolf, director of comics and acquisitions at Andrews McMeel Syndication. Free, via Zoom.

Gina Apostol and Sabina Murray for The Revolution of Raymundo Mata
Tuesday, February 16th, 8:00pm EST
Loyalty Bookstore welcomes novelist Gina Apostol in conversation with Sabina Murray (The Human Zoo) about Apostol’s newest book, The Revolution of Raymundo Mata. A contribution of at least $1 is required for entry. Via Crowdcast.

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of Noopiming, with Natalie Diaz
Tuesday, February 16th, 9:00pm EST
Award-winning Nishnaabeg storyteller and writer Leanne Betasamosake Simpson will discuss her new book, Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies, in conversation with poet Natalie Diaz (Post-Colonial Love Song) for the Elliott Bay Book Company. Free, with registration.

Skylit: Afterlife by Jason Loo and Chip Zdarsky, with Paul F. Tompkins
Tuesday, February 16th, 9:30pm EST
Jason Loo and Chip Zdarsky, co-creators of the Eisner Award winning digital comic series, Afterlift, will join in conversation with comedian, improvisor, and actor Paul F. Tompkins for Skylift books. Free, via Crowdcast.

Book Launch: The Slip by Kary Wayson, featuring Mary Szybist and Alison Stagner
Tuesday, February 16th, 10:00pm EST
Hugo House will celebrate the launch of Kary Wayson’s latest book, The Slip, with readings featuring the author as well as poets Mary Szybist (Incarnadine) and Alison Stagner (The Thing That Brought the Shadow Here). Free, via Zoom.

Literary Lunch: Susan Conley talks about Landslide with Jaed Coffin
Wednesday, February 17th, 12:00pm EST
The Portland Public Library welcomes local Maine author Susan Conley to discuss her new novel, Landslide, with writer and assistant professor Jaed Coffin (Roughhouse Friday). Free, via Zoom. 

The New Social Environment #236: Radical Poetry with Pamela Sneed
Wednesday, February 17th, 1:00pm EST
Poet Pamela Sneed (Funeral Diva) will curate the 25th Radical Poetry Reading presented by The Brooklyn Rail, featuring readings from Kyle Dacuyan, Devyn Mañibo (Already Felt), Emilio Rojas, and Omotara James (Song of My Softening). Free, via Zoom. Register here.

Offen Poetry Reading with Krista Franklin
Wednesday, February 17th, 2:00pm EST
Established in memory of poet and editor Ron Offen, the Ron Offen Poetry Prize brings one Chicago poet to campus each year for a public reading. This year’s featured poet is writer and visual artist Krista Franklin (Too Much Midnight) who will read alongside a UChicago student chosen from an anonymous group of submissions. Free, with registration.

Castles from Cobwebs Launch – J.A. Mensah in conversation with Sara Hunt
Wednesday, February 17th, 2:00pm EST
Writers at York presents the online book launch of Castles from Cobwebs, a debut novel by J.A. Mensah. Mensah will be interviewed by founder and publisher at Saraband, Sara Hunt. Free, with registration.

Lucie Elven presents The Weak Spot, with Kathryn Scanlan
Wednesday, February 17th, 5:00pm EST
Lucie Elven joins the Community Bookstore of Park Slope, Brooklyn to present her new novel, The Weak Spot, in conversation with author Kathryn Scanlan (The Dominant Animal). Free. Register here.

P&P Live! Lily Poetry Review Books Panel
Wednesday, February 17th, 6:00pm EST
Authors Chloe Yelena Miller (Viable), Laura Van Prooyen (Frances of the Wider Field), and Jeff Oaks (Little What) will celebrate their recent releases from Lily Poetry Review Books on Politics and Prose Live! Free, with registration.

Count Four Philly Release Party 
Wednesday, February 17th, 6:30pm EST
A Novel Idea on Passyunk will host this virtual Count Four Philly Release Party featuring readings from poets Alina Pleskova, Edgar Kunz (Tap Out), Elizabeth Scanlon (Lonesome Gnosis), Raena Shirali (GILT), and Keith Kopka (Count Four). Free, with a suggested donation of $5. Via Zoom.

CBH Talks: White Feminism and the Worker of Color
Wednesday, February 17th, 6:30pm EST
Author of the new book, White Feminism, former Jezebel editor-in-chief Koa Beck will join in conversation with Black authors Roxane Gay (The Banks), Brittney Cooper (Eloquent Rage), and legendary author and activist Barbara Smith (Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around). This series is co-presented by the Center for Brooklyn History and the Ms. Foundation for Women. Free, with registration.

Tara Betts: Black Language and Music
Wednesday, February 17th, 7:00pm EST
Presented by Lehman College as part of Lift Every Voice, a nationwide celebration of 250 years of African American Poetry, author and professor Tara Betts (Break the Habit). Free. Register here.

Lily King: Writers & Lovers with Emma Straub
Wednesday, February 17th, 7:00pm EST
Books Are Magic celebrates the paperback release of Writers & Lovers, with a virtual conversation between the author, Lily King, and Books Are Magic owner, Emma Straub (All Adults Here). Free, with registration.

One Drop: Yaba Blay in conversation with Susana Morris
Wednesday, February 17th, 7:30pm EST
Charis Books welcomes Dr. Yaba Blay in conversation with associate professor and writer Susana Morris (The Crunk Feminist Collection) for a celebration of Blay’s new book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race. The event will be co-sponsored by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. Free, via Crowdcast.

Powell’s Books presents Nicole Perlroth in conversation with John Markoff
Wednesday, February 17th, 8:00pm EST
New York Times reporter Nicole Perlroth will present her new book, This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends, with John Markoff (Machines of Loving Grace), former New York Times cybersecurity reporter. Free, via Zoom.

Gabriel Bump and Deesha Philyaw for Everywhere You Don’t Belong
Wednesday, February 17th, 8:00pm EST
Loyalty Bookstores will celebrate the paperback release of Gabriel Bump’s novel Everywhere You Don’t Belong in this virtual event featuring the author in conversation with writer Deesha Philyaw (The Secret Lives of Church Ladies). A donation of at least $1 is required for entry, with donations going to Black Lives Matter DC. Via Crowdcast.

Sarah Schulman and Prageeta Sharma
Wednesday, February 17th, 8:00pm EST
The Poetry Project welcomes writers and scholars Sarah Schulman (Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP, NY 1987-1993) and Prageeta Sharma (Grief Sequence) for a reading and discussion of the complex navigations of care and conflict. Free, via Zoom.

P&P Live! Zak Salih | Let’s Get Back to the Party with Louis Bayard
Wednesday, February 17th, 8:00pm EST
Writer Zak Salih will celebrate the release of his debut novel, Let’s Get Back to the Party, in this event presented by Politics and Prose Live! He will be joined in conversation with author Louis Bayard (Lucky Strikes). Free, with registration.

BreakBeat Poets Presents: Lineage of Rain, A Celebration
Wednesday, February 17th, 8:00pm EST
Haymarket Books will celebrate the release of Janel Pineda’s debut poetry chapbook, Lineage of Rain with special guest readers Kay Ulanday Barrett (More Than Organs), féi hernandez (Hood Criatura), Vanessa Angélica Villareal (Beast Meridian), and Jihyun Yun (Some Are Always Hungry). Hosted by poet José Olivarez (Citizen Illegal). Free, via Zoom.

Brontez Purnell in Conversation with Melissa Broder
Wednesday, February 17th, 9:00pm EST
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers will celebrate the launch of Brontez Purnell’s new book, 100 Boyfriends, with a virtual discussion featuring Melissa Broder (Milk Fed). Free. Register here.

WeHo Reads 2021: Amplifying New Voices
Wednesday, February 17th, 9:00pm EST
In celebration of Black History Month, critically acclaimed writer Danez Smith (HOMIE), will sit in conversation with fellow poet Aurielle Marie (Gumbo Ya Ya) to read and discuss their works. Featuring musical guest Robbie Pollock. Free. Watch here. RSVP here to get a reminder.

Kink: On and Off The Page
Wednesday, February 17th, 9:00pm EST
Kink.com in partnership with Green Apple Books presents an exclusive launch party for the new short story fiction anthology, KINK, edited by authors R.O. Kwon (The Incendiaries) and Garth Greenwell (Cleanness). The event will feature a panel with the editors and artist, educator, and activist Nika Cherrelle, licensed psychologist Dr. Liz Powell, Kink.com’s Community Relations Manager Dusty, and sex worker Mia Little. Tickets start at $20 and can be reserved here.

Skylit: The Echo Wife, by Sarah Gailey with Gillian Flynn
Wednesday, February 17th, 9:00pm EST
Hugo Award-winning author Sarah Gailey will discuss her new book, The Echo Wife, with bestselling author Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) for Skylit Books. Free, via Crowdcast.

2020-21 Hugo Fellows Mid-Year Reading
Wednesday, February 17th, 10:00pm EST
The current Hugo House Fellows will read from the projects they’ve been working on for their mid-year reading — works nourished by the Audre Lorde poem, “A Litany for Survival,” with the theme of “A Litany for [      ]”. Writers Brian Dang, Cassidy Dyce, Clare Johnson, Frances Lee (Toward an Ethics of Activism), Stephanie Segura, and Arianne True will read.  Their mentors, Hugo House writers-in-residence, Laura Da’ (Instruments of the True Measure) and Ruth Joffre (Night Beast) will emcee the evening. Free, via Zoom.

Her True-True Name: Celebration/Conference
Thursday, February 18th, 10:00am – 5:00pm EST
Sponsored by the Center for Literary & Comparative Studies, the Latin American Studies Center,  and the Office of International Affairs and Global Classrooms, the University of Maryland will celebrate and commemorate the 1989 publication of Her True-True Name, a collection of creative writing by Caribbean women, in this virtual conference. The collection, edited by Pamela Mordecai (de book of Mary) and Elizabeth (Betty) Wilson, published Caribbean writers such as Ana Lydia Vega (True & False Romances), Dionne Brand (An Autobiography of the Autobiography of Reading), and Maryse Condé (The Wondrous and Tragic Life of Ivan and Ivana). The conference will include both writers and scholars presenting about the work of the various language-groups. Live captioning is available and some presentations will have simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish. Free, with registration.

P&P Live! Poetry Reading: Singing in the Dark
Thursday, February 18th, 12:00pm EST
Writers Nishi Chawla, K. Satchidanandan (Oru Cheriya Vasantam), and contributors read and discuss their poetic contributions to Singing in the Dark: A Global Anthology of Poetry Under Lockdown, on Politics and Prose Live! Free. Register here.

Shelf Life: Unfit: Virginia’s History of Eugenics
Thursday, February 18th, 12:00pm EST
Historians Elizabeth Catte (Pure America: Eugenics and the Making of Modern Virginia) and Adam Cohen (Imbeciles: The Supreme Court, American Eugenics, and the Sterilization of Carrie Buck) discuss the history of eugenics and reproductive injustice in Virginia’s state hospitals and world at large. Co-hosted by Encyclopedia Virginia and the Virginia Festival of the Book. Free, with registration.

André Gregory | A Rain Taxi Event
Thursday, February 18th, 6:30pm EST
Rain Taxi presents a virtual conversation with André Gregory and Christina Baldwin to discuss his life and the recent release of his book, This is Not My Memoir. Free, via Crowdcast.

The Business of Publishing: AfricanFuturism Edition
Thursday, February 18th, 7:00pm EST
Enoch Pratt Free Library presents a panel discussion and Q&A on how AfricanFuturism reflects the societal and cultural struggles of African people and their descendants. Panelists include Nnedi Okorafor (Remote Control), Jalynn Harris (Exit Thru the Afro), Saida Agostini (Stunt), and artist Afua Richardson. ASL interpretation will be available for attendees. Free, with registration.

Voices: Celebrating the Legacies of Toni Morrison and Audre Lorde
Thursday, February 18thm 7:00pm EST
To celebrate the legacies and ancestral birthdays of Toni Morrison (The Source of Self Regard) and Audre Lorde (A Burst of Light), contemporary poets Kasaundra Hamilton, Jessica Mitchell, and San Antonio’s first African American Poet Laureate, Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, will perform their work and participate in a round-table discussion on the writers’ lasting contributions to the American literary canon and Black Feminist Thought. Free, with registration.

Brooklyn Poets reading with Ricky Maldonado, Hafizah Geter, and Tarfia Faizullah
Thursday, February 18th, 7:00pm EST
Brooklyn Public Library will host a virtual reading with Brooklyn Poets, featuring Ricky Maldonado (The Life Assignment), Hafizah Geter (Un-American), and Tarfia Faizullah (Registers of Illuminated Villages)—  who will read from new work. Free, via Zoom.

The Sellout: Paul Beatty in conversation with Oscar Villalon
Thursday, February 18th, 8:00pm EST
ZYZZYVA managing editor Oscar Villalon will lead a free, hour-long conversation with award-winning author Paul Beatty, which will include a reading by Beatty and questions from the audience. Produced by Alta. Via Zoom.

The BreakBeat Poets: A Night of Poetry and Performance
Thursday, February 18th, 8:00pm EST
BookBar will host a virtual poetry reading and performance by The BreakBeat Poets featuring Idris Goodwin (Can I Kick It?), Alexa Patrick, Lisa Marie Rollins, and Marcus Wicker (Silencer). Free. Register here.

In the Mood for Love Poems: A Poetry Reading and Celebration
Thursday, February 18th, 8:00pm EST
White Whale Bookstore presents a belated Valentine’s reading with Faylita Hicks (HoodWitch), Benjamin Garcia (Thrown in the Throat), Jubi Arriola-Headley (original kink), Kenzie Allen, Allison Adair (The Clearing), and Matthew Olzmann (Contradictions in the Design). Free, with registration.

Bill Gates: Interviewed by Anderson Cooper
Thursday, February 18th, 10:30pm EST
To discuss his new book, How To Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, Bill Gates will star in a pre-recorded interview session with Anderson Cooper. Presented by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Tickets are based on a pay-what-you-can pricing scale and can be purchased here.

Universal Tonality Virtual Book Launch | Live Panel
Friday, February 19th, 12:00pm EST
Senior Executive Editor at Duke University Press Ken Wissoker will host a panel and Q&A to celebrate the publication of Cisco Bradley’s Universal Tonality, a new biography of jazz musician William Parker. Bradley will be joined by William Parker and Anthony Reed (Soundworks). Free, with registration.

Literature as Archive II: A Reading and Conversation ft. Elias Khoury and Susan Abulhawa
Friday, February 19th, 12:00pm EST
The University of Notre Dame welcomes writers Elias Khoury (Children of the Ghetto) and Susan Abulhawa (Against the Loveless World) for the second installment of their Literatures of Annihilation, Exile, and Resistance series. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Chana Morgenstern, University Lecturer in Postcolonial and Middle East Literature at Cambridge University and Hilary Rantisi, Associate Director of the Religion, Conflict and Peace Initiative at Harvard Divinity School. Free, via Zoom.

BreakBeat Poets Presents: Camonghne Felix vs. Morgan Parker
Friday, February 19th, 6:00pm EST
Two dynamic BreakBeat Poets, Camonghne Felix (Build Yourself a Boat) and Morgan Parker (Magical Negro) go poem for poem on the themes that inspire them from Cortney Lamar Charleston’s new collection, Doppelgangbanger. The event will be recorded and have live captioning. Free, with donations welcome to support programming and independent publishing at Haymarket Books. Register here.

P&P Live! Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick with Michelle Alexander
Friday, February 19th, 6:00pm EST
Co-authors Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick discuss their new book, Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics, with critically acclaimed lawyer, advocate, legal scholar and author Michelle Alexander (The New Jim Crow). Free, with registration.

Celebrating Black Voices: A Black History Month Author Panel
Friday, February 19th, 7:00pm EST
Brookline Booksmith will be joined by a panel of incredible authors in celebration of Black History Month. The panel will include authors Desmond Hall (Your Corner Dark), Christina Hammonds Reed (The Black Kids), Nancy Johnson (The Kindest Lie), B.B. Alston (Amari and the Night Brothers), and E. Dolores Johnson (Say I’m Dead). Free, via Zoom.

Michele Morano in Conversation with John T. Price
Friday, February 19th, 8:00pm EST
Prairie Lights Virtual welcomes nonfiction author Michele Morano, who will read from her latest essay collection, Like Love, and be joined in conversation by John T. Price (Daddy Long Legs). This reading is part of The Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction. Free, via Zoom.

Heather McGhee | The Sum of Us with Alex Wagner
Friday, February 19th, 8:00pm EST
Heather McGhee shares her powerful exploration of inequality and racism in a discussion of her latest book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, for Politics and Prose. She will be joined in conversation by journalist and television host, Alex Wagner (Futureface). Free. Register here.

An Evening with nature writer Robert Michael Pyle and actor David Cross
Friday, February 19th, 9:00pm EST
Powell’s Books will host a live event featuring local nature writer and butterfly expert Dr. Robert Michael Pyle in conversation with actor David Cross as they discuss their roles in the recent film, The Dark Divide— a fictionalized account of Pyle’s 1995 trek across the Gifford Pinchot Wilderness in search of new butterfly species and in grief after losing his wife. The film is based on Pyle’s book, Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide. The event will be moderated by author Kathleen Dean Moore (Earth’s Wild Music). Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased prior to the event here.

P&P Live! Happy All the Time: A Celebration of Laurie Colwin
Saturday, February 20th, 3:00pm EST
For Politics and Prose, fiction writers Katherine Heiny (Early Morning Riser) and Lauren Mechling (How Could She) delve into the late Laurie Colwin’s breadth of work, including her novel, Happy All the Time. Free, with registration.

Segue Reading Series: t’ai freedom ford and Terrance Hayes
Saturday, February 20th, 5:00pm EST
The Segue Reading Series from Artists Space welcomes award-winning poets, t’ai freedom ford (& more black) and Terrance Hayes (To Float in The Space Between) for a digital reading of their work. Suggested donation is $5. Via Zoom.

Poets in Print: Joy Priest and Adam Clay
Saturday, February 20th, 7:00pm EST
The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center welcomes poets Joy Priest (Horsepower) and Adam Clay (To Make Room for the Sea) for a virtual reading. Free, via Zoom.

LA Review of Books and UCR Honor Rita Dove, Joy Harjo, Juan Felipe Herrera
Saturday, February 20th, 7:00pm EST
The Los Angeles Review of Books presents acclaimed poets Rita Dove, Joy Harjo, and Juan Felipe Herrera the 6th Annual LARB/UCR Lifetime Achievement Award in this special virtual event. A special poetry reading featuring the three honorees as well as tributes from Safiya Sinclair (Cannibal), Jose Javier Zamora (Unaccompanied), Rigoberto González (The Book of Ruin), Dean Rader (Self-Portrait as Wikipedia Entry), and others will read. There will also be an interview with the honorees and a special Q&A segment with young, emerging poets. All attendees will receive a special gift book bundle featuring autographed copies of Rita Dove’s Collected Poems 1974-2004, Joy Harjo’s American Sunrise, and Juan Felipe Herrera’s Everyday We Get More Illegal shipped to their home. Program tickets start at $250, with additional priced options to sponsor a young poet. Reserve them here.

Virtual Event: Ethan Hawke
Saturday, February 20th, 7:00pm EST
Acclaimed writer and four-time Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke discusses his latest novel, A Bright Ray of Darkness. Presented by Harvard Book Store. Tickets start at $33 and include a hardcover copy of the novel. Reserve a ticket here.

February Watershed Reading
Saturday, February 20th, 8:00pm EST
Art Lit Lab welcomes poets Brittany Rogers, Lauren Russell (Descent), Nicholas Nichols, and Ayokunle Falomo (African, American) for their second reading of 2021. The reading will be followed by a brief Q&A with the poets and will be streamed live on Youtube and Facebook. Watch live here.

BookPeople + Live Talks LA Present: An Evening with Sarah J. Maas
Saturday, February 20th, 8:00pm EST
BookPeople will partner with Live Talks LA in celebration of the release of A Court of Silver Flames with the author, Sarah J. Maas. Tickets begin at $33 and include a copy of the new book for domestic and international attendees. Register here.

Susan Conley in conversation with Kerri Arsenault
Saturday, February 20th, 9:30pm EST
Auntie’s Bookstore welcomes authors Susan Conley and Kerri Arsenault (Mill Town) to discuss Conley’s new novel, Landslide. Free, via Zoom.

Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer
Sunday, February 21st, 4:00pm EST
An Unlikely Story welcomes Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer to celebrate their recently released picture book, The ABCs of Black History. Free, via Crowdcast.

French Dive and Finna: Eric Freeze and Nate Marshall in Conversation
Sunday, February 21st, 6:00pm EST
BookBar welcomes authors Eric Freeze (French Dive) and Nate Marshall (Finna) in a discussion of their work and what it means to be a neighbor, a community member, and a global citizen. Following their discussion will be a Q&A. Free, via Crowdcast.

Jessica Gigot, Chloe Yelena Miller, and Jen Stewart Fueston: Group Poetry Reading
Sunday, February 21st, 7:00pm EST
The Virtual Readings Gallery presents poets Jessica Gigot (Feeding Hour), Chloe Yelena Miller (Viable), and Jen Stewart Fueston (Madonna, Complex) for a reading. Free, with a suggested donation of $3 to support the author series, staffing, and Village Books. Via Crowdcast.

Jeff Porter in conversation with Meghan Daum
Sunday, February 21st, 8:00pm EST
Author Jeff Porter will discuss his new book, Planet Claire, with fellow author Meghan Daum (The Problem with Everything). Presented by the Boswell Book Company. 

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