Susan Larson talks with Judy Cooper about her new book, ‘Dancing in the Streets: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans.’
Here’s what’s on tap in the literary life this week
Here in New Orleans:
The last day to cast your vote is coming up: One Book One New Orleans has narrowed down the short list for 2022, and readers are invited to vote for their selections by July 25. The choices are "I Am New Orleans" edited by Kalamu ya Salaam; "The Big Door Prize" by M.O. Walsh; and "I Feel to Believe" by Jarvis DeBerry. Check out the One Book One New Orleans Facebook page to vote.
Three New Orleans poets – Gina Ferrara, author of “The Weight of the Ripened,” Jonathan Kline, author of “The Wisdom of Ashes, “and Paris Hughes, author of “All the Words In between” – will share their latest work, poetry created during the pandemic, Monday, July 26, at 6 p.m. via video conference online. Visit jplibrary.net for more details.
Jason Kruppa discusses his book, “All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs,” co-authored with Kenneth Womack, Monday, July 26, at 6 p.m. at Octavia Books.
Andrew Baker discusses his book, “To Poison a Nation: The Murder of Robert Charles and the Rise of Jim Crow Policing in America,” with archivist Greg Osborn, Tuesday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at Octavia Books.
Ricky Riccardi discusses and signs “Heart Full of Rhythm: The big Band Years of Louis Armstrong,” in conversation with Maxine Gordon, author of “Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon,” Thursday, July 29, at 5 p.m. at Octavia Books.
And coming up: The Jefferson Parish Library’s Comic Con, a comic book mini-convention that focuses on superheroes and comic book culture for kids and teens, takes place from 10 a,m, to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. Costumes and cosplay are encouraged. The event will feature the following components: How to Draw Workshops with Mike Artell and Samantha Hallenus, a superhero training academy for kids, crafts, a photo booth, a marvel movie scavenger hunt, face painters and trivia. And it’s all free and registration is not required. Check out jplibrary.net for more info.
In Baton Rouge:
The East Baton Rouge Public Library announces the return of the Recycled Reads Book Sale, Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 3434 North Blvd., in Baton Rouge. Masks are encouraged. The sale is cash only.
The East Baton Rouge Public Library Main Library at Goodwood hosts a “Walk Down the Memory Aisle” event with author Julie Sternberg, author of “Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie” and “Summer of Secrets,” Sunday, August 1, at 3 p.m. The event also features exhibits about the Goudchaux’s department stores.