Literary Events In San Francisco

The great city of San Francisco is home to dozens of literary events each month. Whether your taste is mystery, sci-fi, memoir or humor, there is never any shortage of author events and book signings happening at book stores large and small across the city.

For any book lover, it is always a treat when their favorite author comes to town. However, it can be difficult to know when and where these events are happening unless you constantly scour the internet and subscibe to dozens of mailing lists. I'm going to take care of some of this leg work for you, and compile some of most notable book signings and readings happening in this great city.

Here is what we have coming up in May and June:

Wednesday, May 20th, 7:00 P.M.

Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., San Francisco

Michael Chabon, author of "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" and "Wonderboys" will be stopping by the Bookshop West Portal to discuss the recent paperback publication of his newest novel, "The Yiddish Policemen's Union". The novel, a Noir-style mystery, is set in a world in which the Jewish Diaspora settle in Sitka, Alaska instead of Israel after World War II.

Chabon will be reading from and signing copies of his work. The book store space is small, so get there early to get a good seat.

Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00 P.M.

Sundance Kabuki Theatre, 1881 Post St., San Francisco

Chuck Palahniuk, author of cult classics like "Fight Club", "Choke", and "Lullaby" will be reading from and discussing his newest work, "Snuff". The novel, in true Palahniuk style, is a story of an aging porn star wanting to break the record for the world largest gang-bang. The story's point of view shifts between the different participants, each with their own reasons for being there.

The reading is being presented by Booksmith San Francisco, and will be held at the Sundance Kabuki Theatre. Tickets are $35 each, and include admission to the event and a pre-signed hard cover copy of the book. This is bound to be a big one, if not THE big event of the summer, so get your tickets fast.

Friday, May 16th, 7:00 P.M.

Slim's, 333 11th Street, San Francisco

James Frey, probably now most famous for his being outed as a fraud on the "Oprah Winfrey" show after his book, "A Million Little Pieces", turned out to be not memoir but fiction, will be appearing to promote his newest work "Bright Shiny Morning" at Slim's in San Francisco with some special guests.

With his reputation tarnished, it might take some time and a lot of effort for Frey to gain the trust of his readers back. If you were a fan of "A Million Little Pieces", it might be worth checking out what he has to say. This event is being presented by Books, Inc and is free to the public.

Thursday, May 22nd, 7:00 P.M.

Books Inc., In Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

The author of the international bestseller "The English Patient", Michael Ondaatje, will be at the Opera Plaza location of Books Inc. in San Francisco to discuss his newest novel, "Divisadero".

Any fans of "The English Patient", either the book or the film, should take a look at "Divisadero" and come hear Ondaatje talk about his latest work. If its more famous predacessor is any indication, "Divisadero" should be a taught, hard to put down read.

Thursday, June 26th, 7:00 P.M.

Books Inc., Opera Plaza Location, 601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

David Sedaris, humorist, satirist, and author of "Me Talk Pretty One Day" will be discussing his newest effort at the Opera Plaza location of Books Inc. This, his sixth collection of essays about the absurdities of life, continues to showcase Sedaris' unique perspective and playful humanity.

Fans and newcomers alike should come and take a peek at the world of David Sedaris and hear him expound on his outlook on the world around him. Trust me, you'll leave with a smile on your face.