TUESDAY
Why We Write About Ourselves: Twenty Memoirists on Why They Expose Themselves (and Others) in the Name of Literature
Feb. 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Powerhouse Arena, 37 Main St (DUMBO)
If you’ve ever read a memoir or a personal essay and wondered about the nuts and bolts behind all the self-exposure, this is the book for you. Twenty memoirists who’ve been through the ringer dish on the struggles of picking over your own dirty laundry to expose hard truths, turning loved ones into characters, and the pleasure and challenge of putting oneself front and center in your own narrative. Contributors Meghan Daum (The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion), AM Homes (May We Be Forgiven) and Darin Strauss (Chang and Eng) will speak.
Queen of the Night: An Evening with Alexander Chee
Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m. at McNally Jackson, 52 Prince St (Nolita)
After 15 years of patient expectation, Alexander Chee, author of the well-loved novel Edinburgh, has come out with a new hit, a sumptuous journey through nineteenth century France, into the past of an opera singer who has plenty to hide. Come to McNally-Jackson to hear Chee speak about his inspiration and research – but also to see a fire-breather perform live.
FRIDAY
Glitter & Grit: Queer Performance from the Heels on Wheels Femme Galaxy
Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m. at JACK, 505 Waverly Ave (Clinton Hill)
Put on your party shoes to celebrate this anthology from Heels on Wheels, a multiracial and working-class-led queer performance organization based in Brooklyn. The book, the group’s first, is a cross-disciplinary mashup from 60 artists and activists in their circle, and includes everything from creative non-fiction and poetry, to stories from the Glitter Roadshow tours and and pro-tips for DIY success. Enjoy a selection of readings and performances at the NYC launch, as well as some special surprises.
SUNDAY
Nursing and Empire Book Release Party
Feb. 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen Street
Sujani K. Reddy’s interdisciplinary study, Nursing & Empire: Gendered Labor and Migration from India to the United States, investigates the relationship between the history of capitalist imperialism, migration, and the many female Indian nurses working in America today. This deep dive not only examines the historical background of this phenomenon, but also draws on extensive life-history interviews to look at the implications of gender, race, class, caste, sexuality, region and religion.