Silent Water (& Dream Books) Productions
Honoring the Difficult & Divine
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Our Mission
We will bring some of the most dynamic writers, artists and activists from diverse backgrounds to uplift books/art and spark change. The Diversity Project is a creative outlet dedicated to female and BIPOC voices, and a consulting agency supporting stores and venues looking to incorporate diverse representation to their customers and communities. The primary goal of The Diversity Project is to use various media platforms and promotional pieces to elevate unique BIPOC and female issues and stories.
Our Focus
Topical issues and relevant books will be presented by writers, other artists and agents of change. For too long BIPOC and women have been marginalized in the literary and activist circles, but recently their stories have become more appreciated and sought after. Now more than ever as the world is facing unique challenges and changing drastically on several levels, people need the healing aspect(?) of diverse and inclusive communities. As such, SWP will creatively and effectively connect the writers/artists with the targeted audiences and merchants.
Our Values
Educate I Entertain I Engage I Inspire
Honoring the Difficult & Divine
_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________
___________________
Our Mission
We will bring some of the most dynamic writers, artists and activists from diverse backgrounds to uplift books/art and spark change. The Diversity Project is a creative outlet dedicated to female and BIPOC voices, and a consulting agency supporting stores and venues looking to incorporate diverse representation to their customers and communities. The primary goal of The Diversity Project is to use various media platforms and promotional pieces to elevate unique BIPOC and female issues and stories.
Our Focus
Topical issues and relevant books will be presented by writers, other artists and agents of change. For too long BIPOC and women have been marginalized in the literary and activist circles, but recently their stories have become more appreciated and sought after. Now more than ever as the world is facing unique challenges and changing drastically on several levels, people need the healing aspect(?) of diverse and inclusive communities. As such, SWP will creatively and effectively connect the writers/artists with the targeted audiences and merchants.
Our Values
Educate I Entertain I Engage I Inspire
At SWP, we curate, promote and moderate live and lively topical interviews and other type of events with authors, artists and activists. We do so by using various media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and other virtual outlets. Be it for our own SWP events or on behalf of our clients, we provide full service curation. From more simple one-on-one discussions, book promotions and launches, to complex special panel events, we bring all the necessary elements together. Whether virtually or in-person; whether intimate or larger functions, it all matters to us, and these presentations allow us and our clients to engage our audience.
Series Curator/Moderator
PAULA FARMER is a buyer and event host/moderator for Book Passage bookstores, having overseen hundreds of author events during her tenure there. In recent years, she’s been known for curating special panel events such as “Race in America” and “Immigration in America.” Additionally, she was selected to chair the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee for the California Independent Booksellers Association (2019- present). Paula was recently (2021) selected by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) to be on their Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee board. Her background is as a news journalist/producer for outlets such as CBS Radio, ABC Radio, and a film and theater reviewer for the Detroit Metro Times, and Culture Vulture online arts magazine. After growing up in Detroit, and spending several years in New York, she now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where in addition to holding positions at Book Passage, she continues work as a freelance journalist and website writer. For more information on Paula go HERE.
____________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
_____________
SPECIAL AUTHOR INTERVIEW EVENTS FOR Book Passage and other clients
Upcoming Events
Rebecca Carroll - Paula will be introducing/hosting author Rebecca Carroll and her in-conversation partner, filmmaker Gina Prince-Blythewood ("Love and Basketball"). They will be discussing Rebecca Carroll's stunning, new memoir, "Surviving the White Gaze." The event is free, but you must register at bookpassage.com or Event Brite (more info to come) / Thurs., March 25th at 5:00 PT
Speaking Of ..." series - Paula Farmer on Instagram Live in conversation
@paulawritesreviews
Celebrate WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH with these changemakers & me! All March on IG LIVE
Daisy Hernández - is the author of the award-winning memoir "A Cup of Water Under My Bed" and coeditor of "Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today's Feminism." The former editor of ColorLines magazine, she has reported for National Geographic, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Slate, and she has written for NPR's All Things Considered and CodeSwitch. Her essays and fiction have appeared in Aster(ix), Bellingham Review, Brevity, Dogwood, Fourth Genre, Gulf Coast, Juked, and Rumpus among other journals.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, March 3rd at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Cathy Rath - We're celebrating International Women's Day with an author and women's health educator and advocate - For the past 10 years, Cathy Rath has taught Women’s Health at SF State University, extending its reach in more recent years to graduate students participating in SFSU’s Post Baccalaureate health promotions program. She also added Community Organizing in Community Health to her courses. When she isn’t teaching, she is busy following her own creative paths as a writer and copy editor. Her piercing debut novel, “Ripple Effect,” is available now. This story of family secrets and self discovery that spans several decades is destined to be a favorite of literary fiction book clubs all over.
Join the discussion - Monday, March 8th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Cydney Tucker - is a journalist, filmmaker and freelance photographer currently based in Atlanta documenting the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 as it disproportionately impacts Black Americans. She came to our attention through her documentary short, "Rebyrth Wellness," about an Atlanta-based doula working to save the lives of Black mothers in their journey from pregnancy to motherhood. Cydney has written and produced content for a variety of legacy and digital media organizations including CBS News, NBC News, Al Jazeera International (AJ+), and RYOT. She is presently working on a film for the New York Times Presents’s Hulu/FX documentary series.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, March 17th at 3:00 PT / 6:00 ET
EVENT NOTES FROM OUR GUESTS
From the Feb. 9th event with author/environmental activist, Aya de Leon: Article from Wired magazine (Mary Annaise Heglar) 4. 1. 2020 - find the article HERE
_____________________________
ARCHIVED EVENTS
Past IG Live events include the dynamic speakers and topics below. You can access the recorded versions on the Instagram page @paulawritesreviews. Just click on the IGTV icon on the homepage.
From 2021 -
Pam Grady - President, SF Bay Area Film Critics Assoc. - We're talking diversity in Hollywood, industry controversy and our "Top Ten" films of 2020 just before the awards season kicks off. On the heels of the Academy of Arts & Sciences implementing diversity and inclusion guidelines for Oscar Award consideration, the studios and industry pivoted to streaming platforms. The moves quickly made all involved the target of controversy. Pam and I will discuss these issues, along with our top picks in the year that was especially challenging to even determine a criteria. Pam Grady is a San Francisco freelance writer who contributes to the San Francisco Chronicle, 48 Hills, and other publications. She is the president of the San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Association. Her website is cinezinekane.com.
Get out your popcorn and Join the discussion- Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Orin Carpenter - Speaking Of ... Black brilliance, art and social messaging. Visual artist Orin Carpenter style is diverse but with a preference for mixed media. "My style is infused with the relationship I have with the subject matter, so the union can evolve right before your eyes. I truly learn more about who I am as an artist during this particular time because I am uninhibited and unrestrained. My ultimate goal is to welcome the viewer an opportunity to share in the journey."
Orin currently has pieces on display at Macy’s Union Square in the Black History, Black Brilliance exhibit on the 5th floor. This exhibit will be up for the month of February celebrating Black History Month. We'll be discussing his current exhibit, his artistic journey and the challenges for BIPOC artists in the highly competitive, predominately white world of art. Join the discussion - Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 3:00 PT/ 6:00 ET
Larissa Pham - Larissa Pham is a writer living in Brooklyn. She has written for Adult, Guernica, The Nation and Nerve. Pham studied painting and art history at Yale University. Just in time for Valentine's weekend, we'll be discussing her contribution to KINK, the newly release book. KINK is a dynamic anthology of literary fiction that opens an imaginative door into the world of desire. Other contributors include Roxanne Gay and Chris Kraus. Join the discussion - Friday, Feb. 12th at 3:00 PT / 6:00
Aya de Leon - Aya de Leon is a novelist, poet, activist, mom, UC Berkeley faculty, and hip hop theater artist. For the last 8 years she’s been consistently writing on race, gender and culture. She is very vocal advocate on environmental issues as well. Her Justice Hustlers series includes UPTOWN THIEF, THE BOSS, THE ACCIDENTAL MISTRESS, and SIDE CHICK NATION. Her latest book just released last month is SPY IN THE STRUGGLE. Join the discussion - Tuesday, Feb. 9th at 4:00 PT
Anna Malaika Tubbs - I will be in conversation with advocate, scholar and debut nonfiction author, Malaika Tubbs as she introduces readers to Alberta King, Berdis Baldwin and Louise Little, three Black women born at the beginning of the 20th century. Much has been written about their famous sons, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. Precious little has been written about the women themselves, their families and early childhoods, the men they loved and lost, the joys and pains of raising their children in a cruel and violent country, and the resilience and the resistance of being black women in America. THE THREE MOTHERS represent a piece of history left untold and a celebration of Black motherhood long overdue.Tues. Feb. 2nd at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Lenny Duncan - "Just another Black queer writer trying to survive “America”. Lenny is the author of "United States of Grace" and "Dear Church." Lenny is a nationally recognized writer, speaker, preacher, thinker, and agitator who has centered most of his theological work in the task of dismantling White Supremacy. Buckle up, get ready to be inspired, and join us for what is sure to be a dynamic talk about his writings, preaching, politics and social justice.Tuesday, Jan. 26th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Linda Gonzalez - New Year, Same Sh*@, Better Perspective - Linda is a successful and passionate bilingual life coach, writer, and speaker, I draw on many years of fruitful experience working with diverse individuals and groups in the creative arts, non-profit, educational, health care, corporate, and government sectors. Grounded in multicultural wisdom, my purpose is to inspire people to embark on a creative journey of balance and healing for this and future generations. Her new book, "Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling," offers simple, proven prosperity practices to address power dynamics faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous,and People of Color) and other underrepresented communities. You can begin today to identify and uproot unhealthy patterns and replace them with consistent thoughts and behaviors to embrace a full-hearted life—even in environments that do not support your well-being. Wednesday, Jan. 13th
Anita Gail Jones - Writer & Organizer, Anita's Peach Corp (California Volunteers for Ossoff and Warnock) - On Tuesday, Jan. 5th all eyes will be on the Georgia Senate race. Helping to flip the state to blue, is tireless volunteer organizer and Georgia native, Anita Gail Jones. She is a resident of the SF Bay Area, but continues to monitor and help in their elections. As such, she rallied up some of the California troops to help her home state send Democrats to Congress in their special election. We may not know the winners by the time of our talk, but Anita will give us her predictions and share her insights. You don't want to miss this spontaneous by exciting event!
Tues., Jan. 5th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
2020 Interviews included ...
Lisa Ludwinski
Tyrinne Lewis
Calvin Crosby
Brian Copeland
Darci Little Badger
Ian Haney Lopez
Julie Rubio
Margaret Kimberly
Zack Norris ____________________________
Past Book Passage & other client/ Paula Farmer events
Dan Morain - Paula will be introducing/ hosting journalist and biographer, Dan Morain as he discusses his new book, "Kamal's Way." The book is a revelatory biography of the first Black woman to stand for Vice President, charting how the daughter of two immigrants in segregated California became one of this country’s most effective power players.
Thursday, Jan. 28th at 6:00 PT / 9:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Lily Diamond & Rebecca Walker - Paula will be introducing/hosting these two authors as they discuss their new book, "What's Your Story" journal. It Consisting of 150+ questions—designed to be answered in as little as five minutes or as long as a lifetime—What’s Your Story?: A Journal for Everyday Evolution is essential for anyone ready to begin living their most authentic, creative, and meaningful life
Wednesday, Jan. 17th at 4:00 PT/ 7:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Ruby Bridges - Paula will be in-conversation with Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges—who, at the age of six, was the first black child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans—inspires readers and calls for action in this moving letter. Her elegant, memorable gift book is especially uplifting in the wake of Kamala Harris making US history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president–elect. Her new book is written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, "This Is Your Time" is both a recounting of Ruby’s experience as a child who had to be escorted to class by federal marshals when she was chosen to be one of the first black students to integrate into New Orleans’ all-white public school system and an appeal to generations to come to effect change.
Wednesday, Dec. 16th at 4:00 PT/ 7:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Register for this free event at bookpassage.com
CALIBA "Virtually Speaking" series -
Mychal Denzel Smith - Paula Farmer will head up the conversation with writer, television commentator and author of the 2016 released book, "Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching" They'll be discussing Smith's dynamic and timely new nonfiction book, "Stakes is Hight: Life After the American Dream." Find out why he's a major voice for his generation. Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 5th at 3:15 PT
Luvvie Ajayi Jones - Save the date for my talk with the vivacious and inspiring author, speaker and podcast host, Luvvie Ajayi Jones. She truly thrives at the intersection of comedy, justice, and professional troublemaking. We'll be getting early information about her upcoming book, "Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual," due out next spring. Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 13th at 2:00 PT
Our Favorite Books 2020 - Paula Farmer & guest Tyrinne Lewis (Dec. 9th show)- For this special edition show, Paula and bookseller, Tyrinne Lewis discussed their personal favorite titles of 2020 and previewed a few to look for in early 2021. As promised and about time, here are their lists in alpha order by title:
Tyrinne's Favs
Fiction:
All My Mother's Lovers - Ilana Masad
The Duke Who Didn't - Courtney Milan
Luster - Raven Leilani
Memorial - Bryan Washington
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Saving Ruby King - Catherine Adel West
Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Nonfiction:
Hood Feminism - Mikki Kendall
Magical Language of Others - E.J. Koh
White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
_________________________________________________________
Paula's Picks
Fiction:
Death of Vivek Oji - Akwaeke Emezi
Homeland Elegies - Ayad Akhtar
Interior Chinatown - Charles Yu
Leave the World Behind - Rumaan Alam
Memorial - Bryan Washington
Migrations - Charlotte McConaghy
Searcher (mystery) - Tana French
Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Water Dancer - Ta Nehisi Coates
Winter Counts (mystery) - David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Honorable Mention:
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick (short stories) - Zora Neale Hurston
Deacon King Kong - James McBride
Confessions on the 7:45 (mystery) - Lisa Unger
Nonfiction:
Begin Again - Eddie Glaude, Jr.
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson
Dirt (memoir)- Bill Buford
Hood Feminism (memoir) - Mikki Kendall
How to Argue with a Racist - Adam Rutherford
Intimations (memoir/essays) - Zadie Smith
Our Time is Now - Stacey Abrams
Purpose of Power (memoir) - Alicia Garza
Stakes is High - Mychal Denzel Smith
We Keep Us Safe - Zach Norris
MERCHANDISE
Are you tired of seeing the same ol' faces on book totes? They are often dead and monochromatic, and usually men. Not here. With the "Mixed Bag" selection we are featuring diversity and contemporary, along with some classic figures. The project is in early days, with varying stages of production. As soon as the inventory increases, you will be alerted and encouraged to buy for yourself, for friends, family and fellow book lovers.
Series Curator/Moderator
PAULA FARMER is a buyer and event host/moderator for Book Passage bookstores, having overseen hundreds of author events during her tenure there. In recent years, she’s been known for curating special panel events such as “Race in America” and “Immigration in America.” Additionally, she was selected to chair the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee for the California Independent Booksellers Association (2019- present). Paula was recently (2021) selected by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) to be on their Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee board. Her background is as a news journalist/producer for outlets such as CBS Radio, ABC Radio, and a film and theater reviewer for the Detroit Metro Times, and Culture Vulture online arts magazine. After growing up in Detroit, and spending several years in New York, she now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where in addition to holding positions at Book Passage, she continues work as a freelance journalist and website writer. For more information on Paula go HERE.
____________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
_____________
SPECIAL AUTHOR INTERVIEW EVENTS FOR Book Passage and other clients
Upcoming Events
Rebecca Carroll - Paula will be introducing/hosting author Rebecca Carroll and her in-conversation partner, filmmaker Gina Prince-Blythewood ("Love and Basketball"). They will be discussing Rebecca Carroll's stunning, new memoir, "Surviving the White Gaze." The event is free, but you must register at bookpassage.com or Event Brite (more info to come) / Thurs., March 25th at 5:00 PT
Speaking Of ..." series - Paula Farmer on Instagram Live in conversation
@paulawritesreviews
Celebrate WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH with these changemakers & me! All March on IG LIVE
Daisy Hernández - is the author of the award-winning memoir "A Cup of Water Under My Bed" and coeditor of "Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today's Feminism." The former editor of ColorLines magazine, she has reported for National Geographic, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Slate, and she has written for NPR's All Things Considered and CodeSwitch. Her essays and fiction have appeared in Aster(ix), Bellingham Review, Brevity, Dogwood, Fourth Genre, Gulf Coast, Juked, and Rumpus among other journals.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, March 3rd at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Cathy Rath - We're celebrating International Women's Day with an author and women's health educator and advocate - For the past 10 years, Cathy Rath has taught Women’s Health at SF State University, extending its reach in more recent years to graduate students participating in SFSU’s Post Baccalaureate health promotions program. She also added Community Organizing in Community Health to her courses. When she isn’t teaching, she is busy following her own creative paths as a writer and copy editor. Her piercing debut novel, “Ripple Effect,” is available now. This story of family secrets and self discovery that spans several decades is destined to be a favorite of literary fiction book clubs all over.
Join the discussion - Monday, March 8th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Cydney Tucker - is a journalist, filmmaker and freelance photographer currently based in Atlanta documenting the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 as it disproportionately impacts Black Americans. She came to our attention through her documentary short, "Rebyrth Wellness," about an Atlanta-based doula working to save the lives of Black mothers in their journey from pregnancy to motherhood. Cydney has written and produced content for a variety of legacy and digital media organizations including CBS News, NBC News, Al Jazeera International (AJ+), and RYOT. She is presently working on a film for the New York Times Presents’s Hulu/FX documentary series.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, March 17th at 3:00 PT / 6:00 ET
EVENT NOTES FROM OUR GUESTS
From the Feb. 9th event with author/environmental activist, Aya de Leon: Article from Wired magazine (Mary Annaise Heglar) 4. 1. 2020 - find the article HERE
_____________________________
ARCHIVED EVENTS
Past IG Live events include the dynamic speakers and topics below. You can access the recorded versions on the Instagram page @paulawritesreviews. Just click on the IGTV icon on the homepage.
From 2021 -
Pam Grady - President, SF Bay Area Film Critics Assoc. - We're talking diversity in Hollywood, industry controversy and our "Top Ten" films of 2020 just before the awards season kicks off. On the heels of the Academy of Arts & Sciences implementing diversity and inclusion guidelines for Oscar Award consideration, the studios and industry pivoted to streaming platforms. The moves quickly made all involved the target of controversy. Pam and I will discuss these issues, along with our top picks in the year that was especially challenging to even determine a criteria. Pam Grady is a San Francisco freelance writer who contributes to the San Francisco Chronicle, 48 Hills, and other publications. She is the president of the San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Association. Her website is cinezinekane.com.
Get out your popcorn and Join the discussion- Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Orin Carpenter - Speaking Of ... Black brilliance, art and social messaging. Visual artist Orin Carpenter style is diverse but with a preference for mixed media. "My style is infused with the relationship I have with the subject matter, so the union can evolve right before your eyes. I truly learn more about who I am as an artist during this particular time because I am uninhibited and unrestrained. My ultimate goal is to welcome the viewer an opportunity to share in the journey."
Orin currently has pieces on display at Macy’s Union Square in the Black History, Black Brilliance exhibit on the 5th floor. This exhibit will be up for the month of February celebrating Black History Month. We'll be discussing his current exhibit, his artistic journey and the challenges for BIPOC artists in the highly competitive, predominately white world of art. Join the discussion - Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 3:00 PT/ 6:00 ET
Larissa Pham - Larissa Pham is a writer living in Brooklyn. She has written for Adult, Guernica, The Nation and Nerve. Pham studied painting and art history at Yale University. Just in time for Valentine's weekend, we'll be discussing her contribution to KINK, the newly release book. KINK is a dynamic anthology of literary fiction that opens an imaginative door into the world of desire. Other contributors include Roxanne Gay and Chris Kraus. Join the discussion - Friday, Feb. 12th at 3:00 PT / 6:00
Aya de Leon - Aya de Leon is a novelist, poet, activist, mom, UC Berkeley faculty, and hip hop theater artist. For the last 8 years she’s been consistently writing on race, gender and culture. She is very vocal advocate on environmental issues as well. Her Justice Hustlers series includes UPTOWN THIEF, THE BOSS, THE ACCIDENTAL MISTRESS, and SIDE CHICK NATION. Her latest book just released last month is SPY IN THE STRUGGLE. Join the discussion - Tuesday, Feb. 9th at 4:00 PT
Anna Malaika Tubbs - I will be in conversation with advocate, scholar and debut nonfiction author, Malaika Tubbs as she introduces readers to Alberta King, Berdis Baldwin and Louise Little, three Black women born at the beginning of the 20th century. Much has been written about their famous sons, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. Precious little has been written about the women themselves, their families and early childhoods, the men they loved and lost, the joys and pains of raising their children in a cruel and violent country, and the resilience and the resistance of being black women in America. THE THREE MOTHERS represent a piece of history left untold and a celebration of Black motherhood long overdue.Tues. Feb. 2nd at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Lenny Duncan - "Just another Black queer writer trying to survive “America”. Lenny is the author of "United States of Grace" and "Dear Church." Lenny is a nationally recognized writer, speaker, preacher, thinker, and agitator who has centered most of his theological work in the task of dismantling White Supremacy. Buckle up, get ready to be inspired, and join us for what is sure to be a dynamic talk about his writings, preaching, politics and social justice.Tuesday, Jan. 26th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
Linda Gonzalez - New Year, Same Sh*@, Better Perspective - Linda is a successful and passionate bilingual life coach, writer, and speaker, I draw on many years of fruitful experience working with diverse individuals and groups in the creative arts, non-profit, educational, health care, corporate, and government sectors. Grounded in multicultural wisdom, my purpose is to inspire people to embark on a creative journey of balance and healing for this and future generations. Her new book, "Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling," offers simple, proven prosperity practices to address power dynamics faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous,and People of Color) and other underrepresented communities. You can begin today to identify and uproot unhealthy patterns and replace them with consistent thoughts and behaviors to embrace a full-hearted life—even in environments that do not support your well-being. Wednesday, Jan. 13th
Anita Gail Jones - Writer & Organizer, Anita's Peach Corp (California Volunteers for Ossoff and Warnock) - On Tuesday, Jan. 5th all eyes will be on the Georgia Senate race. Helping to flip the state to blue, is tireless volunteer organizer and Georgia native, Anita Gail Jones. She is a resident of the SF Bay Area, but continues to monitor and help in their elections. As such, she rallied up some of the California troops to help her home state send Democrats to Congress in their special election. We may not know the winners by the time of our talk, but Anita will give us her predictions and share her insights. You don't want to miss this spontaneous by exciting event!
Tues., Jan. 5th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
2020 Interviews included ...
Lisa Ludwinski
Tyrinne Lewis
Calvin Crosby
Brian Copeland
Darci Little Badger
Ian Haney Lopez
Julie Rubio
Margaret Kimberly
Zack Norris ____________________________
Past Book Passage & other client/ Paula Farmer events
Dan Morain - Paula will be introducing/ hosting journalist and biographer, Dan Morain as he discusses his new book, "Kamal's Way." The book is a revelatory biography of the first Black woman to stand for Vice President, charting how the daughter of two immigrants in segregated California became one of this country’s most effective power players.
Thursday, Jan. 28th at 6:00 PT / 9:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Lily Diamond & Rebecca Walker - Paula will be introducing/hosting these two authors as they discuss their new book, "What's Your Story" journal. It Consisting of 150+ questions—designed to be answered in as little as five minutes or as long as a lifetime—What’s Your Story?: A Journal for Everyday Evolution is essential for anyone ready to begin living their most authentic, creative, and meaningful life
Wednesday, Jan. 17th at 4:00 PT/ 7:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Ruby Bridges - Paula will be in-conversation with Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges—who, at the age of six, was the first black child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans—inspires readers and calls for action in this moving letter. Her elegant, memorable gift book is especially uplifting in the wake of Kamala Harris making US history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president–elect. Her new book is written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, "This Is Your Time" is both a recounting of Ruby’s experience as a child who had to be escorted to class by federal marshals when she was chosen to be one of the first black students to integrate into New Orleans’ all-white public school system and an appeal to generations to come to effect change.
Wednesday, Dec. 16th at 4:00 PT/ 7:00 ET - archived through bookpassage.com
Register for this free event at bookpassage.com
CALIBA "Virtually Speaking" series -
Mychal Denzel Smith - Paula Farmer will head up the conversation with writer, television commentator and author of the 2016 released book, "Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching" They'll be discussing Smith's dynamic and timely new nonfiction book, "Stakes is Hight: Life After the American Dream." Find out why he's a major voice for his generation. Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 5th at 3:15 PT
Luvvie Ajayi Jones - Save the date for my talk with the vivacious and inspiring author, speaker and podcast host, Luvvie Ajayi Jones. She truly thrives at the intersection of comedy, justice, and professional troublemaking. We'll be getting early information about her upcoming book, "Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual," due out next spring. Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 13th at 2:00 PT
Our Favorite Books 2020 - Paula Farmer & guest Tyrinne Lewis (Dec. 9th show)- For this special edition show, Paula and bookseller, Tyrinne Lewis discussed their personal favorite titles of 2020 and previewed a few to look for in early 2021. As promised and about time, here are their lists in alpha order by title:
Tyrinne's Favs
Fiction:
All My Mother's Lovers - Ilana Masad
The Duke Who Didn't - Courtney Milan
Luster - Raven Leilani
Memorial - Bryan Washington
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Saving Ruby King - Catherine Adel West
Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Nonfiction:
Hood Feminism - Mikki Kendall
Magical Language of Others - E.J. Koh
White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
_________________________________________________________
Paula's Picks
Fiction:
Death of Vivek Oji - Akwaeke Emezi
Homeland Elegies - Ayad Akhtar
Interior Chinatown - Charles Yu
Leave the World Behind - Rumaan Alam
Memorial - Bryan Washington
Migrations - Charlotte McConaghy
Searcher (mystery) - Tana French
Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Water Dancer - Ta Nehisi Coates
Winter Counts (mystery) - David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Honorable Mention:
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick (short stories) - Zora Neale Hurston
Deacon King Kong - James McBride
Confessions on the 7:45 (mystery) - Lisa Unger
Nonfiction:
Begin Again - Eddie Glaude, Jr.
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson
Dirt (memoir)- Bill Buford
Hood Feminism (memoir) - Mikki Kendall
How to Argue with a Racist - Adam Rutherford
Intimations (memoir/essays) - Zadie Smith
Our Time is Now - Stacey Abrams
Purpose of Power (memoir) - Alicia Garza
Stakes is High - Mychal Denzel Smith
We Keep Us Safe - Zach Norris
MERCHANDISE
Are you tired of seeing the same ol' faces on book totes? They are often dead and monochromatic, and usually men. Not here. With the "Mixed Bag" selection we are featuring diversity and contemporary, along with some classic figures. The project is in early days, with varying stages of production. As soon as the inventory increases, you will be alerted and encouraged to buy for yourself, for friends, family and fellow book lovers.
