Featured Events in South Hadley in November, 2023(December Updated)

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 the festive "Christmas Gnome" Canvas Paint Craze at Drunken Rabbit Brewing on November 6th, 2023. This art event promises an evening of creative fun and holiday cheer in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Located at 749A New Ludlow Road, Drunken Rabbit Brewing provides the perfect backdrop for this imaginative gathering. Immerse yourself in the world of art as you unleash your inner artist and create your very own Christmas gnome masterpiece. No prior painting experience is required, as a professional artist will guide you step by step through the process. Indulge in the joy of painting while sipping on delicious beverages crafted by Drunken Rabbit Brewing. The ticket price is an affordable $40, making this event accessible to all art enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to bring your friends and family together for an unforgettable evening of creativity and holiday spirit. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a magical artistic journey at the "Christmas Gnome" Canvas Paint Craze at Drunken Rabbit Brewing on November 6th, 2023.

Join Crystal Maldonado in Person at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley on Thursday, November 9 at 7 PM for the presentation of her latest novel, The Fall of Whit Rivera. This captivating romcom follows the story of Whit Rivera and Zay, two long-time adversaries who are unexpectedly tasked with organizing the fall formal together. As they navigate their differences and clash of personalities, sparks fly and they begin to question if their feud has been a misunderstanding all along. The Fall of Whit Rivera tackles weightier topics such as PCOS, chronic illness, sexuality, fatphobia, Latine identity, and class, while maintaining a humorous and heartwarming tone. Crystal Maldonado, a talented young adult author, has garnered praise for her previous works, including her debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega, which won the New England Book Award and was recognized as a Cosmopolitan Best New Book. Her sophomore novel, No Filter and Other Lies, also received acclaim as a POPSUGAR and Seventeen Best New YA. Crystal's writing has been featured in Latina, BuzzFeed, and the Hartford Courant. Don't miss this opportunity to meet Crystal Maldonado and immerse yourself in her compelling storytelling. Admission to the event is free.