Literature

Paula McLain’s “When the Stars Go Dark” is a tragic thriller written with grace and hope. (Author photo courtesy Melanie Acevedo)

SFPD detective at center of sensitive novel ‘When the Stars Go Dark’

Paula McLain’s latest is an astute thriller

 

Chaney Kwak descibes a wild cruise during an epic storm in “The Passenger.” (Author photo courtesy Michael Baca)

‘The Passenger’ hilariously recounts one travel writer’s adventures

Chaney Kwak amusingly dispels myths about cruising, and much more

 

The involving historical novel “The Bohemians” imagines photographer Dorothea Lange’s life in San Francisco. (Courtesy photo)

‘Bohemians’ explores life of legendary photographer Dorothea Lange

Artist’s talent, compassion revealed in Jasmin Darznik’s historical novel

 

Teacher and activist Benjamin Bac Sierra is the author of “Pura Neta,” a novel about life in San Francisco’s Mission. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)

Benjamin Bac Sierra: From San Pancho with amor

Former street kid spreads love with teaching, writing, activism

Teacher and activist Benjamin Bac Sierra is the author of “Pura Neta,” a novel about life in San Francisco’s Mission. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
Poet-philosopher Elsa Gidlow released her autobiography, “Elsa, I Come with My Songs,” in 1986. (Courtesy Marcelina Martin)

The times are finally catching up with Elsa Gidlow

Lesbian, poet, nature lover created bohemian artists community in Mill Valley

  • Mar 14, 2021
Poet-philosopher Elsa Gidlow released her autobiography, “Elsa, I Come with My Songs,” in 1986. (Courtesy Marcelina Martin)
Katherine Seligman’s “At the Edge of the Haight” tells the story of a homeless woman who lives in Golden Gate Park. (Courtesy Algonquin Books)

Novel insightfully looks at the lives of homeless people

Katherine Seligman offers empathy in the ‘At the Edge of the Haight’

Katherine Seligman’s “At the Edge of the Haight” tells the story of a homeless woman who lives in Golden Gate Park. (Courtesy Algonquin Books)
From left, Natasha Dennerstein, Gar McVey-Russell, Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Jan Steckel and Miah Jeffra appear in Perfectly Queer’s fifth anniversary reading on Jan. 20.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>

Perfectly Queer reading series celebrates fifth anniversary

Online event features five writers, games, prizes

From left, Natasha Dennerstein, Gar McVey-Russell, Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Jan Steckel and Miah Jeffra appear in Perfectly Queer’s fifth anniversary reading on Jan. 20.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>
"Fifth Chinese Daughter" and "Lost Department Stores of San Francisco" are two engaging non-fiction titles touching on The City's rich history. (Courtesy photos)

A diverse reading list to welcome 2021

Here are 10 recommended books, many with SF ties

"Fifth Chinese Daughter" and "Lost Department Stores of San Francisco" are two engaging non-fiction titles touching on The City's rich history. (Courtesy photos)
Andrew Faulk wrote "My Epidemic." (Courtesy photo)

Doctor’s memoir a fitting remembrance for World AIDS Day

‘My Epidemic’ tells personal stories of men who died

Andrew Faulk wrote "My Epidemic." (Courtesy photo)
South Bay author Mickie Winkler’s one term as Menlo Park’s mayor inspired her new humorous book. (Courtesy photo)

Funny musings from Menlo Park’s former mayor

Mickie Winkler takes on daily life, politics in illustrated collection

South Bay author Mickie Winkler’s one term as Menlo Park’s mayor inspired her new humorous book. (Courtesy photo)
Reza Farazmand of “Poorly Drawn Lines” fame has written his first full-length graphic novel. (Author photo courtesy Vivian Sachs)

‘Poorly Drawn Lines’ creator Reza Farazmand debuts ‘City Monster’

Friends go on a funny low-stakes mission in new full-length graphic novel

Reza Farazmand of “Poorly Drawn Lines” fame has written his first full-length graphic novel. (Author photo courtesy Vivian Sachs)
Obi Kaufmann’s new nature and art volume is “The Forests of California.” (Courtesy photo)

Forum on ‘Forests of California’ towers at virtual Litquake

Beloved SF literary festival goes online during pandemic, remains jam-packed

Obi Kaufmann’s new nature and art volume is “The Forests of California.” (Courtesy photo)
Yaa Gyasi has followed her acclaimed novel “Homegoing” with “Transcendent Kingdom,” about the experiences of a family from Ghana living in America. (Courtesy Peter Hurley/Vilcek Foundation) .

Yaa Gyasi’s ‘Transcendent Kingdom’ is masterful

Sweeping novel addresses hopes, tragedies of Ghanaian family in U.S.

Yaa Gyasi has followed her acclaimed novel “Homegoing” with “Transcendent Kingdom,” about the experiences of a family from Ghana living in America. (Courtesy Peter Hurley/Vilcek Foundation) .
Caitlin Donohue’s book about women politicians describes their challenges as well as successes. (Courtesy Chelsea Starr)

‘She Represents’ tells stories of modern women politicians

Book for teens digs deeper than ‘girl power’ volumes

Caitlin Donohue’s book about women politicians describes their challenges as well as successes. (Courtesy Chelsea Starr)
Funny guidebook assists ‘People of Pallor’

Funny guidebook assists ‘People of Pallor’

East Bay author shares ‘what not to say to Black people’

Funny guidebook assists ‘People of Pallor’
Marke Bieschke protests at a rally he organized in October 2014 against corporate media and in support of independent newspapers. (Courtesy Mona Caron)

Book details history of protests for young activists

48 Hills publisher Marke Bieschke aims to educate about power of dissent

Marke Bieschke protests at a rally he organized in October 2014 against corporate media and in support of independent newspapers. (Courtesy Mona Caron)
Tim Seelig is promoting his new memoir in an online event during Pride week. (Author photo courtesy Nick Leoni)

A journey from straight Texas to gay San Francisco

S.F. Gay Men’s Chorus director pens stirring memoir

Tim Seelig is promoting his new memoir in an online event during Pride week. (Author photo courtesy Nick Leoni)
H.P. Mendoza’s San Francisco-set “Fruit Fly” closes CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home on May 22. (Courtesy CAAMFest)

Jam-packed Asian Pacific American Heritage Month goes online

Share culture in books, food, films, fine art, music, panels

H.P. Mendoza’s San Francisco-set “Fruit Fly” closes CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home on May 22. (Courtesy CAAMFest)
“Heaven,” Emerson Whitney’s poetic memoir, is the topic of a City Lights Booksellers online talk on May 6. (Courtesy McSweeney’s)

City Lights virtual book talks continue in May

Authors, editors, translators discuss new titles

“Heaven,” Emerson Whitney’s poetic memoir, is the topic of a City Lights Booksellers online talk on May 6. (Courtesy McSweeney’s)
Colum McCann appears in two Bay Area events to promote his novel “Apeirogon.” (Author photo courtesy Elizabeth Eagle)

‘Apeirogon’ looks at Middle East with empathy

Colum McCann’s novel explores loss, friendship between rivals

Colum McCann appears in two Bay Area events to promote his novel “Apeirogon.” (Author photo courtesy Elizabeth Eagle)