This week on The Reading Life: Susan talks with part-time New Orleanian Nevada Barr, whose new stand-alone thriller is “What Rose Forgot.” We’ll also hear from Matt Sakakeeny, co-editor of the provocative essay collection, “Remaking New Orleans: Beyond Exceptionalism to Authenticity.”
Here’s what’s on tap in the literary life this week
Here in New Orleans:
- The Big Event this week is Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner, which runs September 24 -26 at the Cabildo and the Hotel Peter and Paul. The theme for 2019 is The American Experience in Literature and Life, including a talk by Faulkner biographer Jay Parini. The Big Read author for the event is Tayari Jones, author of “An American Marriage,” who will appear in conversation with Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of “We Cast a Shadow,” The featured Faulkner title is “The Wild Palms.” For ticket information and complete schedule go to faulknersociety.org.
- Jose Torres-Tama discusses and signs Encuentro: Latinx Performance for the New American Theater, Faulkner Society's Words & Music Fest on Tues, Sept 24 at 1 p.m. at the Cabildo as part of Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner.
- Nevada Barr discusses and signs “What Rose Forgot,” Tuesday, September 24, at 6 p.m. at Octavia Books.
- Matt Sakakeeny and Thomas Jessen Adams – along with contributors Adrienne Dixson, Juliette Mobley, Bryan Wagner, Cedric G. Johnson, Rien Fertel celebrate the release of their new essay collection, "Remaking New Orleans: Beyond Exceptionalism and Authenticity," Tuesday, September 24, from 6-8 p.m.upstairs at Mimi’s in the Marigny, 2601 Royal St.
- The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library hold their general meeting Wednesday, September 25, at 10 a.m. at the East Bank Regional Library. Guest speaker is Kevin Gardere, executive director of Bridge House/Grace house, discussing “There Is a Solution.” You can also sign up to volunteer for the Big Book Sale October 10-13 at the Pontchartrain Center.
- Trenton Lee Stewart discusses and signs “The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages,” Wednesday, September 25, at 4 p.m. at Octavia Books.
- Letters Read, curated by Nancy Sharon Collins, presents a reading of the letters of the Baroness Pontalba, Wednesday, September 25, at 5:30 at the State Museum, 701 Chartres.
- Historian Carolyn Kolb continues her series titled “The History of Jefferson Parish" with part 3 – “Kenner, Gretna, Crevasses, Agriculture, the WPA – World War II” -- Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at the West Bank Regional Library, 2781 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.
Bruce Sunpie Barnes and Rachel Breunlin debut a new book/CD from the Neighborhood Story Project, “Le Kèr Creole (The Creole Heart),” Thursday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave.
Johnette Downing signs her newest book, “Spooky Second Line,” Saturday, September 28, at 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble/Metairie.
- The September Meeting of Jane Austen Society North America/Louisiana Region will be a discussion of "Rebecca," Saturday, September 28, at 2 pm at Lambeth House, 150 Broadway St. Off-street parking is available for visitors at Lambeth House.
- Max Brallier discusses and signs “The Last Kids on Earth and the Midnight Blade,” Sunday, September 29, at 11 a.m. at Octavia Books.
