Literature

Julie Lythcott-Haims honestly explores intense personal and political questions about race in her new book. (Courtesy Kristina Vetter)

Lythcott-Haims’ ‘Real American’ an evocative memoir

Julie Lythcott-Haims, born in 1967 to a white woman and black man,…

Julie Lythcott-Haims honestly explores intense personal and political questions about race in her new book. (Courtesy Kristina Vetter)
Karen Chee, winner of the inaugural The Erma Bombeck

SF (and former SF) humor writers win Erma Bombeck honors

As winners of the first “A Hotel Room of One’s Own” contest,…

Karen Chee, winner of the inaugural The Erma Bombeck
Author Kimberley Lovato insists that readers won't find the information in her new book “Unique Eats & Eateries of San Francisco” on Yelp or in any other guidebook.

‘Unique Eats’ tells stories behind SF dining spots

The main point that food and travel writer Kimberley Lovato makes about…

Author Kimberley Lovato insists that readers won't find the information in her new book “Unique Eats & Eateries of San Francisco” on Yelp or in any other guidebook.
Charlie Varon offers hot soup at his one-man show “Storyborscht.” (Courtesy Myra Levy)

Charlie Varon serves up comfort food in ‘Storyborscht’

At the outset of his new storytelling session, with dining, Charlie Varon…

Charlie Varon offers hot soup at his one-man show “Storyborscht.” (Courtesy Myra Levy)
Frederick Wiseman’s latest extraordinary documentary is “Ex Libris: The New York Public Library.” (Courtesy Zipporah Films)

‘Ex Libris’ a mesmerizing tour of NY libraries

Since the 1960s, Frederick Wiseman has been taking his camera into the…

Frederick Wiseman’s latest extraordinary documentary is “Ex Libris: The New York Public Library.” (Courtesy Zipporah Films)
Terry Jastrow is coming to the Bay Area to promote his new political novel. (Courtesy photo)

Terry Jastrow novel imagines Bush facing war crimes trial

Terry Jastrow, an Emmy Award winning producer (“ABC’s Wide World of Sports,”…

Terry Jastrow is coming to the Bay Area to promote his new political novel. (Courtesy photo)
Meg Gardiner talks about “UNSUB,” her new novel which follows a serial killer not unlike the Zodiac, at Bookshop West Portal. (Courtesy photo)

Zodiac Killer spurs thriller writer Meg Gardiner

For her 13th book, Edgar Award-winner Meg Gardiner decided to take on…

Meg Gardiner talks about “UNSUB,” her new novel which follows a serial killer not unlike the Zodiac, at Bookshop West Portal. (Courtesy photo)
Carlyn Montes De Oca’s new book shows how animals can improve people’s health, and vice versa. (Courtesy photo)

Holistic practitioner’s book touts animal human health connection

Marin-based wellness coach Carlyn Montes De Oca invites folks to take a…

Carlyn Montes De Oca’s new book shows how animals can improve people’s health, and vice versa. (Courtesy photo)
San Francisco poet erica lewis’ new collection “mary wants to be a superwoman” is the second in a trilogy. (Courtesy erica lewis)

SF poet erica lewis takes cue from Stevie Wonder songs

San Francisco poet erica lewis isn’t promoting her new collection “mary wants…

San Francisco poet erica lewis’ new collection “mary wants to be a superwoman” is the second in a trilogy. (Courtesy erica lewis)
In his soulful and fun memoir, John Oates details his personal evolution and his ongoing focus on continuing a career in music. (Courtesy Matt Christine Photography)

John Oates has a melody for a memory

John Oates purposely left out the stuff about sex and affairs and…

In his soulful and fun memoir, John Oates details his personal evolution and his ongoing focus on continuing a career in music. (Courtesy Matt Christine Photography)
From left, Woody Harrelson, Daniel Clowes and Craig Johnson work on the set of “Wilson.” (Courtesy Wilson Webb/20th Century Fox)

Daniel Clowes adapts personal ‘Wilson’ for the big screen

The new movie “Wilson” feels effortless, but it could have been an…

From left, Woody Harrelson, Daniel Clowes and Craig Johnson work on the set of “Wilson.” (Courtesy Wilson Webb/20th Century Fox)
East Bay poet, writer, teacher and playwright Judy Juanita discusses her new book "DeFacto Feminism: Essays Straight Outta Oakland" at the San Francisco Public Library at 6 p.m. Jan. 3. (Courtesy photo)

Judy Juanita details ‘DeFacto Feminism’ in ‘Essays Straight Outta Oakland’

East Bay writer, teacher, poet, playwright, historian and standup comedian Judy Juanita…

East Bay poet, writer, teacher and playwright Judy Juanita discusses her new book "DeFacto Feminism: Essays Straight Outta Oakland" at the San Francisco Public Library at 6 p.m. Jan. 3. (Courtesy photo)
British writer Ruth Whippman has hit upon a hot topic in her book "America the Anxious." (Courtesy photo)

Ruth Whippman speaks on ‘America the Anxious’

Ruth Whipmann, a London filmmaker and writer now living in California, wrote…

British writer Ruth Whippman has hit upon a hot topic in her book "America the Anxious." (Courtesy photo)
Bruce Lee, right, is pictured with student Barney Scollan in Oakland, where he found more like-minded martial arts practitioners than he did in San Francisco. (Courtesy Barney Scollan)

Litquake author reveals SF legacy of martial arts master Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee was known for Hong Kong moves and Hollywood glamour, but…

Bruce Lee, right, is pictured with student Barney Scollan in Oakland, where he found more like-minded martial arts practitioners than he did in San Francisco. (Courtesy Barney Scollan)
Savannah Knoop, left, and Laura Albert appear in “Author: The JT Leroy Story.” (Courtesy Magnolia Pictures)

Laura Albert heals, reflects on JT LeRoy legacy

In late 2005, when San Francisco’s Laura Albert was outed by New…

Savannah Knoop, left, and Laura Albert appear in “Author: The JT Leroy Story.” (Courtesy Magnolia Pictures)
The 15th annual free San Francisco Zine Fest showcases art by more than 150 self-publishers. (Courtesy Liz Acosta)

Do-it-yourself publishers convene at 15th SF Zine Fest

Punk might be dead, but the do-it-yourself publishing scene isn’t. That’s what…

The 15th annual free San Francisco Zine Fest showcases art by more than 150 self-publishers. (Courtesy Liz Acosta)
Sci-fi fantasy writer Sarah Kuhn set her new novel “Heroine Complex” in The City. (Courtesy CapozKnows Photography)

‘Heroine Complex’ has action, fashion, and an Asian-American lead

“It has a little bit of ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’” says writer…

Sci-fi fantasy writer Sarah Kuhn set her new novel “Heroine Complex” in The City. (Courtesy CapozKnows Photography)
Terry McMillan appears in the East Bay to promote her new San Francisco-set novel, “I Almost Forgot About You.” (Courtesy Matthew Jordan Smith)

Terry McMillan finds courage in making changes

Best-selling author Terry McMillan explains how she has built a career on…

Terry McMillan appears in the East Bay to promote her new San Francisco-set novel, “I Almost Forgot About You.” (Courtesy Matthew Jordan Smith)
Viet Thanh Nguyen adds a California Book Award to his collection of honors for “The Sympathizer.” (Courtesy photo)

Diverse winners honored at 85th Cal Book Awards

Viet Thanh Nguyen and Jill Leovy have joined the ranks of John…

Viet Thanh Nguyen adds a California Book Award to his collection of honors for “The Sympathizer.” (Courtesy photo)
Organizers say the 2016 Oakland Book Festival at City Hall boasts more panels and programs than last year’s successful inaugural event. (Courtesy Nicole Fraser)

Oakland’s very own literary festival is a labor of love for The Town

What makes Oakland special? If you ask Timothy Don, it’s a “kind…

Organizers say the 2016 Oakland Book Festival at City Hall boasts more panels and programs than last year’s successful inaugural event. (Courtesy Nicole Fraser)