Book Society

How does a poet taste the world—and how does a food writer find poetry on the plate?

Join us for an illuminating evening with Aimee Nezhukumatathil, New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author of World of Wonders, as she celebrates two extraordinary new releases: her fifth poetry collection, Night Owl, and the paperback edition of her beloved essay collection, Bite by Bite.

Across her body of work, Aimee explores the delicious interplay between poetry and food writing—how language, like flavor, can awaken memory, joy, and connection. In Bite by Bite, she writes of food as a portal to wonder and identity, from the tang of mangoes to the scent of vanilla. In Night Owl, she turns to the transformative quiet of the evening, where love, nature, and darkness reveal the luminous threads that tie us to one another and to the earth. Together, these works offer a feast for the senses, reminding us that nourishment—both literal and emotional—comes in many forms.

Your ticket includes:
<ul><li>A captivating evening with Aimee Nezhukumatathil</li><li>Light bites and wine inspired by Bite by Bite</li><li>Book signing, connection, and community mingling</li></ul>

Option to pre-purchase a copy of Night Owl at checkout.&nbsp; A limited number of copies of Night Owl&nbsp;and Bite by Bite&nbsp;will also be available for purchase at the event.

This event is presented in partnership with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.litquake.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Litquake</a>, San Francisco’s legendary literary festival.

$10 of each ticket purchase will support Litquake&nbsp;and its efforts to foster literary community throughout the Bay Area.* To make an additional donation, <a target="_blank" href="https://donorbox.org/support-litquake-today" rel="nofollow noopener">click here</a>.&nbsp;


About Aimee
Aimee Nezhukumatathil is the New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author of Bite by Bite&nbsp;and World of Wonders, named Barnes &amp; Noble’s Book of the Year and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. A poet, essayist, and longtime professor of creative writing, her work celebrates the natural world and the many ways love and awe transform our lives. She lives in Oxford, Mississippi, where she also leads firefly tours for the state parks.

About Litquake
Since being founded by Jane Ganahl and Jack Boulware in 1999, Litquake has hosted 10,500 authors for 275,000 attendees and distributed 12,000 free books to San Francisco schoolchildren. With over 225 literary partners, Litquake functions more than ever as an umbrella organization stitching together the Bay Area’s literary scene. In its lively, diverse, and inclusive celebration of San Francisco’s thriving contemporary literary culture, Litquake seeks to foster an interest in literature, perpetuate a sense of literary community, and provide a forum for Bay Area writing as a complement to the city’s music, film, and cultural festivals.

Local Event: Feast for the Senses: Aimee Nezhukumatathil on Poetry and Food

Alameda County

Berkeley

California

Feast for the Senses: Aimee Nezhukumatathil on...

How does a poet taste the world—and how does a food writer find poetry on the plate?

Join us for an illuminating evening with...

Feast for the Senses: Aimee Nezhukumatathil on Poetry and Food

Join us for a deliciously unique evening that brings together two of our favorite things—cookies and wine—in celebration of Italian Cookies, the latest book from the&nbsp;authority in Italian cooking, Domenica Marchetti.

In this special event, Domenica will share stories and recipes from her newest cookbook, which captures the heart of Italy’s cookie culture—from rustic almond twists and crumbly cornmeal sbrisolona to spiced red wine biscotti meant for dunking. Together, we’ll explore the history and regional influences behind these classic dolci while enjoying a tasting of cookies made with and for wine.

To complement Domenica’s irresistible creations, we’ll be guided through a unique cookie and wine pairing, exploring Italy’s regional flavors through the perfect pairing of wine and dolci.

Get ready for an indulgent tasting that blends culinary storytelling, tradition, and a touch of la dolce vita!

Your ticket includes:

<ul><li>A guided tasting of Italian cookies and wines</li><li>Conversation with Domenica on the stories and traditions behind Italian Cookies</li><li>Expert insights on Italian wine pairings&nbsp;</li></ul>

Option to pre-purchase copies of Italian Cookies&nbsp;at checkout. A limited number of copies will also be available for purchase at the event.

About the Author

Domenica Marchetti&nbsp;is a celebrated champion of Italian home cooking and the author of several acclaimed cookbooks, including The Glorious Pasta of Italy, Preserving Italy, and Williams-Sonoma Everyday Italian. A former journalist with a master’s degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, she brings a storyteller’s curiosity and a cook’s intuition to every recipe. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Food &amp; Wine, La Cucina Italiana, and more.

Domenica teaches cooking classes across the U.S. and leads small-group culinary tours in Italy. She divides her time between Virginia and Abruzzo—her family’s homeland and the inspiration for many of her recipes. For recipes, stories, and upcoming events, visit her at<a target="_blank" href="https://www.domenicacooks.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">&nbsp;Domenica Cooks</a>.

Local Event: La Dolce Vita: Cookies & Wine with Domenica Marchetti

La Dolce Vita: Cookies & Wine with Domenica...

Join us for a deliciously unique evening that brings together two of our favorite things—cookies and wine—in celebration of...

La Dolce Vita: Cookies & Wine with Domenica Marchetti

Join us for an intimate evening with Kate Schatz, author of Where the Girls Were, and Tracy Clark-Flory, author of the forthcoming memoir My Mother’s Daughter, as they explore the threads of motherhood, adoption, and identity that weave through both of their books. Together, they’ll reflect on the secrets families keep, the silences that shape us, and the power of storytelling to bring the past into the light.

Set in 1968, Where the Girls Were&nbsp;follows a promising young woman whose life is upended by an unexpected pregnancy—sending her to a home for unwed mothers and into the hidden history of “the girls who went away.” My Mother’s Daughter&nbsp;picks up that legacy decades later, as Tracy uncovers the story of her own mother’s experience in a similar home, the child she gave up for adoption, and the long shadow of shame, love, and survival passed down through generations.

In conversation, Kate and Tracy will delve into the deeply personal histories that inspired their writing and the different ways they’ve documented women’s experiences—Kate through fiction, and Tracy through memoir and journalism. Together, they’ll illuminate how the stories we tell about motherhood and adoption continue to shape our understanding of family, autonomy, and belonging.

Your ticket includes:
<ul><li>A heartfelt conversation with Kate Schatz and Tracy Clark-Flory</li><li>Light bites and beverages</li><li>Book signing, connection, and community mingling</li></ul>
Option to pre-purchase a copy of Where the Girls Were. A limited number of copies of Where the Girls Were and My Mother’s Daughter will also be available for purchase at the event.

About the Authors

Kate Schatz is a feminist author, educator, and public speaker. She's the New York Times-bestselling author of the "Rad Women" book series; the novel Where the Girls Were; the 33 ⅓ book Rid of Me: A Story; and Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book, co-written with “United Shades of America” host W. Kamau Bell. She lives in the Bay Area with her wife, three children, and pets.

Tracy Clark-Flory&nbsp;is a journalist and author whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, and The Atlantic.&nbsp;Her previous book, Want Me, was named an NPR Best Book of the Year. My Mother’s Daughter&nbsp;is a moving blend of memoir and cultural criticism exploring family secrets, sisterhood, and intergenerational healing.

Local Event: Motherhood, Adoption, Inheritance: A Conversation with Kate Schatz & Tracy Clark-Flory

Motherhood, Adoption, Inheritance: A...

Join us for an intimate evening with Kate Schatz, author of Where the Girls Were, and Tracy Clark-Flory, author of the...

Motherhood, Adoption, Inheritance: A Conversation with Kate Schatz & Tracy Clark-Flory

“Kindness is the only non-delusional response to everything.” — George Saunders

As we move into a new month, this special Sunday in the Stacks invites you to slow down and reconnect through an intentional practice centered on kindness—toward yourself and others.

Join Laura Guzman, founder of Book Society and certified 200-hour Holistic Yoga Flow instructor, for a gentle, nourishing yoga session designed to release tension, restore balance, and cultivate a positive mindset. Through mindful movement and breath, you’ll be guided to set meaningful intentions and carry a sense of ease and compassion into the weeks ahead.

Set among the quiet beauty of the bookstore before opening hours, this intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to move, reflect, and reset in a truly grounding space.

Your ticket includes:
<ul><li>A guided gentle yoga class led by Laura Guzman</li><li>Post-session mimosa or NA beverage toast</li><li>Exclusive access to Book Society during non-business hours</li><li>A much-deserved moment of deep rejuvenation for the mind and body</li></ul>

Please bring a yoga mat and wear what feels comfortable. No prior experience is required—just an open heart and a willingness to unwind.

About Laura
Laura Guzman is the founder of Book Society and a certified 200-hour Holistic Yoga Flow instructor. With over 25 years of personal practice, her training spans Power Vinyasa, teaching methodology, philosophy, subtle anatomy, and holistic lifestyle studies.

She created Book Society as a space for connection, reflection, and self-care in all its forms—from books and conversation to wine and wellness. Her teaching style is warm, intentional, and rooted in the belief that small, mindful practices can create meaningful shifts in how we move through the world.

Local Event: Sunday in the Stacks: Gentle Yoga with Laura

Sunday in the Stacks: Gentle Yoga with Laura

“Kindness is the only non-delusional response to everything.” — George Saunders

As we move into a new month, this special...

So… have you ever dreamed of giving a TED talk? Or at least wondered if you could? Step into the spotlight and learn what it really takes to deliver a talk that captivates, inspires, and sticks.&nbsp;

Join Communication Expert &amp; Confidence Cultivator Karen Laos—an official TEDx Speaker coach—for an interactive workshop designed to elevate your presence, clarify your message, and help you communicate with confidence. In conversation with former TEDx speaker Mindy Wegner, this dynamic evening offers both expert guidance and firsthand insight into the TEDx experience.

Guided by Karen, you’ll explore her signature framework, “The Confidence Cocktail™” to be a Clear, Compelling, and Credible communicator, while learning practical tools to strengthen your voice, refine your story, and connect authentically with any audience. Whether your goal is to land a TEDx stage or simply show up more powerfully in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies you can immediately apply.

Through a mix of instruction, conversation, and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn what’s actually involved in becoming a TEDx speaker, hear behind-the-scenes insights from Mindy’s experience on stage, and gain Karen’s top tips for commanding the room and delivering with impact.

Local Event: So You Want To Do A Ted Talk?!

So You Want To Do A Ted Talk?!

So… have you ever dreamed of giving a TED talk? Or at least wondered if you could? Step into the spotlight and learn what it...

Celebrate Mom in style with a one-of-a-kind afternoon at Book Society, featuring Berkeley artist <a target="_blank" href="https://kelleyhollisjewelry.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Kelley Hollis</a>. 

Kelley’s stunning jewelry designs—recently featured at the de Young and in the Legion of Honor’s Manet &amp; Morisot&nbsp;exhibit—blend the magic of vintage treasures with a modern edge. Her collection includes one-of-a-kind restored pieces and limited-edition creations in 18ct and 22ct gold—each as unique as Mom herself.

Come sip a glass of wine, browse Kelley's exquisite designs, and find something truly special—just in time for Mother’s Day.

Local Event: Mother's Day Pop-Up with Kelley Hollis Jewelry

Mother's Day Pop-Up with Kelley Hollis Jewelry

Celebrate Mom in style with a one-of-a-kind afternoon at Book Society, featuring Berkeley artist Kelley Hollis. 

Kelley’s...

The dream of farm life is timeless—but today’s farmers are rewriting that story in real time.

Join us for a thought-provoking evening with Jennifer Acker, author of Surrender; Andy Naja-Riese, CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM); and Tamara Hicks, owner of Toluma Farms &amp; Tomales Farmstead Creamery and author of Feasts on the Farm. Together, they’ll explore the shifting landscape of farming in the Bay Area—where tradition meets innovation, and storytelling meets lived experience.

In Surrender, Acker introduces us to Lucy Richard, a woman who leaves behind a successful career in New York City to return to her family’s struggling goat farm in rural Massachusetts. What unfolds is an intimate portrait of reinvention, resilience, and the emotional and financial realities of farming life. Lucy’s journey—marked by inexperience, loss, love, and unexpected community—mirrors many of the challenges and transformations faced by farmers today.

In conversation, Jennifer, Andy, and Tamara will connect fiction to reality, unpacking the history of farming in the Bay Area and the new models shaping its future. From the rise of smaller, diversified vegetable farms to collaborative approaches like shared land, equipment, and labor, they’ll discuss how today’s farmers are reimagining sustainability—not just for the land, but for their own lives. How can farmers support one another in an industry that has long demanded everything? What does it look like to build systems that allow for rest, resilience, and even something as simple as a vacation?

They’ll also explore how our community can play a role—through supporting land conservation efforts, engaging with local food systems, and participating in experiences like farm visits, cheese trails, and hands-on learning that deepen our connection to the land and the people who steward it.

Your ticket includes:
<ul><li>A dynamic conversation with Jennifer Acker, Andy Naja-Riese, and Tamara Hicks</li><li>Delicious bites and wine, including cheeses from Toluma Farms (with more to be announced!)</li><li>Book signing, connection, and community mingling</li></ul>

Option to pre-purchase a copy of Surrender. A limited number of Feasts on the Farm&nbsp;will also be available for purchase at the event.

Local Event: A Taste of the Land: Stories & Realities of Farming

A Taste of the Land: Stories & Realities of...

The dream of farm life is timeless—but today’s farmers are rewriting that story in real time.

Join us for a thought-provoking...

A Taste of the Land: Stories & Realities of Farming

Debut Night at Book Society is a celebration of firsts—first books, first pours, and the stories that bring them to life.

Join Kate Crane, Portia Elan, and Eric Scot Tryon as we raise a glass to their debut novels and introduce Book Society’s new house wines, crafted in collaboration with Berkeley-based Broc Cellars.

Throughout the evening, each author will share their journey to publication, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how an idea evolves into a finished book. From an investigative memoir to a genre-bending adventure spanning 600 years within a video game, to a moving exploration of grief and the unexpected relationships it reveals, these stories promise a rich and varied conversation.

Bring your curiosity—and your questions—for an evening designed to spark connection, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the art of the debut.

Your ticket includes:
<ul><li>A lively conversation with three debut authors—Kate Crane (What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?), Portia Elan (Homebound), and Eric Scot Tryon (I’m the Undertow)</li><li>A first taste of Book Society’s new house wines</li><li>Book signing, conversation, and community mingling</li></ul>


<h4>About the Authors &amp; Their Books</h4>

Eric Scot Tryon
San Francisco–based writer and editor Eric Scot Tryon makes his debut with I’m the Undertow&nbsp;(Central Avenue, May 2026), a haunting and tender novel exploring guilt, grief, and the unexpected relationships that form in the wake of loss. His short fiction has appeared in more than 50 literary journals, including Mid-American Review, Indiana Review, Ninth Letter, The Florida Review, Glimmer Train, and The Los Angeles Review. He is represented by Carleen Geisler of Britt Siess Creative Management and is the founding editor of the literary journal Flash Frog.

Portia Elan
Bay Area native Portia Elan brings a poet’s sensibility to her debut novel, Homebound, a sweeping and imaginative story that begins with a queer game designer in the 1980s and echoes into the 26th century—shaping the lives of a scientist, a sentient robot, and a desperate ship captain. A meditation on storytelling, identity, and belonging, the novel reflects Portia’s deep literary roots. She holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of Victoria, is a former Lambda Literary Fellow, and has worked as both a teacher and public librarian. She lives in the Bay Area with her wife and an abundance of cats.

Kate Crane
Writer and editor Kate Crane draws on her background in journalism and publishing for her debut, What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?, an investigative memoir that blends personal narrative with rigorous reporting. When she was twelve, her father disappeared from his Baltimore trucking business and never returned—twenty years later, she set out to uncover the truth. Kate began her career with an NYC alt-weekly and later worked with&nbsp;Wall Street Journal publications. A Baltimore native and longtime New Yorker, she now lives in California.

About Broc Cellars
<a target="_blank" href="https://broccellars.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Broc Cellars </a>is a Berkeley-based winery dedicated to producing fresh, vibrant wines meant for everyday enjoyment. Founded in 2002 by winemaker Chris Brockway, Broc works with organically farmed grapes and native fermentations to create wines that are expressive, balanced, and alive. Crafted with intention, these are wines designed to lift you up—never weigh you down.

Local Event: Debut Night: First Editions

Debut Night: First Editions

Debut Night at Book Society is a celebration of firsts—first books, first pours, and the stories that bring them to life.

Join...

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Sunday, April 19
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Posting Activity

Feast for the Senses: Aimee Nezhukumatathil on Poetry and Food

APR

21

6:00 PM

Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

La Dolce Vita: Cookies & Wine with Domenica Marchetti

APR

23

6:00 PM

Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

Motherhood, Adoption, Inheritance: A Conversation with Kate Schatz & Tracy Clark-Flory

APR

28

6:00 PM

Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

Sunday in the Stacks: Gentle Yoga with Laura

MAY

3

9:00 AM

2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

So You Want To Do A Ted Talk?!

MAY

6

6:00 PM

2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

Mother's Day Pop-Up with Kelley Hollis Jewelry

MAY

10

1:00 PM

Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

A Taste of the Land: Stories & Realities of Farming

MAY

19

6:00 PM

Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA

Debut Night: First Editions

MAY

26

6:00 PM

2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA