Latest Events in South Hadley(July Updated)

Join us on Thursday, August 7 at 7 PM as Jeannine Atkins talks about her memoir, Knocking on Windows. About the Book Acclaimed author Jeannine Atkins revisits her past in this brave and powerful memoir-in-verse about memory, healing, and finding her voice as a writer, perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Speak . Night darkens the window to mirror. I’m back in my old bedroom. Six weeks after the start of her freshman year of college, Jeannine Atkins finds herself back in her childhood bedroom after an unimaginable trauma. Now home in Massachusetts, she’s struggling to reclaim her life and her voice. Seeking comfort in the words of women, she turns to the lives and stories of Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, and Emily Dickinson. Through raw and poignant letter-poems addressed to these literary giants, Jeannine finds that the process of writing and reflecting has become not only a means of survival but the catalyst for a burgeoning writing career. Inspired and ready to move forward, she enrolls in her state university, where she feeds her growing passion for writing in fiction seminars. But she finds that she’s unable to escape the pervasive misogyny of her classmates and professors, who challenge her to assert her own voice against a backdrop of disbelief and minimalization. This time, though, Jeannine is not willing to go down without a fight. A searingly honest memoir told through gorgeous verse, Knocking on Windows stands as a beacon of hope and a celebration of the enduring spirit of survivors of sexual assault—and of writers. About the Author Jeannine Atkins is best known for her Girls Who Loved the Earth series, including Hidden Powers: Lise Meitner’s Call to Science , which won a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and Green Promises: Girls Who Loved the Earth , published earlier this year. Knocking on Windows: A Memoir explores how Jeannine became a writer while recovering from a rape when she was eighteen. She chronicles silences, setbacks, and the support of friends, therapists, and faculty in the Five College area and includes letter poems to writers who inspired her, including Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called Knocking on Windows “a brave, searing autobiography.” Kirkus Reviews states, “An author known for highlighting courageous women shows herself to be among them.” Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Thursday, August 7 at 7 PM as Jeannine Atkins talks about her memoir, Knocking on Windows. About the BookAcclaimed author Jeannine Atkins revisits her past in this brave and powerful memoir-in-verse about memory, healing, and finding her voice as a writer, perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Speak. Night darkens the window to mirror. I’m back in my old bedroom. Six weeks after the start of her freshman year of college, Jeannine Atkins finds herself back in her childhood bedroom after an unimaginable trauma. Now home in Massachusetts, she’s struggling to reclaim her life and her voice. Seeking comfort in the words of women, she turns to the lives and stories of Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, and Emily Dickinson. Through raw and poignant letter-poems addressed to these literary giants, Jeannine finds that the process of writing and reflecting has become not only a means of survival but the catalyst for a burgeoning writing career. Inspired and ready to move forward, she enrolls in her state university, where she feeds her growing passion for writing in fiction seminars. But she finds that she’s unable to escape the pervasive misogyny of her classmates and professors, who challenge her to assert her own voice against a backdrop of disbelief and minimalization. This time, though, Jeannine is not willing to go down without a fight. A searingly honest memoir told through gorgeous verse, Knocking on Windows stands as a beacon of hope and a celebration of the enduring spirit of survivors of sexual assault—and of writers. About the AuthorJeannine Atkins is best known for her Girls Who Loved the Earth series, including Hidden Powers: Lise Meitner’s Call to Science, which won a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and Green Promises: Girls Who Loved the Earth, published earlier this year. Knocking on Windows: A Memoir explores how Jeannine became a writer while recovering from a rape when she was eighteen. She chronicles silences, setbacks, and the support of friends, therapists, and faculty in the Five College area and includes letter poems to writers who inspired her, including Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called Knocking on Windows “a brave, searing autobiography.” Kirkus Reviews states, “An author known for highlighting courageous women shows herself to be among them.” Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 PM as Shoshana Von Blanckensee presents her new novel, Girls Girls Girls. About the BookA vibrant queer Jewish debut teeming with heart, angst, love, and self discovery (Emily Austin) about a young woman who, caught between the expectations of others and her own evolving desires, is forced to make a series of fraught, life-altering decisions. It’s the summer of ’96 and best friends (and secret girlfriends) Hannah and Sam are driving across the country from Long Beach, New York, to the fabled queer paradise of San Francisco, free from the harsh gazes of their neighbors and the stifling demands of Hannah’s devout Orthodox Jewish mother. In San Francisco, they will finally be together as a real couple, out in the open, around other queer people . . . even if the move means leaving behind Hannah’s beloved Bubbe. When the financial strains of West Coast living push the girls to start stripping at The Chez Paree—yet another secret Hannah must keep from her family—Hannah feels trapped. Sam wants her at the club, but Hannah hates stripping nearly as much as she hates disappointing Sam. Then Hannah meets Chris, an older butch lesbian, who is immediately taken with her. Desperate to stay in San Francisco and away from the leering men at the club, Hannah proposes an escort arrangement. But as Hannah falls deeper into Chris’ world and Sam starts to meet new queer friends, a rift forms between them. Without Sam, who is Hannah? And what does San Francisco mean to Hannah alone—a space rich with queer possibility or an intimidating, unfamiliar place just as lonely as the one she’d left behind? An achingly tender and resonant story of survival, first love, and growing up queer in the '90s, Girls Girls Girls is a piercing exploration of the choices we make in the thrilling and often confounding search for ourselves and home. About the AuthorShoshana von Blanckensee lives in Berkeley, California, with her partner and kids. She is an Oncology Nurse by day, and a writer by any available moment. Girls Girls Girls is her debut novel. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Thursday, August 14 at 7 PM as Jason Mott presents his new novel, People Like Us. This is the August selection of the Odyssey First Editions Club. About the BookThe riveting new novel by the author of the 2021 National Book Award winner and bestseller Hell of a Book People Like Us is Jason Mott’s electric new novel. It is not memoir, yet it has deeply personal connections to Jason’s life. And while rooted in reality, it explodes with dreamlike experiences that pull a reader in and don’t let go, from the ability to time travel to sightings of sea monsters and peacocks, and feelings of love and memory so real they hurt. In People Like Us, two Black writers are trying to find peace and belonging in a world that is riven with gun violence. One is on a global book tour after a big prize win; the other is set to give a speech at a school that has suffered a shooting. And as their two storylines merge, truths and antics abound in equal measure: characters drink booze out of an award trophy; menaces lurk in the shadows; tiny French cars putter around the countryside; handguns seem to hover in the air; and dreams endure against all odds. People Like Us is wickedly funny and achingly sad all at once. It is an utter triumph bursting with larger-than-life characters who deliver a very real take on our world. This book contains characters experiencing deep loss and longing; it also is buoyed by riotous humor and characters who share the deepest love. It is the newest creation of a writer whose work amazes, delivering something utterly new yet instantly recognizable as a Jason Mott novel. Finishing the novel will leave you absolutely breathless and, at the same time, utterly filled with joy for life, changed forever by characters who are people like us. About the AuthorJason Mott has published four novels. His first novel, The Returned, was a New York Times bestseller and was turned into a TV series that ran for two seasons. He has a BFA in Fiction and an MFA in Poetry, both from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His poetry and fiction have appeared in various literary journals, and his most recent novel, Hell of a Book, was named the winner of the National Book Award for Fiction, 2021. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 PM as Kate Woodworth talks about her new novel, Little Great Island. She will be in conversation with Rebekah Cornell and Olivia Aguilar. About the BookOn Little Great Island, climate change is disrupting both life and love After offending the powerful pastor of a cult, Mari McGavin has to flee with her six-year-old son. With no money and no place else to go, she returns to the tiny Maine island where she grew up--a place she swore she'd never see again. There Mari runs into her lifelong friend Harry Richardson, one of the island's summer residents, now back himself to sell his family's summer home. Mari and Harry's lives intertwine once again, setting off a chain of events as unexpected and life altering as the shifts in climate affecting the whole ecosystem of the island...from generations of fishing families to the lobsters and the butterflies. Little Great Island Illustrates in microcosm the greatest changes of our time and the unyielding power of love. About the AuthorKate Woodworth is the author of the novel Racing Into the Dark (EP Dutton, 1989), hailed as “A compelling exploration of mental illness” by Booklist and as an “auspicious debut” by Publishers Weekly. Her short stories have appeared in Cimarron Review, Western Humanities Review, Shenandoah and other literary journals. A retired medical writer in addition to fiction writer, she has received numerous awards and recognition for her writing, including a Pushcart Prize nomination, multiple Utah Arts Council and Dalton Pen Communication Awards, and an International Association of Business Communicators finalist recognition. She received her MFA from Boston University. About Rebekah CornellRebekah Cornell is the Conservation Administrator/Planner and Tree Warden for the town of South Hadley. She has a dual masters degree in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning and a BS in Environmental Design with a concentration in Horticulture. Much of her undergraduate work focused on street trees and community forestry. A childhood in the White Mountains of northern NH engrained her with a love and respect for the environment and our natural resources. Seeing forest and farmland turn into development made her want to be a positive part of planning the built environment – there must be a balance between what we take and what we give to the world around us. She worked for ten years as a private gardener before joining town government work. Locally, she works with the Conservation Commission and property owners on development that not only protects but enhances the environment. Through Growing Wild South Hadley, she works with volunteers to encourage residents to plant native trees, shrubs, and perennial pollinator plants to help support biodiversity and climate resilience at a local level. She believes that with patience, guidance, and care we can all make a positive difference in the natural world around us. About Olivia AguilarOlivia Aguilar (she/her) is the Leslie and Sarah Miller Director of the Miller Worley Center for the Environment and an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Mount Holyoke College. Working with all factions of the college, she helps develop programming, curriculum and strategic planning on issues related to the environment, sustainability and climate justice. Her scholarship lies at the intersection of community, race and transformative learning in environmental education. Specifically, she examines how and why environmental and science learning communities are exclusive and how they can be more inclusive of groups historically marginalized. Her upcoming book, Remember, Resisting and Reimaging: A Latinx Outdoor Experience examines outdoor experiences from a Latinx perspective through the use of cuentos (stories) to help reimagine what it means to be “outdoors”. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Thursday, September 11 at 7 PM as Elizabeth Bear presents her new novel, The Folded Sky. This is Book 3 in the White Space series. About the BookDr. Sunya Song embarks on an interstellar journey across the Milky Way to connect with the artificial intelligence known as Baomind, a moon-sized entity that holds the key to humanity’s survival amidst cosmic challenges and unforeseen threats in Hugo Award–winning author Elizabeth Bear’s next epic science fiction novel. Information doesn’t want to be free. Information wants to vanish without a trace. Sunya Song’s job is to stop that from happening. She’s an archinformist: a specialist historian whose job usually involves sitting at a console at her university job near the Galactic Core, sorting ancient documents and restoring corrupted files. But now, the research opportunity of a lifetime has sent her—along with her teenage children and alien wife—halfway across the galaxy to preserve the data and aid in the retrieval of the archaeological find of the century: an ancient alien artificial intelligence called Baomind. As vast as a stellar system, the Baomind orbits a dying red giant, and the star’s time has nearly ended. The isolated research station and its small fleet of ships come under attack by fanatic Freeport pirates who believe that artificial intelligence is an abomination that must be destroyed, putting the lives of Sunya and her family at risk. Tens of thousands of lightyears from home, isolated from all help, Sunya is the only one who can save them all. About the AuthorElizabeth Bear was born on the same day as Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, but in a different year. She is the Hugo, Sturgeon, Locus, and Astounding Award winning author of over 30 novels and more than a hundred short stories. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

About the BookFrom the acclaimed author of the young adult graphic novelFlamercomes a heartwarming story following four gay Asians navigating love, identity, and friendship—a celebration of queer chosen family.​ When AJ moves to Seattle in the early aughts, he’s ready to reinvent himself as a gay Asian man—but his dreams hit reality fast with no friends, no job, and an apartment so far out, “not even lesbians live there.” Then a spilled drink at a bar introduces him to K, a glamorous drag queen; John, a shy gamer; and Steven, a reckless flirt. AJ’s “Boy Luck Club” helps him find love, pride, and belonging—until a brutal attack tests everything they know about friendship and family. Meticulously observed and gorgeously illustrated, Gaysians is a fierce, funny, and tender story of queer resilience and self-discovery. “I’ve been hunting for books like this my whole life; this story broke my heart and healed it.”—Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer About the AuthorMike Curato an author and illustrator of books for children, teens, and adults. He is best known for his Little Elliot picture book series and his young adult graphic novel, Flamer, which was released to critical acclaim and received several honors including the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult, the 2021 Massachusetts Book Award for Young Adult, and was listed as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. Flamer also has the distinction of being one of the most banned and challenged books in the United States, and Mike has become a fierce advocate of free speech. Gaysians is his adult graphic novel debut. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Tuesday, September 23 at 7 PM as Bailey Seybolt talks about her debut novel, Coram House. She will be joined in conversation by Ann Ward. About the BookSharp Objects meets I Have Some Questions for You in this haunting novel—inspired by a true story—about a crime writer who risks everything as she investigates the mystery of two deaths, decades apart, at a crumbling Vermont orphanage. On a blistering summer day in 1968, nine-year-old Tommy vanishes without a trace from Coram House, an orphanage on the shores of Lake Champlain. Some say a nun drowned him, others say he ran away. Or maybe he never existed. Fifty years later, his disappearance is still unsolved. Struggling true crime writer Alex Kelley needs a fresh start. When she’s asked to ghostwrite a book about the orphanage—and the abuses that occurred there—she packs up her belongings and moves to wintry Burlington, Vermont. As Alex tries to untangle the conflicting stories surrounding Tommy’s disappearance, her investigation takes a chilling turn when she discovers a woman’s body in the lake. Alex is convinced the death is connected to Coram House’s dark past, even if local police officer Russell Parker thinks she’s just desperate for a career-saving story. As the body count rises, Alex must prove that the key to finding the killer lies in Tommy’s murder, or risk becoming the next victim. Drawing inspiration from the real-life stories of St. Joseph’s Orphanage, Coram House “reckons with both the long aftermath of violence and the hazards of writing true crime. It is an eerie, suspenseful mystery, sure to find readers among fans of Tana French” (Flynn Berry, author of Northern Spy). About the AuthorBailey Seybolt grew up in New York City. She studied literature at Brown University and creative writing at Concordia University. She’s worked as a travel writer in Hanoi, a tech writer in San Francisco, and many writerly jobs in between. She now lives with her family in Vermont, not far from Lake Champlain. Coram House is her debut novel. About Ann WardAnn Ward is a writer, editor and teacher originally from Ontario, Canada. Her work has appeared in Lit Angels, Hot Pink, Peach Mag, No Tokens, Minola Review, Powder Keg and elsewhere. She is the recipient of the Daniel & Merrily Glosband Fellowship in Poetry and the Delaney Fellowship in Fiction, and was a 2020 Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellow in Fiction. Ann has an MFA in Fiction from UMass Amherst and teaches at Bard Microcollege Holyoke. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 PM as Angela Flournoy presents her new novel, The Wilderness. About the Book Wonderfully ambitious.... Flournoy explores the complexity of friendship, family, and home in a voice that is expansive yet intimate, humorous yet devastating. I loved this book. — Brit Bennett, author of The Vanishing Half and The Mothers An era-defining novel about five Black women over the course of their twenty-year friendship, as they move through the dizzying and sometimes precarious period between young adulthood and midlife—in the much-anticipated second book from National Book Award finalist Angela Flournoy. Desiree, Danielle, January, Monique, and Nakia are in their early twenties and at the beginning. Of their careers, of marriage, of motherhood, and of big-city lives in New York and Los Angeles. Together, they are finding their way through the wilderness, that period of life when the reality of contemporary adulthood—overwhelming, mysterious, and full of freedom and consequences—swoops in and stays. Desiree and Danielle, sisters whose shared history has done little to prevent their estrangement, nurse bitter family wounds in different ways. January’s got a relationship with a “good” man she feels ambivalent about, even after her surprise pregnancy. Monique, a librarian and aspiring blogger, finds unexpected online fame after calling out the university where she works for its plans to whitewash fraught history. And Nakia is trying to get her restaurant off the ground, without relying on the largesse of her upper middle-class family who wonder aloud if she should be doing something better with her life. As these friends move from the late 2000’s into the late 2020’s, from young adults to grown women, they must figure out what they mean to one another—amid political upheaval, economic and environmental instability, and the increasing volatility of modern American life. The Wilderness is Angela Flournoy’s masterful and kaleidoscopic follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut The Turner House. A generational talent, she captures with disarming wit and electric language how the most profound connections over a lifetime can lie in the tangled, uncertain thicket of friendship. About the AuthorAngela Flournoy is the author of The Turner House, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, an Indie Next pick, and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. Her fiction has appeared in The Paris Review, and she has written for The New York Times, The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, and elsewhere. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Flournoy has taught at the University of Iowa, Princeton University, and UCLA. She lives in New York. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us in person on Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM as Martín Espada reads from his new collection, Jailbreak of Sparrows. He will be joined in conversation by Andre Dubus III. About the bookIn this brilliant new collection of poems, National Book Award winner Martín Espada offers narratives of the forgotten and the unforgettable. The poems in Jailbreak of Sparrows reveal the ways in which the ordinary becomes monumental: family portraits, politically charged reports, and tributes to the unsung. Espada’s focus ranges from the bombardment of his family’s hometown in Puerto Rico amid an anti-colonial uprising to the murder of a Mexican man by police in California, from the poet’s adolescent brawl on a basketball court over martyred baseball hero Roberto Clemente to his unorthodox methods of representing undocumented migrants as a tenant lawyer. We also encounter “love songs” to the poet’s wife from a series of unexpected voices: a bat with vertigo, the polar bear mascot for a minor league ballclub, a disembodied head in a jar. Jailbreak of Sparrows is a collection of arresting poems that roots itself in the image, the musicality of language, and the depth of human experience. “Look at this was all he said, and all he had to say,” the poet says about his father, a photographer who documented his Puerto Rican community in Brooklyn and beyond. The poems of Martín Espada tell us: Look. About Martín EspadaMartín Espada has published more than twenty books as a poet, editor, essayist, and translator. His new book of poems, Jailbreak of Sparrows, was published by Knopf in 2025. His previous book, Floaters, won the National Book Award for Poetry and a Massachusetts Book Award. His poetry collections from Norton include Vivas to Those Who Have Failed (2016), The Trouble Ball (2011), The Republic of Poetry (2006), Alabanza (2003) and Imagine the Angels of Bread (1996). He is the editor of What Saves Us: Poems of Empathy and Outrage in the Age of Trump (2019). Espada has received the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Shelley Memorial Award, the Robert Creeley Award, an Academy of American Poets Fellowship, the PEN/Revson Fellowship, a Letras Boricuas Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. The title poem of his collection Alabanza, about 9/11, has been widely anthologized and performed. His book of essays and poems, Zapata’s Disciple (1998), was banned in Tucson as part of the Mexican-American Studies Program outlawed by the state of Arizona. A former tenant lawyer with Su Clínica Legal in Greater Boston, Espada is a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. www.martinespada.net About Andre Dubus IIIAndre Dubus III’s nine books include the New York Times’ bestsellers House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, and his memoir, Townie. His most recent novel, Such Kindness, was published in June 2023, and a collection of personal essays, Ghost Dogs: On Killers and Kin, was published in March 2024. He is also the editor of Reaching Inside: 50 Acclaimed Authors on 100 Unforgettable Short Stories, (Godine, 2023.) Mr. Dubus has been a finalist for the National Book Award, and has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, The National Magazine Award for Fiction, three Pushcart Prizes, and is a recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature. His books are published in over twenty-five languages, and he teaches at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Information Source: Odyssey Bookshop | eventbrite

Join James Jennings in person on Thursday, November 16, at 7 PM at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA, as he presents his debut novel, Wings of Red. This event is part of the Debut Author Club's December selection. Wings of Red is an inventive and stylish work of autofiction written by James Jennings, a Black educator. The novel offers a clear-eyed and funny exploration of the absurdity of the New York City educational system through the eyes of June Papers, a twenty-eight-year-old MFA grad and substitute teacher who is also homeless. As June navigates the challenges of his personal and professional life, readers are taken on a journey that combines vulnerability and intimacy. Wings of Red delves into the reality of a Black educator's world, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of its characters who strive to achieve their dreams amidst the financial and professional uncertainties they face. This inspiring and poetic tour de force serves as an ode to New York City and showcases the author's authentic and lived perspective. James W. Jennings, an artist and educator, brings his unique background and insights to this compelling narrative. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this thought-provoking and beautifully written novel firsthand. Admission is free.

Join Gabriel Bump in Person on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 PM as he presents his new novel, The New Naturals. This exclusive event will take place at the Odyssey Bookshop located at 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. The New Naturals is the December selection of the Odyssey First Editions Club, making it a highly anticipated literary event. In this thought-provoking novel, Bump explores the concept of founding an underground utopia and the interconnected stories of those drawn to it. Rio, a young Black woman, seeks solace after the loss of her newborn child and envisions a society built on love, acceptance, and equality. Alongside her husband, they embark on the construction of this utopia, which begins to attract individuals from different walks of life - from unhoused men to disillusioned journalists. However, as the group yearns for purpose and refuge, the question arises: can this new society truly succeed? The New Naturals showcases Bump's exceptional storytelling talent and offers a fresh and perceptive perspective on life in the 21st century. Comparable to acclaimed works such as Paul Beatty's The Sellout and Jennifer Egan's The Candy House, this novel will captivate readers with its astute observations and exploration of human connection. Bump, an award-winning author of Everywhere You Don't Belong, hails from South Shore, Chicago, and holds an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Gabriel Bump in person at this remarkable event. Admission is free, and it promises to be an evening filled with literary insights and engaging discussions. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 29, and join us at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA for this memorable occasion.

Join us on Thursday, January 11 at 7 PM as esteemed local author Fred Sokol presents his latest masterpiece, Harry. This captivating novel takes readers on a journey through the vibrant streets of New York City's Lower East Side in the summer of 1970. Harry, a young and passionate individual, finds himself immersed in the world of music and love as he navigates his way through life. Guided by the enigmatic Edison and fueled by his deep connection with Carolyn, Harry's story unfolds with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As the years pass, Harry and Carolyn's path leads them to the enchanting landscapes of Moab, Utah. The breathtaking rock formations and stunning scenery leave an indelible mark on their souls. However, as they grow older, Harry begins to experience troubling memory issues. Determined not to succumb to despair, he embarks on a heartfelt quest to reconnect with his past, seeking solace in the company of old friends and loved ones. Fred Sokol, renowned director, author, and theater critic, brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for storytelling to every page of Harry. With a rich background in theater, film, and literature, Sokol's expertise shines through in this beautifully crafted novel. Don't miss the opportunity to meet him in person and delve into the world of Harry. Don't miss Fred Sokol in Person at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on January 11, 2024. Admission is free, so mark your calendars for this unforgettable literary event.

Join Kaveh Akbar in South Hadley on Wednesday, January 24 at 1 PM as he presents his new novel, Martyr! This special event will take place at the Odyssey Bookshop located at 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. Martyr! is an electrifying and funny novel that follows the journey of Cyrus Shams, a newly sober and orphaned son of Iranian immigrants. Guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, Cyrus embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum. With its unique blend of humor and originality, Martyr! introduces Kaveh Akbar as an essential new voice in contemporary fiction. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most celebrated writers of our time. This event is free and open to the public. Be sure to mark your calendars for this special occasion.

Join Ani Gjika in person on Tuesday, January 30 at 7 PM at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA, as she presents her captivating memoir, An Unruled Body. This remarkable debut memoir explores the immigrant experience through the lens of a woman's personal journey, as she navigates the challenges of language, identity, and desire. Born in Albania and raised during the turbulent aftermath of Communism, Gjika shares her story of self-discovery and freedom across four countries. She candidly reveals the struggles and triumphs of finding her voice and embracing her own terms of expression. Ani Gjika, an award-winning poet and literary translator, has written eight books and chapbooks of poetry. She is a distinguished graduate of Boston University and currently teaches social studies and literature at Framingham High School. Joining Gjika in conversation is Yasmine Ameli, a talented Iranian American writer and teacher. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Ani Gjika speak about her powerful memoir and the experiences that shaped her. Admission is free for this event. Mark your calendar for January 30 and make your way to Odyssey Bookshop for an evening of insight and inspiration.

Join author Jon Clinch at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on Wednesday, January 31 at 7 PM as he discusses his new novel, "The General and Julia." In this captivating work of superb historical fiction, Ulysses S. Grant, the iconic figure of American history, reflects on the pivotal moments of his life. Despite his battle with cancer, Grant is determined to complete his memoirs before his passing, providing financial security for his family and seeking redemption. Through the pages of his memoirs, Grant takes us on a journey through time, recounting his role as the Union's savior, the president who fought for civil rights, and a devoted husband and father. From blood-stained battlefields to the bustling streets of Gilded Age New York, this gorgeously rendered novel delves into Grant's changing views on race and Reconstruction. Written by acclaimed historical fiction master Jon Clinch, this evocative novel breathes fresh life into the enigmatic figure of Ulysses S. Grant. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the author himself at this free event. Mark your calendars for January 31, 2024, and head to Odyssey Bookshop at 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075.

Join GennaRose Nethercott in person at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on Thursday, February 8 at 7 PM for an enlightening discussion about her new collection, Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart. This captivating book delves into the depths of human longing, exploring the darkness within us all. Nethercott presents a series of surreal and beautifully written stories that examine the complexities of love, fear, and the monstrous nature that resides within us. From two teenage girls uncovering the secrets of a mysterious roadside attraction, to a woman undergoing a chilling transformation to fit the desires of her artist boyfriend, these tales will challenge your perception of what it means to be a beast. Nethercott's work has garnered critical acclaim, with her book-length poem, The Lumberjack's Dove, winning the prestigious National Poetry Series. Don't miss the opportunity to experience her unique storytelling firsthand. This event is free of charge, so mark your calendars for February 8th and join us at the Odyssey Bookshop for an unforgettable evening with GennaRose Nethercott.

Join Stephen McCauley in Person on Wednesday, February 21 at 7 PM at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA as he discusses his latest novel, You Only Call When You're In Trouble. Accompanied by Heather Abel, McCauley will delve into the thought-provoking question of whether it is ever acceptable to prioritize one's own needs over caring for others. The story revolves around Tom, an architect specializing in tiny houses, who is finally ready to prioritize himself after a lifetime of tending to his sister and niece. However, just as he sets this resolution, he receives a phone call that turns his world upside down. Cecily, Tom's beloved niece, is caught up in a Title IX investigation that could jeopardize her career and relationship, while Tom's sister wants him to reveal the true identity of Cecily's father. Unable to resist their pleas, Tom embarks on a life-altering journey that will challenge the bonds of family and illuminate the complexities of familial relationships. With his signature blend of warmth, humor, and emotional depth, McCauley paints a vivid portrait of relatable characters that will touch readers' hearts. Don't miss this extraordinary event featuring an author known for creating compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact. Admission is free.

Join award-winning translator Jennifer Croft on Thursday, March 7 at 7 PM for an unforgettable evening at the Odyssey Bookshop. Jennifer will be presenting her highly acclaimed novel, The Extinction of Irena Rey. This thought-provoking and beguiling story revolves around eight translators who find themselves in a primeval Polish forest, working on the translation of Irena Rey's magnum opus, Gray Eminence. However, their task takes an unexpected turn when Irena mysteriously disappears. As the translators delve deeper into the forest and Irena's enigmatic belongings, they uncover secrets that will test their devotion and unravel the fate of their beloved author. Jennifer Croft, the author of this captivating debut novel, has garnered numerous accolades for her literary accomplishments, including the prestigious International Booker Prize for her translation of Olga Tokarczuk's Flights. Her expertise and talent shine through in The Extinction of Irena Rey, offering readers a thrilling exploration of art, celebrity, and the power of language. This exclusive event is a rare opportunity for book enthusiasts to engage with Jennifer Croft and gain insights into her creative process. Don't miss out on this unputdownable adventure in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Admission is free, so mark your calendars for an evening of literary discovery.

Don't miss the chance to attend the highly anticipated event, Jennifer Croft in Conversation with Ilan Stavans in Person, taking place on Thursday, March 7 at 7 PM. This event will be held at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The award-winning translator, Jennifer Croft, will be presenting her captivating novel, The Extinction of Irena Rey. She will engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Ilan Stavans, a renowned professor of Humanities at Amherst College. In this mesmerizing novel, Croft delves into the story of eight translators who embark on a quest to find the world-renowned author, Irena Rey, who mysteriously goes missing in a primeval Polish forest. As the translators navigate through the forest and unravel the secrets of Irena Rey's life, they are confronted with their own desires and rivalries, leading to a thrilling exploration of art, language, and human connection. Join us for this unforgettable evening of intellectual stimulation and literary discovery. Admission to this event is free, so mark your calendars and don't miss out on this unique opportunity.

Join Margot Douaihy in person on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 PM at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley for the launch of her highly anticipated second book in the Sister Holiday series, Blessed Water. Sister Holiday, armed with a PI apprentice certificate, is back with a twisty mystery and a burning desire to prove herself. With tattoos covering her body and a gold tooth as sharp as her wit, Sister Holiday is determined to walk the righteous path. She is ready to take her permanent vows with the Sisters of the Sublime Blood and become part of Redemption Detective Agency, led by former fire inspector Magnolia Riveaux. However, their mission to catch a cheating husband takes a dark turn when they stumble upon the body of a priest in the swollen Mississippi River. This unexpected discovery becomes Redemption's next case, pushing Sister Holiday to rely on her faith and solve the murder to protect her community. As New Orleans is engulfed in a torrential rainstorm over Easter weekend, Sister Holiday and Riveaux navigate the treacherous floodwaters in search of answers. Blessed Water is a gripping and poetic exploration of obsession, deception, and the quest for truth. Margot Douaihy, an acclaimed author and creative writing professor at Emerson College, delivers an electrifying mystery that will leave readers breathless. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event and experience the thrilling world of Sister Holiday firsthand. Admission is free, so don't miss out on this unforgettable evening with Margot Douaihy.

Join author Jeffrey Richards at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on Thursday, March 21 at 7 PM for an engaging discussion about his new novel, We Are Only Ghosts. Accompanied by special guest Kim van Alkemade, Richards will delve into the gripping tale of a teenage boy's intricate relationship with a Nazi officer in a WWII death camp, which resurfaces in 1960s New York City. We Are Only Ghosts is a compelling portrayal of queer love amidst the horrors of war and the lingering trauma of those who survived. This novel masterfully balances the brutality and hatred of the war with tender moments of joy and compassion. Fans of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, and Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart will find themselves captivated by this unforgettable story. Set in 1968 New York City, the enchanting Café Marie serves as the backdrop for Charles Ward, the headwaiter who expertly creates an atmosphere of elegance and escapism. Having honed his skill of remaining unseen during his harrowing experiences as a Jewish boy in war-torn Europe, Charles catches the attention of Obersturmführer Berthold Werden, a Nazi officer who becomes both his savior and tormentor. Deported to Auschwitz at the age of seventeen, Charles finds himself hiding in Berthold's home. Their complicated relationship intertwines love and hatred, which resurfaces when Berthold unexpectedly walks into Café Marie. As Charles is pulled back into Berthold's world, he must confront his painful past and the desire for revenge. Will he lose his only connection to his past or finally find solace? Jeffrey L. Richards, an accomplished author and playwright, shares his profound storytelling abilities in We Are Only Ghosts. Originally from Oklahoma, Richards now resides in New Jersey with his rescue dog, Andi. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the author in person and discover the haunting world of We Are Only Ghosts. Admission to the event at the Odyssey Bookshop is free.

Mark Cecil will be presenting his book, "Bunyan and Henry; Or, the Beautiful Destiny: A Novel," in person on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 PM at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. This highly anticipated debut novel reimagines two beloved all-American legends, Paul Bunyan and John Henry, in a thrilling adventure that delves deeply into themes of race, class, and industrialization. In this epic tale, we meet Paul Bunyan, a legendary lumberjack who finds himself burdened by family debts and trapped in the bleak, controlled world of Lump Town. When his wife Lucette falls ill due to the toxic mineral Lump, Bunyan embarks on a quest to save her, guided only by the enigmatic Chilali. This quest leads him to The Windy City, where he encounters John Henry, a fugitive on the run from a rigged and racist prison system. Together, Bunyan and Henry strive to reunite with their loved ones, facing riddles, forging weapons, battling giants, and confronting the deceitful El Boffo at every turn. "Bunyan and Henry" is a thought-provoking reinvention of myth that explores the two sides of the American dream and serves as an origin story for these iconic heroes. This modern fable challenges readers to consider the wild idealism and dark underbelly of the American dream, inspiring us all to awaken the folk hero within. Mark Cecil, the author of this captivating novel, is known for his work as the host of The Thoughtful Bro show, where he interviews a diverse range of storytellers. With a background in journalism and experience teaching writing, Cecil brings his expertise and passion to his first book. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Mark Cecil in person on March 26 at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Admission is free, and this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Join Elizabeth Kolbert on Thursday, April 4, at 7 PM at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley as she presents her new book, H is for Hope. In this thought-provoking work, Kolbert takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of climate change and the uncertainties of our future. With twenty-six essays—one for each letter of the alphabet—she delves into the landscape of climate change and the urgent decisions that need to be made. From Svante Arrhenius, who created the world's first climate model in 1894, to the Colorado River Basin, ground zero for climate change in the United States, Kolbert explores various aspects of this pressing issue. She examines Greta Thurnburg's impactful speech, flies an all-electric plane, conducts experiments on the effects of extreme temperatures on the human body, and confronts the deep uncertainty surrounding the future of climate change. Illustrated by Wesley Allsbrook, H is for Hope offers a unique and captivating examination of our changing world. Elizabeth Kolbert, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker, has received numerous accolades for her work. Don't miss this exclusive ticketed event, where the price of admission includes a copy of H is for Hope. Secure your spot now and join Kolbert in person for an enlightening discussion on climate change.

Experience the poignant reading by Eliana Hernández-Pachón from her latest work, The Brush: Poems, on Thursday, April 18 at 7 PM. Delve into a wise and visionary debut that delves into ecological and human resistance, resonating with readers of renowned poets like Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith. The Brush is a fearless exploration of collective trauma, shedding light on the haunting realities of today's Colombia amidst ongoing mass atrocities. Through the voices of Pablo, Ester, and the Brush itself, Hernández-Pachón intricately weaves a narrative in response to the tragic massacre in El Salado in 2000. Witness the intense journey of Pablo burying a mysterious box in the night, alongside his wife Ester, a sharpshooter guarding the village's secrets. Eliana Hernández-Pachón, a distinguished writer and educator from Bogotá, Colombia, shares her remarkable poetic talent in The Brush, earning her the prestigious Colombia National Poetry Prize in 2020. Join this exceptional event at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on April 18, 2024, to immerse yourself in Hernández-Pachón's profound and prophetic storytelling. Admission is free, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the work of this extraordinary young poet.

Attend the event "Thomas Suárez in Person" on April 19, 2024, at 7 PM at Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Thomas Suárez will discuss his book "Palestine Hijacked: How Zionism Forged an Apartheid State from River to Sea." Delve into the shocking history of how Zionist militias used terror to establish an apartheid settler state in Palestine. Uncover the truth behind the Israel-Palestine conflict, revealing a violent takeover by a European racial-nationalist movement. Suárez's research, including newly-revealed documents, exposes the deliberate and sustained use of terrorism to achieve Zionist goals. Learn about the atrocities committed against Palestinians, British supporters of Zionism, and dissenting Jews. Discover how Israel's regime of Apartheid and land expropriation were not accidental outcomes, but intentional objectives of Zionism from its inception. Join historical researcher and author, Thomas Suárez, a Juilliard-trained violinist, as he sheds light on this critical chapter of history. Admission to this enlightening event is free.

Join Neel Mukherjee in person on Thursday, April 25 at 7 PM at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Neel Mukherjee will be presenting his new novel, Choice, which has been selected as the April choice for our First Editions Club. Choice, described as an ingenious, devastating, and explosive novel, explores the profound impact of the decisions we make. Ayush, a London-based publisher, becomes obsessed with the question of how one ought to live, prompting him to question every act of consumption. Ayush embarks on a radical experiment in his own life and the lives of those around him, including his economist husband, their twins, and the authors he works with. Through interconnected narratives, Choice challenges our assumptions about economics, race, appropriation, and the complexities of contemporary life. Neel Mukherjee, a highly acclaimed author, has received numerous awards for his previous works, including the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Award, the Royal Society of Literature's Encore Award, and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a thought-provoking author. This event is free of charge. Come and be part of an evening that explores the power of choice and its consequences.

Join Keith O'Brien on Tuesday, April 30 at 7 PM at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA as he presents his new book, Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball. In this captivating chronicle, O'Brien delves into the incredible story of baseball legend Pete Rose, exploring his rise to fame and subsequent downfall amidst one of the biggest scandals in baseball history. Through firsthand interviews, investigative reports, and court records, O'Brien provides a comprehensive account of Rose's life and the cultural changes that reshaped America and baseball in the second half of the twentieth century. This extraordinary biography not only sheds light on Rose's complex journey, but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of America's favorite pastime. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the definitive account of one of the most fascinating figures in American sports history. Admission is free.

Experience the profound memoir, "Water on Fire: A Memoir of War," presented by Tarek El-Ariss in person on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 7 PM. Delve into the poignant narrative as this leading voice in Middle Eastern Studies reflects on his upbringing in war-torn Lebanon and his family's captivating history, navigating trauma and longing. Embark on a journey of immigration starting from a strife-ridden Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War to displacement across Europe and Africa, culminating in New York City post-9/11. Witness a tale of resilience woven with humor, audacity, and defiance amidst loss and transformation. Through alternating perspectives of his childhood and adulthood, Tarek El-Ariss delves into living with trauma, revealing its profound impact on our perceptions, fears, and desires. His memoir, a blend of history and introspection, unveils inner turmoil and the complexities of conflict and separation. Tarek El-Ariss, the James Wright Professor and Chair of Middle Eastern Studies at Dartmouth College, invites you to this insightful event at Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. Admission is free.

Angela DiTerlizzi will be at the South Hadley Public Library on Wednesday, May 15 at 4 PM to introduce her latest book, The Curious Why. This eagerly awaited sequel to the popular book The Magical Yet aims to spark curiosity and combat boredom by encouraging readers to explore the world around them. With engaging verse by Angela DiTerlizzi and vibrant illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, The Curious Why is a delightful journey into the endless possibilities of the world. Discover the secrets of dinosaurs, crayons, bee stings, and more with this captivating book. Don't forget to also check out Angela DiTerlizzi's companion title, The Magical Yet, a charming and inspirational picture book for children. Angela DiTerlizzi, known for her award-winning works like A Very Cranky Book and Some Bugs, invites you to delve into the world of imagination and wonder with her latest creations. Join Angela DiTerlizzi at the South Hadley Public Library for a captivating literary experience. Mark your calendars for this enriching event - admission is free.