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Events
There are some debuts that are truly not to be missed, and this is one of them. Running the Rift, winner of the Bellwether Prize, is a breathtaking novel about a Rwandan runner, trying to make his way to the Olympics during the Hutu-Tutsi conflict. The author is equally fascinating -- Benaron is an Ironman triathlete, former siesmologist, and teacher as well as an accomplished writer.
She’ll be in conversation about her novel, running, and more with fellow author and Runner's World writer Steve Friedman. Friedman’s work has appeared in many magazines, including Outside, GQ, Esquire, New York and Runner’s World, where he is Writer at Large. His stories have been cited in numerous "Best of" collections, including The Best American Essays and The Best American Sports Writing. He is the author of five books, including the recently published Driving Lessons and Lost on Treasure Island and co-author, with legendary Scott Jurek, of Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, which will be published in June. Steve’s work can be seen at Stevefriedman.net.
The man responsible for bringing us The State, Wet Hot American Summer and other comedies you probably own, returns to WORD for the paperback release of his dubiously honest, thoroughly engaging chronicle of struggle to write a book, Mr. Funny Pants. Hilarity guaranteed to ensue. Facebook RSVP appreciated!
Largehearted Lit's theme is the New York City novel this month. Jesse Browner will read from his novel Everything Happens Today, set in Greenwich Village, and Joe Wallace will read from his novel Diamond Ruby, which is set in the New York of the 1920s. They will also discuss music's influence on their writing and vice versa, and a musician will share a book anecdote or two and perform. Facebook RSVP appreciated!
The next pick for our new Wodehouse book group is Joy in the Morning. 10% off leading up to discussion!
WORD-favorite funny lady Sara Benincasa will present her memoir Agorafabulous!, which chronicles her journey from agoraphobic youngster to professional smart-ass. Benincasa is an award-winning comedian, writer and host of the popular podcast, Sex and Other Human Activities. She’ll be joined by Glennis McCarthy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Comedy and Rachel Fershleiser of Six Word Memoirs for a party and reading, complete with celebratory refreshments. Facebook RSVP appreciated!
Michael Ian Black, the comedian who really needs no introduction (unless you've been living under a rock for the past decade or so, in which case we highly recommend you go watch some episodes of The State), will be at WORD! Due to high expected attendance, the event itself will be ticketed -- each ticket includes a copy of his new essay collection You're Not Doing It Right and admission to his presentation, conversation with Meghan McCain, and Q&A.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! The signing portion will be open to the public (starting approximately around 8 p.m.), and if you can't make it we're happy to get a copy of the book signed for you -- just click through to the book itself, and let us know in the comments when you check out if you want it signed and/or personalized.
Romance mavens Eloisa James (The Duke is Mine), Sarah MacLean (A Rogue By Any Other Name), and Rodale (The Tattooed Duke) present their newest novels with a panel discussion on romance and the Regency period. How do they write such amazing books? What’s the whole deal with corsets? Why can’t proper ladies drink whiskey? What to do when your beau is a rake? Answers will be served with scones and tea. Facebook RSVP appreciated.
Our next book group pick is Woodsburner by John Pipkin. We're picking this mostly because Jenn has been wanting to read it for years and needs an excuse to finally get around to it, and Stephanie can't believe more people haven't read it. Who wouldn't want to read a novel about Thoreau, the forest fire he accidentally started (true story), and how it changed his life and the lives of those around him? 10% off all February!
Explore the past, present, and future of fantasy and science fiction with authors Myke Cole (Control Point), Hillary Jordan (When She Woke), and Naomi Novik (Crucible of Gold), in discussion with Tor.com staff writer Ryan Britt. They’ll discuss dragons in the Napoleonic Wars, elves in the Pentagon, criminals of (literally) a different color, the state of SF/F, as well as sign books and take questions from the audience. Co-sponsored by Housing Works and WORD in a team-up of epic proportions; please note, the event will take place at Housing Works. Free wine (while supplies last), so get there early!
Next up is A House and Its Head, which we'll discuss March 10th. It is perfect for those in the grip of Downton Abbey fever. 10% off all February!
Feldman's memoir, about her break with her Hasidic upbringing, is making big waves here in Brooklyn. Brought up in the Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism, she found herself 19 years old, married, and a mother -- and she knew she had to leave. Feldman reveals all the details about her struggles to be true to herself as well as to her faith, from her "scandalous" love of Louisa May Alcott to her engagement at 17 and beyond. Come hear her story in person at a reading, signing, and Q&A. Facebook RSVP appreciated.
Get a glimpse into Greenpoint’s history with a walking tour, led by author and photographer Frank Jump. For nearly 20 years, Jump has been documenting the fading ads that are visible, but less often seen, all over New York. Disappearing from the sides of buildings or hidden by new construction, these signs tell the stories of the businesses, places and people whose lives transpired among them.
New York City is eternally evolving. From its iconic skyline to its side alleys, the new is perpetually being built on the debris of the past. But a movement to preserve the city’s vanishing landscapes has emerged. They weave together the city’s unique history, culture, environment and society and tell the stories of the businesses, places and people--the story of New York itself. This photo-documentary is also a study of time and space, of mortality and living, as Jump’s campaign to capture the ads mirrors his own struggle with HIV. Experience the ads--shot with vintage Kodachrome film--and the meaning they carry through acclaimed photographer and urban documentarian Frank Jump’s lens.
During the walking tour and book-signing, Jump will offer a glimpse into Greenpoint's commercial advertising history through remnant fading ads. Don’t let the tour leave without you! We’ll be meeting at the store at 2 p.m., where Frank will introduce the book and give us an overview for the walk, and then we’ll head out at 2:30 p.m. Rain or shine! (If it rains, we’ll have a virtual slideshow tour at WORD instead.) Facebook RSVP appreciated!
Join the HuffPost Book Club and author Gabrielle Hamilton at 7pm on Sunday, March 18th to discuss Hamilton's memoir "Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef." Anthony Bourdain called the book "simply the best memoir by a chef ever. Ever." Haven't read it? Come any way! You can find out why you should read it, plus more about the HuffPost Book Club and what we do, and what book we'll be reading next.
For more information, read our live discussion of the book at http://huff.to/hpbookclub and sign up for the event at http://bbbhpbookclub.eventbrite.com.
You have a totally unique and interesting idea for an article, but you just aren’t getting any bites. Sound familiar? Because we know how hard it can be in the rough and tumble world of freelance journalism, Sadie Magazine wants to help you craft the perfect pitch for magazines, journals, and newspapers. Editors are looking for that ah-hah moment, that moment where something new comes across the desk, either a new angle on a well worn topic, or a new topic all together. Join us for a workshop on Perfecting Your Pitch and discover your own ah-ha moment. Presented by Susannah Wexler and Jesse Sposato of Sadie Magazine.
Leela Corman’s graphic novel Unterzakhn (which is Yiddish for “underthings”) transports us into the Lower East Side of the early 1900s, following young immigrant twins Esther and Fanya as they grow up in -- and grow out of -- their community. Add some Yiddish to your vocabulary, experience her marvelous storytelling, and join us for a presentation and launch party! Facebook RSVP appreciated.

