Literary readings, book tours, and talks this week — including Alice Walker, Men and Dogs, Marin Poetry Festival, “Adapting to Climate Change,” and more
Wednesday, April 14
Louann Brizendine
Hear Neuropsychiatrist, author, and media commentator Dr. Louann Brizendine discuss her theories on the relationship dynamics that result from the neurobiology of the male and female brains, as outlined by her bestselling books, The Male Brain, and The Female Brain.
8 p.m., $20
Herbst Theater
401 Van Ness, SF
“Let Our Words Be Heard”
Attend this queer writing workshop and open mic that will take on the empowering, interactive process of discovering the use of words for healing, sharing histories, and celebrating community. Part of CUAV’s Safetyfest.
6 p.m., free
Modern Times Bookstore
888 Valencia, SF
The Long Man
Best known for his work on DC Comics’ Detective Comics series in the 1970’s that produced many memorable Batman stories, Steve Englehart discusses his writing career and his new novel, The Long Man, a follow up to his first novel, The Point Man.
7 p.m., $5 suggested donation
Cartoon Art Museum
655 Mission, SF
(415) CAR-TOON
Men and Dogs
Hear San Francisco resident and author Katie Crouch discuss her new book about a girl who’s father went missing on a fishing trip in Charleston and how the mystery of his disappearance tests the whole family’s concept of loyalty and faith years later.
7:30 p.m., free
The Booksmith
1644 Haight, SF
(415) 863-8688
The Montefeltro Conspiracy
Join a humanities forum to discuss Marcello Simonetta’s The Montefeltro Conspiracy, a Renaissance mystery uncovering a nefarious plot, a murder, and a coded letter. In conjuction with the upcoming Humanities West 25th anniversary program, The Florence of the Medici: Commerce, Power, and Art in Renaissance Italy, starting April 30.
5:30 p.m., free
Commonwealth Club
595 Market, 2nd floor, SF
Thursday, April 15
If You Can Read This: The philosophy of bumper stickers
At this reading of his new book, Jack Bowen explores the philosophical ideals reflected in the most popular bumper stickers and claims that every bumper sticker holds at least a kernel of truth.
7:30 p.m., free
The Booksmith
1644 Haight, SF
(415) 863-8688
Noe Valley Celebrates the Book
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Phoenix Books, an independent bookstore in Noe Valley, at this reading by local authors Allison Hoover Bartlett, Tony DuShane, Clare Willis, Lisa Gluskin Stonestreet and with music by Ted Savarese.
6 p.m., free
Phoenix Books
3957 24th St., SF
(415) 821-3477
Friday, April 16
Offbeat Bride
Hear Ariel Meadow Stallings discuss her new book, Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides, where she offers inspiration, encouragement, and advice for brides on a budget.
7:30 p.m., free
The Booksmith
1644 Haight, SF
(415) 863-8688
Saturday, April 17
“Adapting to Climate Change”
Attend this daylong “BioForum” about the challenges of climate change and prospective actions California could take to make a difference. Experts from UC Davis, NOAA, PG&E, and the California Academy of Sciences will be on hand to talk about impacts on local agriculture, fisheries, and energy policies. You might want to ask the PG&E representative why their company is trying to kill progressive, local Community Choice Aggregation efforts for the sake of preserving profits.
9 a.m.; $25, lunch and coffee included
Pacific Energy Center
851 Howard, SF
1-800-794-7576
Melissa Broder
Hear Broder read from her first collection of poems, When You Say One Thing But Mean Your Mother.
6 p.m., free
Elbo Room
647 Valencia, SF
(415) 552-7788
Poetry at Pegasus
Celebrate National Poetry Month at this reading with poets Stephen Ratcliffe, Erica Lewis, and Benjamin Perez.
7:30 p.m., free
Pegasus Books Downtown
2349 Shattuck, Berk.
(510) 649-1320
“The Revolution Starts at Home”
Attend this workshop on practicing community accountability in real life with Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha discussing partner abuse within queer, politicized communities. Part of CUAV’s Safetyfest.
2 p.m., free
Modern Times Bookstore
888 Valencia, SF
2048: Humanity’s Agreement to Live Together
Hear about author Kirk Boyd’s plant to draft an enforceable international agreement that could allow the people of the world to create a social order based on human rights.
7:30 p.m., free
The Booksmith
1644 Haight, SF
(415) 863-8688
Sunday, April 18
Marin Poetry Festival
Enjoy a free afternoon of poetry and music featuring Avotcja and Pedro Rosales, Dancing Bear, C.J. Sage, Adam David Miller, Michelle Baynes, and more.
2 p.m., free
Old Mill Park Amphitheater
300 Throckmorton, Mill Valley
Later in the evening, attend readings featuring San Francisco Poet Laureate Diane di Prima, winner of the 2006 National Book Award in poetry Nathaniel Mackey, and award winning poet Branda Hillman.
7 p.m., $20
Dominican University Campus
Angelico Hall
50 Acacia, San Rafael
“Writing and Publishing the Novel”
Attend this adult writers’ seminar lead by author Jason Roberts with panelists Vendela Vida, Daniel Alarcón, Rabih Alameddine, Andrew Foster Altschul, and Danielle Svetcov discussing the writing process, and issues relating to publishing, agents, and publishing houses.
6:30 p.m., $75
826 Valencia, SF
Monday, April 19
Get Lit!
Bring your own literary contributions or those of your favorite authors to share at this candle lit, wine bar literary salon.
7 p.m., free
1550 Hyde Café and Wine Bar
1550 Hyde, SF
(415) 775-1550
Poetry at Pegasus
Celebrate National Poetry Month at this reading with poets Cheryl Dumesnil, Judy Halebsky, and Tiffany Higgins.
7:30 p.m., free
Pegasus Books Downtown
2349 Shattuck, Berk.
(510) 649-1320
Tuesday, April 20
Diane di Prima
Hear San Francisco Poet Laureate Diane di Prima discuss her career as an activist in the 1960’s, a writer of the Beat movement, author of 43 books of poetry and prose, and many more accomplishments in conversation with Alan Kaufman.
6 p.m., $12
Mechanics Institute
57 Post, SF
(415) 393-0100
For you Mom, Finally
In her latest book, food magazine editor, restaurant critic, and memoirist Ruth Reichl examines her mother’s life, giving voice to the painful truth that many women of our mothers’ generation had to sacrifice their dreams.
11 a.m., $10-18
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Kanbar Hall
3200 California, SF
(415) 292-1233
Alice Walker
Essayist, poet, fiction writer, and ardent social activist Alice Walker will discuss her upcoming book, Overcoming Speechlessness: A Poet Encounters “the horror” in Rwanda, Eastern Congo, and Palestine/Israel, about her travels to each of those three regions, charting the aftermath of violent conflict and political upheaval. In conversation with Michael Krasny.
8 p.m., $20
Herbst Theater
401 Van Ness, SF