Wednesday, September 25 at 5pm at The NewSouth Bookstore: Rachelle Zola on her 754-mile pilgrimage for social change
2024-09-25 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
She’s white. She’s 75. She’s on a 754-mile pilgrimage from Chicago to Montgomery, a journey made to bring attention to the pervasive realities of racism and to amplify the voices of those who’ve been marginalized and even silenced in our country. Her extraordinary story is one worth telling. Come hear more about the inspiration for her journey, her experiences along the way, and her deeply felt conviction that we should together, always, honor the ideal of equity for all. At The NewSouth Bookstore on Wednesday, September 25, at 5pm, an event co-sponsored by the Baha’is of Montgomery.

Book Signing with Author/Educator Charles Ghigna (Father Goose), Sept. 26, 4 p.m., Alabama Booksmith in Homewood
2024-09-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Pl S Homewood, AL, 35209, 2626 19th Pl S, Homewood, AL, 35209, United States
Charles Ghigna, better known as Father Goose, will be available to sign his newest book, Bound to Dream, An Immigrant Story, Thurs., Sept. 26 at the Alabama Booksmith in Homewood at 4 p.m. “This captivating picture book transcends borders and generations, telling the heartwarming true story of Carlo, a young Italian immigrant who embarks on a new life as a bookbinder in 1800s New York City.”
Thurs., Sept. 26
BOOK SIGNING
Charles Ghigna at the Alabama Booksmith, Homewood – 4 p.m.
Sat., Oct 12
BOOK SIGNING
Charles Ghigna at Barnes & Noble/Patton Creek/Galleria, Hoover – 1 p.m.
Sat., Oct 19
BOOK SIGNING
Charles Ghigna at Barnes & Noble/Summit, Mountain Brook – 1 p.m.

Thursday, September 26 at 5:30pm at The NewSouth Bookstore: Stephen Puleo, author of The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union
2024-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Charles Sumner, a lifelong crusader for human rights, has not been the subject of a comprehensive biography in many decades. Stephen Puleo fills that gap with his deeply researched and dramatic retelling of Sumner’s courageous life and work. The Great Abolitionist has been called “a superb new biography” and “a masterful account.” We are thrilled to host the author for a book talk and signing. Join us at The NewSouth Bookstore on Thursday, September 26 at 5:30pm.

Author Terah Shelton Harris Book Discussion, Sept. 26, at Opelika Public Library, 6 p.m.
2024-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Opelika Public Library, 1100 Glenn Street, Opelika, AL, 36801, United States
Join Opelika Public Library for a FREE program with author Terah Shelton Harris, who will discuss her latest novel, Long After We Are Gone, Sept.26, 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 334-705-5380.

Sunspot Lit Calling for Novella-length Fiction and Nonfiction
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-31 | Online, NC
For a limited time, Sunspot Lit is calling for single works of novella-length fiction or nonfiction in any category, including memoir, literary, genre, and historical. Open October 1 through October 31. Guidelines and submission forms at Submittable: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit or Duotrope: https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/sunspot-literary-journal-LIXJW.

The NewSouth Bookstore's Second Annual Sidewalk Sale!
2024-10-03 10:00 - 2024-10-06 18:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Our first annual Sidewalk Sale held last year was such a great success that we have decided to do it again. Thousands of books priced at just $1, $3, and $5 will be on tables curbside this coming fall, from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6, from 10am until 6pm. That’s four days of fun browsing for book treasures. There’ll be something for everyone, we promise — and you can’t beat the prices! Mark your calendars to head to the bookstore for this special event in early October!

Poetry Reading at University of South Alabama
2024-10-03 17:30 - 19:00 | University of South Alabama, Student Center Terrace Room
Major and Didi Jackson – Thursday, October 3, 2024 – 5:30pm
Join us for two powerhouse poets in one evening! Major Jackson is the author of six books of poetry, most recently Razzle Dazzle: New & Selected Poems. He is also the author of A Beat Beyond: The Selected Prose of Major Jackson edited by Amor Kohli. A recipient of fellowships from the Academy of American Poets, John S. Guggenheim Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Major Jackson is the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Humanities at Vanderbilt University. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He serves as the Poetry Editor of The Harvard Review.
Didi Jackson is the author of the poetry collections My Infinity (2024) and Moon Jar (2020). Her poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Bomb, The New Yorker, and Oxford American among other journals and magazines. She is the recipient of the Robert H. Winner Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and teaches creative writing at Vanderbilt University.
Please note: this free event will be held in the Student Center Terrace Room with a book signing and reception to follow.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2277137859353105/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Auburn Witness Poetry Prize Event Honoring Poet Jake Adam York, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
2024-10-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University, 901 S. College St., Auburn, AL, 36849, United States
This year’s Witness Poetry Prize program will begin at 6 p.m. on October 3 at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The Witness Prize honors poet Jake Adam York and is given annually to an outstanding poem of witness. This year’s judge and featured speaker is Victoria Chang, the Bourne Chair in Poetry at Georgia Tech. The prize winner is Erica Jing, who will also read from her work.

The Witness Prize contest and reading originated in 2014 in connection with the Third Thursday Poetry Series.

This year’s program is sponsored by Southern Humanities Review and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University. The program is free and open to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/share/vjx4ySuPSdYgt8b9/

Friends of Hoover Library to Feature Author Charles Ghigna, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
2024-10-07 10:00 - 23:00 | Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL, 35216, United States
Friends of Hoover Library will host author/educator Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) at 10 a.m. on October 7, in the Shakespeare Room, Theater level of the Hoover Library, 200 Municipal Dr., Hoover, AL 35216.

Master Class
2024-10-07 16:21 | alabama Power Recital Hall, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35405, United States
Join us for a spine-tingling evening of dramatic readings from the beloved book 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey by Kathryn Tucker Windham. Held in the historic Drish House, one of Alabama’s most haunted buildings, you’ll hear chilling tales such as “Death Lights in the Tower,” brought to life by Tuscaloosa’s talented actors. Enjoy delicious food, with a cash bar available. We are pleased to partner with UA Press on this event.

John Turner at The NewSouth Bookstore October 8 at 5:30pm!
2024-10-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
John Turner, a journalist by training, has a long relationship with the Appalachian Trail, which includes being a Trail Ambassador and member of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club board of directors. But it’s his walking of the trail that is the subject of his beguiling book, which follows his personal journey on its pathways in search of inner peace. Killing the Buddha on the Appalachian Trail is the chronicle of what it taught him about life, about aging and learning from one’s mistakes. Come meet him and hear his remarkable yet very human story on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30pm.

Book Signing with Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) at Barnes & Noble in Hoover, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.
2024-10-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Barnes & Noble/Patton Creek/Galleria

Sunday, October 13 at 3pm at The NewSouth Bookstore Madiba K. Dennie presents on The Originalism Trap
2024-10-13 15:00 - 16:30 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Madiba K. Dennie is our special guest at The NewSouth Bookstore on Sunday, October 13, at 3pm. Her magnificent book, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back, offers a devastating critique of the way in which conservatives on the Roberts court have used originalism as an all-out attack on civil rights and social progress, thus undermining the full potential of our U.S. Constitution. Dennie is a legal scholar, whose commentary has been featured in The Atlantic and The Washington Post, on MSNBC, and elsewhere; she is deputy editor and senior contributor for Balls and Strikes. Come hear her talk about her new book and the issues it critically addresses.

Tarot de la Livre Launch Event
2024-10-13 15:00 - 17:00 | The Haunted Book Shop, 9 S JOACHIM ST, MOBILE, AL, 36602-2707, United States
Join Royal Spiritual Leader & Healer Queen Cotaliya de la Livre as she introduces Tarot de la Livre to the world on October 13, 2024, 3-5pm, at The Haunted Book Shop in downtown Mobile. This blueprint and DNA of African American culture is the first African American tarot system to ever exist. We are thrilled to host Queen Co and cannot wait for you to meet her.
This event will feature an in-conversation with Queen Co on mastering divination, what divination is, and application of Tarot De La Livre. Queen Co will also be signing her book, which pairs beautifully with the Tarot card deck designed by Queen herself. You won’t want to miss diving into Queen Co’s spiritual and mystical world with us.
Copies of The Hoodoo Tarot De La Livre: Doctrine of Divination by Cotaliya de la Livre will be available for purchase at the event. Prices are as follows:
Hard cover book: $88.88
Paperback book: $44.44
Hardback book + premium Tarot card deck: $200
Paperback book + the standard Tarot card deck: $140

Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30pm at The NewSouth Bookstore: Announcing a group read of The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald
2024-10-15 17:30 - 19:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Fresh off the success and great fun of our group read of Ivan Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons, we are ready to announce our next. Our assistant manager, Jessala White, has chosen The Evolution of Annabel Craig. In this moving novel by Lisa Grunwald, a young Southern woman sets out on a journey of self-discovery as the infamous 1925 Scopes Trial tests her marriage and faith. According to one critic, the book is “an essential American story from a master craftsman.” Purchase a copy of the book for reading in the next six weeks. We’ll gather on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30pm for discussion. And as a special event bonus, Jessala has lined up author Lisa Grunwald to join us by Zoom! How cool that we’ll be able to visit with her to discuss her fine new work! See you on the 15th!

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
2024-10-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, United States
In this hilarious musical adaptation of the eccentric, creepy-but-kooky Addams family, Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, sees the light and invites her boyfriend, Lucas Beineke and his family to pay a call on the Addams for a “normal night.” Wednesday has a secret; she and Lucas are engaged. Wednesday tells her father, Gomez, about the engagement, but she asks that he hide this secret from his lovely wife, Morticia, and the rest of the family. Can young love bring these two families with very different backgrounds together, or will it just be mayhem? The Addams Family music and lyrics are by Andrew Lippa, Original Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice.

Book Signing with Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) at Barnes & Noble in Mountain Brook, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m.
2024-10-19 13:00 - 14:00 | https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2858, 201 Summit Blvd. #100, Vestavia Hills, AL, 35243, United States

Go and Write! Retreat to Kingsbrae, Spring or Autumn—St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick (Canada)
2024-10-23 08:00 - 2024-10-30 17:00 | Kingsbrae Estate, St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, Canada, New Brunswick, Canada
May 4-11 or October 23-30, 2024. Small group retreats (only 5 rooms). Private, ensuite bedroom in historic mansion, private writing studio, workshops, written feedback, and dedicated writing time. All breakfasts and three suppers included.

Thursday, October 24 at 5:30pm at The NewSouth Bookstore: A Halloween Special with Karren Pell and the Old Alabama Revue
2024-10-24 17:30 - 19:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Karren Pell and the Old Alabama Revue return to The NewSouth Bookstore for Halloween. They’ll conjure up a fiendishly fun program of spooktacular songs — original tunes and old favorites you love. Join us at The NewSouth Bookstore on Thursday, October 24 at 5:30pm. Halloween costumes optional but encouraged. There will be devilishly good snacks and drinks served and music to raise the spirits. There’s not a ghost of a chance this won’t be fun!

A Hunk-a-hunk-a Book Launch Party with Carolyn Haines
2024-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Haunted Book Shop, 9 S JOACHIM ST, MOBILE, AL, 36602-2707, United States
We can’t help falling in love with every book Carolyn Haines releases. So, let’s celebrate her next mysterious installment of the Sarah Booth Delaney series. We cordially invite you to “A Hunk-a-hunk-a Book Launch Party with Carolyn Haines” on October 26 at The Haunted Book Shop from 7-9pm.
Celebrate the talent and signature wit of author Carolyn Haines, known for her creative narratives and engaging storytelling. The night promises surprises and tributes to the King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis. We encourage all attendees to don their favorite Elvis-era attire, enjoy Elvis-inspired treats, and even belt out your favorite Elvis tune! We’re sure to be kicking up our blue suede shoes in honor of Carolyn, the Queen of Mystery novels, and the King–Elvis!.
This promises to be unlike any book event you’ve attended before. We only hope that Carolyn and her devoted readers don’t have so much fun that they end up in the jailhouse. You’re sure to end up in Heartbreak Hotel if you miss this event.

Sunday, October 27 at 3pm at The NewSouth Bookstore! Corey Brettschneider presents on The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It
2024-10-27 15:00 - 16:30 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Timely as his book is timely, The NewSouth Bookstore is thrilled to host historian Corey Brettschneider for discussion and signing with his new book, The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It. Critics call the book “an inspired history dramatically rendered,” “informative and stimulating,” and “an essential survey.” The Presidents and the People details how presidents in different eras abused their power, offering insights that seem less like history than prognostication. Will be an exciting program. Join us at The NewSouth Bookstore on Sunday, October 27 at 3pm.

Alabama State Poetry Society Online Open Mic
2024-10-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join us for online poetry open mics the 4th Monday of each month!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85693609367
Meeting ID: 856 9360 9367

Calhoun Community College Fall Writers Series to Feature "Old Enough" with Katie Lamar Jackson, Jay Lamar, and Wendy Reed
2024-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Ave., Decatur, AL, 35601, United States
The Calhoun Community College Fall 2024 Writers Series will host three writers from “Old Enough,” a book featuring 21 women from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives exploring their creative drive and the important role it continues to occupy as they age and change.
6:00 p.m. on October 30, 2024 at the Alabama Center for the Arts Recital Hall, 133 2nd Ave., Decatur, AL.

Sunday, November 3 at 3pm at The NewSouth Bookstore: A Eugene Walter Tribute with Carolyn Haines, Don Noble, and others
2024-11-03 17:30 - 19:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
Join us for a celebratory event that recognizes the unique life and work of Alabama’s own Eugene Walter on the 104th anniversary of his birth. Walter, a writer, editor, illustrator, translator, actor, puppeteer, chef and raconteur, better known as Mobile’s Renaissance Man, is fondly remembered. Friends he knew and loved will join us at The NewSouth Bookstore for this special program conceived by the bookstore in partnership with the Walter estate. Our special guests include Carolyn Haines, Don Noble, Bert Hitchcock, and Bill Eiland, along with Mary Beth Lakin, coexecutor of Walter’s estate. Enjoy snacks prepared from The Happy Table of Eugene Walter. Books, poster art, note cards, all from the Walter estate, will be available for purchase. See you at The NewSouth Bookstore on Sunday, November 3 at 3pm.

A Killer Event with Emma C Wells
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | The Haunted Book Shop, 9 S JOACHIM ST, MOBILE, AL, 36602-2707, United States
Join us for “A Killer Event with Emma C Wells” at The Haunted Book Shop on November 12, 6-7:30pm, in celebration of Wells’ debut, This Girl’s a Killer. Tagged as SheReads 2024 Most Anticipated Fall Mystery Thrillers and Goodreads Fall 2024 Readers Most Anticipated Mystery Thrillers, this tale of trickery is not to be missed and neither is this event. Along with your chance to meet Wells and purchase a signed copy of this surefire hit, Wells will hold an audience Q&A. Here’s your chance to pick the brain of a thriller writer!
In “This Girl’s a Killer,” Wells skillfully juxtaposes light-hearted humor with suspenseful intrigue, introducing us to Cordelia Black – an astute businesswoman, a loyal friend, and an unexpected, yet deft wielder of justice against villainous men in South Louisiana. Cordelia effortlessly transforms from an ambitious pharma rep by day to a deliverer of karmic justice by night; a fierce icon for women’s autonomy, rights, and occasional wrongs. Cordelia insists she isn’t a killer, merely an agent of karma—despite what the evening news might suggest.
Wells’ novel offers a fresh spin on the thriller genre, integrating razor-sharp wit and deep camaraderie in a blood-splattered tribute to chosen families. The story is dark, daring, and profoundly human, bolstered by a self-assured protagonist who confronts trauma with remarkable courage and unwavering spirit.
Expect an engaging conversation about the novel’s themes, stark insights into the mind of Emma C Wells, and lively discussions about how she created such an enchanting, yet chilling, narrative.
Join us and immerse yourself in the provocative world of Emma C Wells and her unforgettable heroine, Cordelia Black. Reserve your seat and copy today!

Celebrate Julian McPhillips Birthday with Us at The NewSouth Bookstore!
2024-11-13 11:30 - 13:00 | The NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court St, Montgomery, 36104, United States
We’re gathering at The NewSouth Bookstore to help celebrate Julian McPhillips’s 78th birthday. Please stop by to say hello, enjoy a slice of birthday cake, and to pick up a copy of Julian’s newest memoir, Standing Up to Bullies. Join us at The NewSouth Bookstore on Wednesday, November 13, from 11:30am until 1pm. Friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, fans — all are welcome!
