April 2012 Literary Calendar
Monday, April 2
Jeff Friedman, the "funniest poet in PoBiz," kicks off National Poetry Month by reading from his recent collection, Working in Flour, and selections from his new ms. of parables, fables, tales and comic sketches. No registration needed. 12:15pm, UMSL, JC Penney Conference Center, Room 402, 516-5698, park in lot C.
Join the Book Bunch Book Club in discussion of Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Books are available one month prior to discussion at the Circulation Desk. Adults only, 7pm, meeting room 1, SLCL-Grand Glaize Branch, 1010 Meramec Station Road, 994-3300.
Come to Main Street Books to discuss Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson! New members are always welcome, and members receive a 10% discount on book club books. 7pm, Main Street Books, 307 South Main Street, St. Charles, (636) 949-0105. www.mainstreetbooks.net
You are invited to attend readings by H. L. Hix and Jason Sommer as part of the St. Louis Poetry Center’s Observable Readings. 8 pm, Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., www.stlouispoetrycenter.org/observable
Tuesday, April 3
Webster Groves Public Library invites you to discuss Netherland by Joseph O’Neill. 6pm, 3232 S. Brentwood Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-961-3784
Rob Rains will discuss and sign Wild Cards: The Story of the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. 7pm, St. Charles City-County Library-Spencer Road Branch, 427 Spencer Road, St. Peter’s , 636-447-2320. Books will be for sale courtesy of Main Street Books.
Join an adult book discussion group in discussion of J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. No registration required. 7pm, SLCL-Meramec Valley Branch, 625 New Smizer Mill Road, 994-3300.
Wednesday, April 4
Join the Thornhill Book Chat for a lively discussion about the chosen book. 10:30am, SLCL-Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive, 994-3300.
Join this group for robust discussion and critique of works in progress in an honest, supportive environment. Engage in creative exercises and sharing of literary influences. Publishing strategies and opportunities will also be discussed, highlighting SLPL's resources for writers. Open to prose writers at all levels of experience. 7pm, SLPL-Carpenter Branch, 3309 South Grand Blvd., 772-6586.
Thursday, April 5
Join the Mystery Lover’s Book Club in the East Room on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of the next mystery book. 10am, SLCL Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
Join the Trailblazers Book Club in discussion of Little Bee by Chris Cleave. This lively discussion group digs into popular and sometimes controversial books on a wide variety of topics. Registration is required. Adults only. 10am or 2pm, SLCL-Jamestown Bluffs, 4153 N. Highway 67, 994-3300.
Poet William Trowbridge will be reading from his new book, Ship of Fool, as part of the Visiting Writers Series at Webster University. 1:30pm, Webster University’s Pearson House, 8260 Big Bend, 246-7170.
Discuss Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Book Journeys. Books will be available to check out at the Circulation Desk two weeks before the discussion. Registration recommended. 2pm, SLCL-Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Dr., 994-3300.
You are invited to attend a Helen Clanton Morrin Lecture: “Plato and Modern Drama,” presented by Martin Puchner, the Byron and Anita Wien Professor of Drama and of English and Comparative Literature at Harvard University. 4pm, Washington University Danforth Campus, Danforth University Center, Room 276.
Join the FV Mystery Book Club in discussion of a book by Erle Gardner. Choose either Case of the Black-eyed Blonde or Case of the One-eyed Witness. 7pm, SLCL-Florissant Valley, 195 New Florissant Road, S., 994-3300.
St. Louis County Library Author Event with suspense author C.J. Box who will discuss and sign Force of Nature, the latest installment in his popular series about Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
Friday, April 6
Machacek Book Discussion Group invites you to join them.11am, for the current selection, call 781-2948. SLPL-Machacek Branch, 6424 Scanlan Ave.
Saturday, April 7
You are invited to join the Paranormal Book Discussion Group in discussion on James Patterson’s Daniel X: Watch the Skies. Adults only, no registration required. 10am, SLCL-Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Rd., 994-330.
Come support local author and photographer, Sheree Nielsen as she presents a showing of her artwork with inspirational poems. 1pm, Main Street Books, 307 South Main Street, St. Charles.
The Saturday Afternoon Book Club will be discussing The World Below by Sue Miller. 2pm, Webster Groves Public Library (temporary location), 3232 S. Brentwood Blvd, Webster Groves, 961-3784.
Monday, April 9
Howard Schwartz continues our celebration of National Poetry Month by reading from his book Breathing in the Dark, and from his newest poems, many of which were inspired by dreams. Schwartz’s book Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism won the National Jewish Book Award in 2005. 12:15pm, UM St. Louis, JC Penney Conference Center, room 402, free, no registration needed, 516-5698, park in Lot C.
You are invited to join a discussion on Julie MacIntosh’s Dethroning the King. Corporate drama unfolded behind the scenes when American company Anheuser-Busch was taken over by Belgian company InBev. Was this buyout indicative of America’s dwindling financial and political dominance? Adults only, no registration required, 1:30pm, SLCL-Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber road, 994-3300.
Tuesday, April 10
Are you interested in some literary conversation or just like to talk about the books you enjoy? Come to one of our book discussion groups! Copies of the book will be available to check out prior to the meetings. 7pm, SLCL-Sachs-Branch, 16400 Burkhardt Place, 994-3300.
Join the HQ Tuesday Night Book Discussion Group in the East Room on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for a book discussion. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
Join the Foreign Literature Reading Group to discuss The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh. 7:30pm, Washington University West Campus, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., 727-6118.
Urban Street Lit Café Book Discussion will discuss Been There Prayed That by E. N. Joy. This compelling sequel to Three Fifty-Seven A.M. from an Essence-bestselling author revisits the characters that were affected by Ms. Essie's redemptive prayers and are now. 6:30pm, SLPL-Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 388-3021.
Wednesday, April 11
Join Boone’s Bookies in discussion of Candice Millard’s The River of Doubt. Registration requested. 2pm or 7pm, SLCL-Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson road, 994-3300.
Join the Bookies to discuss The Blind Side by Michael Lewis. Visitors welcome; open membership, adults only. 2pm, SLCL-Oak Bend Branch, 842 S. Holmes Ave., 994-3300.
Thursday, April 12
You are invited to attend a lecture on Shakespeare’s As You Like It, presented by Annamaria Pileggi, Senior Lecturer, Washington University in St. Louis, Performing Arts Department. 11:30 am, University City Library, 6701 Delmar, 727-3150.
HQ Tuesday Night Book Club invites you to join them in the East Room on the 2nd Thursday of each month for a book discussion 1:30, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
You are invited to a reading by nonfiction writer, Cheryl Strayed, author of Torch. 6pm, Hurst Lounge, Duncker Hall, Room 201, Washington University Danforth Campus, 935-5190.
Please join the Richmond Heights Memorial Library Book Club for intelligent discussion of Geraldine Brook’s Caleb’s Crossing. No registration required; all are welcome! Call or visit the website for upcoming book selections. We’ll see you there! 7pm, Richmond Heights Memorial Library, 8001 Dale Ave., 645-6202, www.rhml.lib.mo.us
Come as bestselling author of the Miss Julia mystery series, Ann B. Ross, presents the latest fun and clever who-done-it Miss Julia to the Rescue. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
You are invited to join the Read, Reflect, Relate: A Philosophical Book Discussion Group as they discuss Dreams by Derrick Jensen.7pm, SLPL-Carpenter Branch, 3309 South Grand Boulevard, 772-6586.
Friday, April 13
You can expect great company, discussion and refreshments with Great Expectations: Rock Road’s Book Discussion Group! This month’s selection is This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett. Registration recommended. Please pick up your copy at the circulation desk. 10am, SLCL-Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Road, 994-3300.
Come to this month’s 2nd Friday at Whole Foods. This month’s free event will feature Loosely Identified Poets. 7pm, Whole Foods Market, corner of Clayton and Woodsmill Road in Town & Country.
Saturday, April 14
Urban Lit Chitchat with Rose Jackson-Beavers and other local authors as they discuss their books & writing styles. Q&A will follow. Author's books will be available for purchase. Ages 16 & up/adults, 11am, SLPL-Baden Branch, 8448 Church Road, 388-2400.
The Buder Branch Book Discussion Group invites you to their discussion of Echo Maker by Richard Powers.1pm, SLPL-Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave., 352-2900.
Jim Erwin will sign Guerrillas in Civil War Missouri. 1pm, Main Street Books, 307 South Main Street, St. Charles, 636-949-0105.
Sunday, April 15
Free Sunday Workshop (SLPC) relocated (for March and April) to RAC at 6128 Delmar with poet critic, Richard Newman, author of two collections of poems with work in numerous journals and anthologies. 1:30pm, 2nd floor (elevators accessible). Poems (one poem, one page, one column) must be submitted to sundayworkshops@stlouispoetrycenter.org by April 7.
The BookClub invites you to join their 435th discussion. The discussion book is The Lightness of Being: Mass, Ether, and the Unification of Forces by Frank Wilczek. For more information about time and venue, email lloydk@klinedinst.com .
Monday, April 16
Join the Thornbirds Book Group in discussion of this month’s selection. Copies of the book are available for check out one month prior to the meeting. 2pm, Small Meeting room, SLCL-Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Dr., 994-3300.
Manga Book Discussion Group will discuss Mike Costa's Resistance. 6pm, SLPL-Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 383-3021.
Come to Main Street Books to discuss The Giver by Lois Lowry! New members are always welcome, and members receive a 10% discount on book club books. 7pm, Main Street Books, 307 South Main Street, St. Charles, www.mainstreetbooks.net
Did you know Missouri has the second largest number of farms in the US? Missouri Harvest: A Guide to Growers and Producers in the Show Me State takes you on a tour of all our state has to offer for those interested in eating and shopping locally. Maddie Earnest is the co-founder of Local Harvest Grocery and Café. Liz Fathman is the Publications Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
Rover Styx’s popular reading series continues its 37th season of lively, diverse, and thought-provoking literature with John Murillo and Jill Alexander Essbaum. $5 at the door, $4 Members, Students, and Seniors. 7:30pm, Duff’s Restaurant in the Central West End, 392 North Euclid.
Tuesday, April 17
The Afternoon Book Club will discuss Christopher Paul Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy. 2pm, SLCL-Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Road, S., 994-3300.
Join the Pageturners in discussion of Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. Recommended for adults, registration required. 2pm or 7pm, SLCL-Tesson Ferry Branch, 9920 Lin-Ferry Dr., 994-3300.
Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion Group will talk about In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson. Books are available one month prior to the discussion. 2pm, SLCL-Cliff Cave Branch, 5430 Telegraph Road, 994-3300.
The Kingshighway Book Discussion Group invites you to discuss The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht. 6:45pm, SLPL-Kingshighway Branch, 2260 South Vandeventer Ave., 771-5450.
Do you like to chat with friends about your favorite books? Join our book club. This month’s selection is Life is Short but Wide by J. California Cooper. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your copy of this month’s selection today! Visitors and prospective members welcome. 7pm, SLCL-Prairie Commons Branch, 915 Utz Lane, 994-3300.
Wednesday, April 18
Are you interested in some literary conversation or just like to talk about the books you enjoy? Come to one of our book discussion groups! Copies of the book will be available to check out prior to the meetings. Please ask for one at the circulation desk. 2pm, SLCL-Sachs Branch, 16400 Burkhardt Place, 994-3300.
Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion Group invites you to their discussion of Left Neglected by Lisa Genova 2pm, SLCL-Cliff Cave Branch, 5430 Telegraph Road, 994-3300.
Are you interested in some literary conversation or just like to talk about the books you enjoy? Come to one of our book discussion groups! Copies of the book will be available to check out prior to the meetings. Please ask for one at the circulation desk. 2pm, SLCL-Sachs Branch, 16400 Burkhardt Place, 994-3300.
Join us once a month for our Book Discussion Group for adults. This month’s book for discussion is A Duty to the Dead, by Charles Todd. Stop by the Eureka Hills Branch circulation desk to check out your copy of the next book to be discussed. 6pm, SLCL-Eureka Hills Branch, 156 Eureka Towne Center, 994-3300.
One of the Library's most popular annual programs, this event brings together up-and-coming mystery writers from across the country. The 2012 Suspense Night will feature Reed Farrel Coleman, Sara J. Henry, Duane Swierczynski, and Frank Bill. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
The Wednesday Evening Book Discussion Group asks you to join them for a discussion of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. 7pm, SLCL-Cliff Cave Branch, 5430 Telegraph Road, 994-3300.
The Usual Suspects Mystery Book Club will discuss First Family by David Baldacci 7pm, SLCL-Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Road, 994-3300.
Trailblazers After Dark will discuss Step on a Crack by James Patterson. 7pm, SLCL-Jamestown Bluffs Branch, 4153 N. highway 67, 994-3300.
The Urban Book Discussion Group talks about the book, No One in the World by E. Lynn Harris. 7pm, SLPL-Carpenter Branch, 3309 South Grand Blvd., 772-6586.
The Evening Book Club will discuss Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. 7:30pm, SLCL-Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Road, S., 994-3300.
Thursday, April 19
Book Journeys invites you to a discussion of The Particular Sadness Of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender . Books will be available to check out at the Circulation Desk two weeks before the scheduled discussion. 2pm, SLCL-Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Drive, 994-3300.
Friday, April 20
The Machacek Book Discussion Group invites you to their discussion. For the current selection, call 781-2948. 11am, SLPL-Machacek Branch, 6424 Scanaln Ave., 781-2948.
The book of the month is City of Dragons by Kelli Stanley. This club meets once a month on the third Friday. Adults only, registration required.1pm, SLCL-Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Road, 994-3300.
Saturday, April 21
The Mystery Lover’s Book Club invites you to discuss The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver. Groups of 5+ call ahead. 10am, SLPL-Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave., 352-2900.
The Saturday Reading Club Book Discussion Group invites you to discuss Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. 12:30pm, SLPL-Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 383-3021.
The Book Discussion Group asks “What are you reading?” Tell others about it. 1pm, SLPL-Cabanne Branch, 1106 Union Blvd., 367-0717.
Sunday, April 22
The St. Louis Poetry Center will host a benefit reading “The Center Will Hold” will feature the work of W. B. Yeats (1865 – 1939), who was awarded the Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1923, the first Irishman to be so honored. Reading from his work that spanned more than a half-century will be Rhonda Broussard, President of the St. Louis Language Immersion Schools, poet Mary Ruth Donnelly, lawyer Mike Fagan, writer William Gass, St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Amy Kaiser, Opera Theatre General Director Tim O’Leary and poet Eamonn Wall. Tickets for the reading and champagne reception are $50. There will also be a silent auction of art and books. Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd., 4pm, for more information call 973.0616 or visit www.stlouispoetrycenter.org.
Tuesday, April 24
Classics Book Club discusses Jane Austen’s classic first published in 1813 Pride and Prejudice. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of early 19th century England. Adults only, registration required.10am SLCL-Mid-County Branch, 7821 Maryland Ave., 994-3300.
British author Philip Kerr presents his newest historical suspense novel featuring German detective Bernie Guenther. In Prague Fatale, Guenther must solve the perfect locked-room mystery at a house party hosted by the Third Reich. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
You are invited to join a discussion on Dennis Lahane's Shutter Island. Adults only, no registration required.7pm, SLCL-Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road, 994-3300.
Come to this month’s Poetry at the Point, Celebrating Poetry in St. Louis! A reading featuring leadership in some of the top poetry sponsoring organizations in the St. Louis region. They love poetry and they make it happen. Three cheers for National Poetry Month. Join us for dinner at Maya Café (next door to Focal Point) prior to the reading. 7:30pm, The Focal Point, 2720 Sutton Blvd., 973-0616; http://www.stlouispoetrycenter.org/
Wednesday, April 25
The Central Book Discussion Group invites you to discuss contemporary and classic literature. New members welcome. No registration required. Call 367-4120 for current selection. 4pm, SLPL-Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 367-4120.
St. Louis weight loss guru Charles D'Angelo shares his book Think and Grow Thin: The Revolutionary Diet and Weight-loss System that Will Change Your Life in 88 Days! 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
Thursday, April 26
Time magazine editor Nancy Gibbs discusses The Presidents' Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity. The Presidents' Club reveals the secret history of the private relationships among the last 13 presidents, exploring the backroom deals, rescue missions, secret alliances and bitter rivalries of the men who served as commander in chief. 7pm, SLCL-Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 994-3300.
A St. Louis Literary Treasure says Reading Pays-Pass It On! Meet Patricia McKissack tonight and learn about the family stories that inspire McKissack’s writing. Books will be available for purchase from Left Bank Books. Books purchased can be signed. Patricia McKissack, the Spring 2012, Reading Pays-Pass It On! author has won Coretta Scott King Awards and Honors, a Newbery Honor, and the NAACP Image and Virginia Hamilton Literary Awards and in January her 2011 picture book, Never Forgotten, earned a Coretta Scott King author honor award. Her newest book, Best Shot in the West, is a graphic novel about the black cowboy, Nat Love. 7pm, SLPL-Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 367-4120.
The Schlafly Book Discussion Group invites you to discuss diverse contemporary literature every fourth Thursday of the month. This month we discuss American Gods by Neil Gaiman. New members welcome. 7pm, SLPL-Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 367-4120.
Friday, April 27
Walter Bargen and Howards Schwartz are scheduled to read at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO. Tickets are $5 and will be for sale at the entrance. A cash bar will also be available. Author meet and greet, plus a book signing will follow the readings. 7pm, Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Street, 255-0270.
Special Events/Notices
Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 22: Missouri Writers Guild Conference at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Chesterfield MO. For more information please go to www.missouriwritersguild.org or email mwgconferenceinfo@gmail.com.
The 17thAnnual Summer Writers Institute at Washington University will be offered July 13-21, 2012. The SWI brings together prominent St. Louis writers as instructors and students from across the country. The SWI provides a rigorous, enlightening experience, both inside the workshop and at our extracurricular craft talks and readings. This year the SWI features a number of exciting new changes: first is our compressed format. Evening workshops will meet intensively for eight days and include creative nonfiction, sudden fiction and prose poetry, fiction, and screenwriting. Weekends will be devoted to daylong seminars, where local authors and experts will lecture on various craft subjects. As always our workshops will be taught by professional, published writers, experts in their fields. SWI will also, as always, feature one-on-one critiques, faculty readings, and an open mic. Sections will be kept small to facilitate discussion and are for-credit only. Registration begins March 28, 2012. For more information, please contact University College, 314-935-6720, or visit our webpage: ucollege.wustl.edu/swi
The 2012 New Letters Literary Awards. New Letters magazine invites you to submit a short story, an essay, or 3-6 poems to the 2012 New Letters Literary Awards. Deadline: May 18, 2012. For guidelines, visit www.newletters.org, or send an S.A.S.E. to Ashley Kaine, Contest Coordinator, New Letters, University House/ UMKC, 5101 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110.
River Styx, St. Louis’s oldest and finest literary magazine, announces its sixth annual Founders Award, a prize given to the best poem by a high school student. The winning poem will be honored at River Styx’s annual Art and Literary Feast on May 7. All current high school students from the bi-state area are eligible. Students may submit up to five poems per entry. Each submission should include a cover letter with contact information, school, and poem titles. Contact information should not appear elsewhere on the submission. The winner will receive $150 and the opportunity to read at the River Styx Literary Feast. All entries should be postmarked by April 13 and addressed to: River Styx Founders Award, 3547 Olive Street Suite 107, Saint Louis, MO 63103.
River Styx 2012 International Poetry Contest $1500 First Prize 2012 judge is A. E. Stallings.
$20 reading fee includes a one-year subscription (3 issues). Send up to three poems, no more than 14 pages, include name and address on cover letter only. Include S.A.S.E. for notification of contest results (to be mailed out in September). Winner published in Fall issue. All poems will be considered for publication. Previously published poems, including those that have appeared on web sites, blogs, and personal home pages, will not be considered. Postmark entries by May 31, 2012 to: River Styx International Poetry Contest, 3547 Olive Street, Suite 107, St. Louis MO 63103.
Abbreviations
STL: St. Louis; B&N: Barnes & Noble; KPL: Kirkwood Public Library; LBB: Left Bank Books; SLCL: St. Louis County Library; SLPL: St. Louis Public Library; SCCCL: St. Charles City County Library; UCPL: University City Public Library; UMSL: University of Missouri-St. Louis; WU: Washington University; WGPL: Webster Groves Public Library.
All events are free unless otherwise indicated. Author events are followed by signings. All phone numbers take 314 prefix unless indicated. Check the online calendar at cenhum.artsci.wustl.edu for more events and additional details. To advertise, send event details to litcal@artsci.wustl.edu, fax 935-4889, or call 935-5576.