June is chock-full of awesome events! For more information, contact our front office at office@wab.org or 473-2590 x107. You could also check out the events section of our website.
June 5 – Book Thieves: The Book Thieves is Writers & Books’ “Young Professional” Book Club, now entering its fourth year. Anyone fitting into the young professional niche is welcome to come join our discussions. This month, we’ll be discussing March by Geraldine Brooks.
June 6 – First Friday, Banned Books Projection: Inspired by Beau Beausoleil’s Al-Mutanabbi project and his partnership with the Rochester Public Library, Writers & Books will be having a special projection examining banned books in American and the history of censorship. Join us also for an open mic from 7:00-9:00.
June 7 – Colorful Dances with Rosalie Jones/Daystar: Don’t Miss this Special Event! The ‘colorful’ dances of Native Americans are very often viewed on the basis of their surface appeal and without cultural understanding. This presentation by Daystar/Rosalie Jones (Little Shell Chippewa) will present several Intertribal dances (the Shawl and Jingle, the Grass and the Hoop Dance) as forms of visual storytelling. The cultural origin and the story associated with each dance will be connected to its cultural and historical meanings. The community Round Dance will close the presentation.
June 10 – Genesee Reading Series: Now in its 31st year, the Genesee Reading Series presents writers from the greater Genesee Valley region reading in the Writers & Books Performance Space. This month, join us for readings by Louise Wareham Leonard and Jennifer Pashley.
June 11 – Satire Circle: Ever dream about being the next Jon Stewart or Dorothy Parker? Do Stephen Colbert and SNL speak to your dueling idealism and skepticism? We modestly propose a gathering of local satirists (seasoned or aspiring) for a monthly Satire Circle. Bring a laptop or a pen for lessons, writing time, peer feedback and lots of fun.
June 12 – Bertrand Russell Society:The Bertrand Russell Society was formed shortly after Russell’s death in 1970. Russell (1872-1970) worked in fields such as mathematical logic; philosophy; social, religious, and educational reform; anti-war protests and politics. An accomplished writer, Russell received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. This ongoing lecture series promises to enlighten and entertain. Monthly meetings are open to everyone, not just to members of the society. Join us this month for a lecture and discussion by John Walsh on Mitt Romney’s Supernaturalism.
June 12 – Visiting Writer Workshop with Janie Chodosh:Join Janie Chodosh, Pittsford native and Young Adult author of Death Spiral for a one-night workshop and discussion. Death Spiral is praised as “a smart, surprising novel featuring an in-your-face heroine sure to appeal to teens and adults alike,” and is published by The Poisoned Pencil. In this one-night workshop, class participants will be given several fun prompts to spark their imaginations. After time to write and read out loud, Janie will discuss her book, this exciting new press, and answer questions. This workshop is open to all students, including teens who are serious about their work. Copies of Death Spiral will be available for purchase after the class.
June 19 – Words on Walls Summer Kick Off! Join us for this unique collaboration with Writers & Books and Rochester Love Notes! Details coming soon.
June 21 – Best New Poets: Join us in celebrating America’s young and talented poets. Entering its ninth year, Best New Poets has established itself as a crucial venue for rising poets and a valuable resource for poetry lovers. The only publication of its kind, this annual anthology is made up exclusively of work by writers who have not yet published a full-length book. The poems included in this eclectic sampling represent the best from the many that have been nominated by the country’s top literary magazines and writing programs, as well as some four thousand additional poems submitted through an open online competition. The work of the fifty writers represented here provides the best perspective available on the continuing vitality of poetry as it is being practiced today.On Saturday, June 21 from 7:00-9:00, Writers & Books will be hosting four of the poets featured in Best New Poets, Cori Winrock, Derek JG Williams, Michelle Bonczek Evory and Peter Mishler. Join us to hear their fresh, inspiring work and to celebrate their young talent. Copies of Best New Poets will be available after the reading.
June 26 – History Reading Group: Join Writers & Books’ history buffs as they explore the big issues and personalities of history. We do not choose particular books, but only subjects. You can read any book or other material on the subject and join the discussion.
