Blast off with children/teen Sci-fi author KATIE SLIVENSKY
Porter Square Books welcomes children/teen author KATIE SLIVENSKY with her first book: The Countdown Conspiracy. The Martian meets The Goonies in this out-of-this-world middle grade debut where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Miranda Regent can’t believe she was just chosen as one of six kids from around the world to train for the first ever mission to Mars. But as soon as the official announcement is made, she begins receiving anonymous threatening messages…and when the training base is attacked, it looks like Miranda is the intended target. Now the entire mission–and everyone’s lives–are at risk. And Miranda may be the only one who can save them.
This event is not ticketed.
The Countdown Conspiracy is currently on pre-order at Porter Square Books.
If you cannot attend the event, you can still get a signed copy by purchasing the book online and mentioning in the comments section at checkout that you want it signed (or personalized). This must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the event.
Poet SIMONE JOHN launches collection: Testify, joined by poet KRYSTEN HILL
Porter Square Books welcomes SIMONE JOHN with local poet KRYSTEN HILL as JOHN launches her first full-length poetry collection: Testify.
JOHN’s first full-length book of poems experiments with documentary poetics to uplift stories of black people impacted by state-sanctioned violence. Testify is ultimately a book of witness. It “burdens” its readers “with knowing.” Combined, both chapters serve as an unflinching critique of race and gender supremacy in the United States.
This event is not ticketed.
Midwinter Fire: A Poetry Reading with JOY LADIN, GAIL THOMAS, and LESLEA NEWMAN
Poets JOY LADIN, GAIL THOMAS, and LESLEA NEWMAN who have all had recent books published by Headmistress Press will read new and forthcoming work. JOY LADIN is the author of Fireworks in the Graveyard; GAIL THOMAS is the author of Odd Mercy, and LESLEA NEWMAN is the author of Lovely.
Book Launch for Avaton by DIMITRIOS BAFALOUKOS
Book Launch for Avaton, by Greek author DIMITRIOS BAFALOUKOS with 13 Paintings by Dimitris Mytaras.
Keynote Speaker: Peter Bien, Professor Emeritus, Dartmouth College.
Poetry Reading: Vassiliki Rapti and Peter Bottéas.
Background Greek Music by the Music Ensemble Esthema.
Reception to follow. This event is open to the public.
Book Launch: SUSAN TAN’s “Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Book Is a Classic”
About the Book:
Priscilla “Cilla” Lee-Jenkins has just finished her (future) bestselling memoir, and now she’s ready to write a Classic. This one promises to have everything: Romance, Adventure, and plenty of Drama–like Cilla’s struggles to “be more Chinese,” be the perfect flower girl at Aunt Eva’s wedding, and learn how to share her best friend.
In Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Book Is a Classic, author Susan Tan seamlessly weaves experiences as a Chinese American with universal stories about being a big sister, making friends, and overcoming fears. Cilla Lee-Jenkins will bulldoze her way into your heart in this winning middle grade novel about family, friendship, and finding your voice.
About the author:
SUSAN TAN has lived many places in her life, but calls Concord, Massachusetts, home. She grew up in a mixed-race family, and, like Cilla Lee-Jenkins, had very little hair until the age of five. After studying at Williams College, she earned her PhD from the University of Cambridge, where she studied children’s literature. She currently lives in Somerville, enjoys frequent trips to Chinatown to eat tzuck sang, and teaches at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Paperback Launch of Crystal King’s FEAST OF SORROW
Come celebrate the paperback launch of Crystal King’s acclaimed debut, FEAST OF SORROW (Touchstone Books/Simon and Schuster), hailed as “a delight to the senses” by Library Journal (starred review) and long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Crystal, a culinary enthusiast, will speak about the food customs of Ancient Rome and share the story of Apicius, the famous first-century gourmand who inspired the world’s oldest cookbook, and the ambition that led to his destruction.
Reading from Forest Hills Cemetery-inspired Novel
BETH CATRODALE will read from her new novel In This Ground, which is set almost entirely in a cemetery. She will also discuss how Jamaica Plain’s historic Forest Hills Cemetery served as an inspiration for the book.
Book Launch for “My Real Name Is Hanna”
TARA LYNN MASIH’S debut novel for young readers and adults launches this month. My Real Name Is Hanna won a 2018 Skipping Stones Honor Award and comes highly recommended by the Jewish Book Council. Inspired by a real family who sought refuge in underground caves in Ukraine during World War II. Free, with refreshments and book signing at the Andover Bookstore’s new location (parking free and behind the store).
Award Winning Poet MARILYN CHIN with TARA SKURTU at Boston University
Award-winning poet MARILYN CHIN will read at Boston University as part of the Robert Lowell Memorial Reading Series. She will also be launching her new book PORTRAIT OF THE SELF AS NATION. BU Creative Writing MFA alumna TARA SKURTU will also read. The event will be introduced by Robert Pinsky and hosted by the Robert Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University. Free and open to the public, with a reception to follow.
Belmont Bookseller Susan Bernhard presents WINTER LOON
Join us for the book launch of our very own bookseller Susan Bernhard’s debut novel Winter Loon!
A haunting debut novel about family and sacrifice, Winter Loon reminds us of how great a burden the past can be, the toll it exacts, and the freedom that comes from letting it go.
