High of Your Stack – Suggestions from Guide Passage – San Francisco Bay Instances

Jay’s gay agenda (YA Fiction) by Jason June

Jay Collier knows one thing for sure: As the only gay boy in his small rural Washington town, he’s an anomaly. While his classmates are constantly discussing their heterosexual relationships, Jay can only dream of his own firsts. From debut novelist Jason June comes a unique story that is as funny as it is moving. It’s a sex positive story about the complexities of first dates, first love, first breakups, and first heartbreak. The focus of Jay’s Gay Agenda is how to be true to yourself.

The death of Vivek Oji (Fiction) by Akwaeke Emezi

When dealing with a distant father and an overprotective mother, Vivek suffers from disorienting blackouts. In addition, he often experiences moments of pathetic loneliness when grappling with the complexities of not being able to be overtly gay in an oppressed Nigerian community. As adolescence gives way to adulthood, Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm, boisterous daughters of the Nigerwives, foreign-born women married to Nigerian men. His closest bond, however, is to Osita, the worldly and open-minded cousin who disguises a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens on multiple levels, Osita’s secret gives way to a breathtaking act of violence in a moment of heady freedom. The Death of Vivek Oji is a quick read that is completely engaging. This is the impressive sequel to the novel Freshwater by author Akwaeke Emezi (they / them), which was awarded the New York Times Notable Book.

Paradise: A city’s struggle to survive an American wildfire (Non-fiction) by Lizzie Johnson

On November 8, 2018, residents of Paradise, California woke to a gray-speckled sky and gusty winds. Soon the campfire was overhead, devouring an acre every second. Less than two hours after the fire broke out, the city was on fire, with residents locked in their homes and cars. The next morning, 85 people were dead. As a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, Lizzie Johnson was there when the city of Paradise burned. She saw the smoldering rubble of a historic covered bridge and the beloved Black Bear Diner and stayed long after, visiting accommodations, hotels and makeshift camps. Based on years of on-site reporting and countless public records, including emergency calls and testimony from a grand jury investigation, Johnson delivers a report of the campfire every minute. This ranks as the definitive first-hand account of America’s deadliest forest fire in a century. It astounded the nation and shook a community to the core, but this compelling news coverage delivers an infinitely important cautionary tale of a formidable journalistic talent.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday November 10th at 1pm (live online) – Hitha Palepu, We Speak: The Lessons of the Life of Kamala Harris

We’re Speaking offers inspiring lessons about living, working, and overcoming adversity, starting with Kamala Harriss’ standard-breaking rise to Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris is one of the most formidable political figures in our country, New Age, as the first – but not last – black and Asian-American vice president. After spending her entire career smashing glass ceilings and influencing the next generation of young women, Harris has completely redefined what it means to be a woman in politics. In We’re Speaking, Palepu combines insightful stories from Harris’ unique biography with tactical advice that will teach you to own the power of your crowd, realize and live your ambition, and develop your unique voice and style. Best of all, We’re Speaking will make you feel like you’re following in Harris’ footsteps – blowing even glass ceilings while living the life of your dreams!

Wednesday, November 10th at 5.30 p.m. (personal event / ticket event at the Dominican University) – Lidia Matticchio Bastianich in conversation with Noah Galuten, A Pot, a Pan and a Bowl. From the popular television chef and bestselling author comes a collection of her favorite recipes for tasty, straightforward Italian food that uses just one pot or pan (or two). Don’t miss this companion cookbook to the public TV series Lidia’s Kitchen: Home Cooking. Lidia Bastianich – Doyenne of Italian Cooking (Chicago Times) – makes Italian cooking easy for everyone with this new, beautifully designed and user-friendly cookbook. Here are 100+ homely, easy-to-make recipes that take fewer steps and fewer ingredients (not to mention less messy pots and pans) without losing any taste.

Saturday, November 13th at 7.30pm (Live / Ticket event at Masonic Auditorium, SF) – Katie Couric in conversation with actress Leslie Jordan
Katie’s new memoir Going There is an absolutely compelling and extremely honest story of her rise to the top of the broadcasting world, complete with high highs and heartbreaking lows. This fall, she’s visiting cities across the United States with some very special celebrity guests for incredible conversations that will inspire and excite you.

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Published on November 4, 2021