Remembering Poet Andrea Gibson

Join us on Friday, August 1st at 7:00pm for a community poetry reading and memorial to honor the life and poetry of Andrea Gibson. To honor Andrea, we will be hosting a celebration of their life -- reading their poems, and welcome folks to come and share their favorite poems of theirs, or writing that is inspired by them. Come be together in grief and joy. Because we are hosting this event at All She Wrote Books, and space is limited, we ask that folks RSVP here, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone who wants to attend.

All She Wrote Books

All She Wrote Presents August Queer Romance Book Club: DON'T WANT YOU LIKE A BEST FRIEND

Join us on Sunday, August 10th at 10:30am at All She Wrote Books for a discussion of Don't Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban, a swoon-worthy debut queer Victorian romance in which two debutantes distract themselves from having to seek husbands by setting up their widowed parents, and instead find their perfect match in each other—the lesbian Bridgerton/Parent Trap you never knew you needed! Seats are limited, so snag yours quick! Worried about finding the book? We've got you covered! Grab a physical copy through registration for the event, at <a href="http://bookshop.org/">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="http://libro.fm/">Libro.fm</a>. Can't make it? No worries! Let us know ASAP so we can release your spot to someone eagerly waiting on the waitlist. Don't miss out-register now! Remember: This event has limited capacity, so grab your ticket and claim your seat before it's too late! We can't wait to see you there! ✨ About the Book Gwen has a brilliant idea. It’s 1857, and anxious debutante Beth has just one season to snag a wealthy husband, or she and her mother will be out on the street. But playing the blushing ingenue makes Beth’s skin crawl and she’d rather be anywhere but here. Gwen, on the other hand, is on her fourth season and counting, with absolutely no intention of finding a husband, possibly ever. She figures she has plenty of security as the only daughter of a rakish earl, from whom she’s gotten all her flair, fun, and less-than-proper party games. “Let’s get them together,” she says. It doesn’t take long for Gwen to hatch her latest scheme: rather than surrender Beth to courtship, they should set up Gwen’s father and Beth’s newly widowed mother. Let them get married instead. “It’ll be easy” she says. There’s just…one, teeny, tiny problem. Their parents kind of seem to hate each other. About the Author Emma R. Alban (she/her) is is an author and screenwriter. Raised in the Hudson Valley, she now lives in Los Angeles, enjoying the eternal sunshine, ocean, and mountains. When she isn’t writing books or screenplays, she can usually be found stress baking with the AC on full blast, skiing late into the spring, singing showtunes at the top of her lungs on the freeway, and reading anywhere there’s somewhere to lean. She is the author of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend and You’re the Problem, It’s You. Our Book Club Guidelines<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

All She Wrote Books August Breakfast Club: SKYE FALLING by Mia McKenzie

This August, our Breakfast Club will read Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie. Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 17th at 10:30am as we gather at All She Wrote Books to discuss this hilarious, electric novel, a probing examination of the complexities of family, queerness, race, and community. Event Highlights:<ul><li>Immersive Book Discussion with a Community of Enthusiastic Readers</li><li>Coffee and pastries from local French bakery, Michette</li><li></li></ul>Tickets are limited to due to capacity at the bookstore, and each ticket will include either:<ul><li>A copy of the breakfast book club pick; or </li><li>General admission that includes coffee and pastries.</li></ul>There are many ways to obtain a copy of the book (aside from your public library) — you can purchase it through <a href="http://allshewrotebooks.com/">allshewrotebooks.com</a>, <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/Bookshop.org">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/www.sachakraborty.com">Libro.fm</a> to help support our work! If you purchase a copy Our event has a limited capacity and we want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to attend. By letting us know that you can no longer attend, we can open up your spot to someone on our waitlist who is eager to participate.   "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/www.sachakraborty.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About the Book: When she was twenty-six and broke, Skye didn’t think twice before selling her eggs and happily pocketing the cash. Now approaching forty, Skye still moves through life entirely—and unrepentantly—on her own terms, living out of a suitcase and avoiding all manner of serious relationships. Maybe her junior high classmates weren’t wrong when they voted her “Most Likely to Be Single” instead of “Most Ride-or-Die Homie,” but at least she’s always been free to do as she pleases. Then a twelve-year-old girl tracks Skye down during one of her brief visits to her hometown of Philadelphia and informs Skye that she’s “her egg.” Skye’s life is thrown into sharp relief and she decides that it might be time to actually try to have a meaningful relationship with another human being. Spoiler alert: It’s not easy. Things get even more complicated when Skye realizes that the woman she tried and failed to pick up the other day is the girl’s aunt, and now it’s awkward. All the while, her brother is trying to get in touch, her mother is being bewilderingly kind, and the West Philly pool halls and hoagie shops of her youth have been replaced by hipster cafés. With its endearingly prickly narrator and a cast of characters willing to both challenge her and catch her when she falls, this novel is a clever, moving portrait of a woman and the relationships she thought she could live without. About the Author: Mia McKenzie is the award-winning author of The Summer We Got Free and the creator of Black Girl Dangerous Media, an independent media and education project that centers queer Black women and girls. She lives with her parenting partner and two children in the Happy Valley of Western Massachusetts. Our Book Club Guidelines:<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

Tarot at All She Wrote Books

Join Herokind for a tarot reading at All She Wrote Books in Somerville! Tune in to the wisdom of your intuition, spirit guides, and higher knowing. Together, we'll ask Spirit for three cards with general guidance and support for your life right now. Herokind readings are gentle, fun and inclusive. All cards offer gifts and healing! Herokind also pull an oracle card for additional guidance. RSVP <a href="https://heronkind-schedule.as.me/schedule/9f86bbce/appointment/58857704/calendar/5807951?appointmentTypeIds[]=58857704">here</a>, or by clicking the button below!

Dani's Queer Bar x All She Wrote Books Book Club: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

Join All She Wrote Books on Tuesday, August 19th at 7:00pm at Dani's Queer Bar for a discussion of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne! Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is a cozy fantasy steeped in sapphic romance about one of the Queen’s private guards and a powerful mage who want to open a bookshop and live happily ever after…if only the world would let them. Worried about finding the book? We've got you covered! Grab a copy through registration for the event, at <a href="http://bookshop.org/">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="http://libro.fm/">Libro.fm</a>. Can't make it? No worries! Let us know ASAP so we can release your spot to someone eagerly waiting on the waitlist. Don't miss out- register now! Remember: This event has limited capacity, so grab your ticket and claim your seat before it's too late! We can't wait to see you there! ✨ About Can't Spell Treason Without Tea In the tradition of Legends &amp; Lattes, comes a cozy fantasy steeped in sapphic romance about one of the Queen’s private guards and a powerful mage who want to open a bookshop and live happily ever after…if only the world would let them. All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy. But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town nestled in the icy tundra near dragon country, and open the shop of their dreams. What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world. About Author Rebecca Thorne Rebecca Thorne is an author of all things fantasy, sci-fi, and romantic. She thrives on deadlines, averages 2,700 words a day, and tries to write at least 3 books a year. (She also might be a little hyper-focused ADHD.) After years in the traditional publishing space, Rebecca pivoted into self-publishing. Now, she’s found a happy medium as a hybrid author, and leans into her love of teaching by helping other authors find their perfect publication path. Website: <a href="http://rebeccathorne.net/">rebeccathorne.net</a> TikTok: @rebecca.thorne Instagram: @rebeccathornewrites When she’s not writing (or avoiding writing), Rebecca can be found traveling the country as a flight attendant, or doing her best impression of a granola-girl hermit with her two dogs. She’s always scheming to move to a mountain town and open a bookshop that serves tea. Our Book Club Guidelines<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

Dani's Queer Bar

All She Wrote Books x Freddie Kölsch

Join All She Wrote Books on Thursday, September 4th at 7:30pm, as we host authors Freddie Kölsch&nbsp;and Aislinn Brophy! They will discuss Kölsch's latest YA Horror, Empty Heaven, a propulsive and original love story, a darkly funny tribute to the power of queer found family, and a haunting exploration of the hidden horrors of beautiful places. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About Empty Heaven You are safe, my child. You are loved, my child. You are one with the good earth. Darian Sabine Arden is haunted by a monster who claims to love her. Her only respite is the New England village where she spends summers with her three best friends. Kesuquosh is serene and idyllic, and the townsfolk’s odd worship of a godlike scarecrow only adds to the charming local color. But when Darian pays a surprise Halloween visit to her summer crush—a beautiful, unreadable girl named KJ—just in time to see her swept up in a bizarre harvest ritual, she’s forced to admit that Good Arcturus is more than a quaint superstition. He’s terrifyingly real.&nbsp; Something ancient and sinister lurks behind the dying sunflower fields and glowing windows of Kesuquosh… and in the hearts of the people who live there. Something that doesn’t take kindly to its paradise being threatened. To save KJ—and themselves—Darian and her friends must question everything they thought they knew about their home. And Darian will have to tell the awful truth about the monster that’s been with her all along.&nbsp; About the Author Freddie Kölsch (she/her)&nbsp;is a connoisseur and crafter of frightful fiction (with a dash of hope) for teens and former teens. She is the author of Now, Conjurers. She lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her high school sweetheart-turned-wife, a handful of cats, a houseful of art, and a mind’s eye full of ghosts. About the Speaker Aislinn Brophy (she/they)&nbsp;is an actor, writer, and the author of How to Succeed in Witchcraft. She was born and raised in South Florida, but made her way up to the frigid northeast for college. Their hobbies include pawning off their baking on anybody nearby, doing funny voices, and dismantling the patriarchy. Aislinn has a degree in Theater, Dance &amp; Media, and her experiences as a performer consistently wiggle their way into her writing. In all aspects of her work as an artist, she is passionate about exploring identity and social justice issues.

All She Wrote Books x Sarah Moon: FAMILY WEEK

Join All She Wrote Books on Sunday, July 27th at 11:00am, as we host authors Sarah Moon and ! They will discuss Moon's latest book, Family Week, a middle grade coming-of-age story that celebrates identity, acceptance, and found family. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="http://mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com/">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About Family Week Four best friends spend Family Week together at an annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in Provincetown, MA—the largest of its kind across the world! For as long as they can remember, Mac, Lina, Milo and Avery have celebrated Family Week together in "the smallest, gayest town in the world"—Provincetown, Massachusetts. But this summer, their big rented beach house feels different. Avery’s dads are splitting up, and her life feels like it’s falling apart. Milo’s flunked seventh grade, which means everyone is moving on to bigger and better things except for him. Mac’s on his way to a progressive boarding school that lets transgender kids like him play soccer, but it means leaving his twin sister, Lina, and his moms—and the safety of home—behind.  Everything is changing, and for Lina, it feels like it's happening with or without her. Avery, Milo, and Mac know this is going to be their last summer together. But Lina can't accept that—and if she can make this the best summer ever, maybe she'll convince them that there will be a Family Week next year. Good things might not last in the real world, but they do in P-town.... Right? About the Author Sarah Moon (she/her) is the author of SPARROW and MIDDLETOWN, both of which received critical acclaim. A teacher and college counselor, she lives and works in Brooklyn with her wife and their daughter. About the Speaker Kimm Topping Ed.M. (they/them) is an educator, historian, and artist. As the founder of Lavender Education, they lead a national initiative that celebrates LGBTQIA+ history through arts, education, and youth organizing. Their extensive collaborations with educational institutions and organizations focuses on promoting the well-being and leadership of queer and trans youth. Prior to founding Lavender Education, Kimm managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts. They currently serve as a Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in gender and sexuality studies. In 2023, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition awarded Kimm the inaugural In-Service Award in recognition of their significant contributions to the transgender community across Massachusetts. Generation Queer is Kimm's first full-length book. Residing in the Boston area, Kimm also leads historical tours highlighting queer and feminist landmarks. Find them online at <a href="http://kimmtopping.com/">kimmtopping.com</a>.

All She Wrote Books July Breakfast Club: MURDER BY CHEESECAKE

This July, our Breakfast Club will read Murder by Cheesecake: A Cozy Golden Girl Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 20th at 10:30am as we gather at All She Wrote Books to discuss the first novel in the all-new Golden Girls Cozy Mystery Series! Event Highlights:<ul><li>Immersive Book Discussion with a Community of Enthusiastic Readers</li><li>Coffee and pastries from local French bakery, Michette</li><li></li></ul>Tickets are limited to due to capacity at the bookstore, and each ticket will include either:<ul><li>A copy of the breakfast book club pick; or&nbsp;</li><li>General admission that includes coffee and pastries.</li></ul>There are many ways to obtain a copy of the book (aside from your public library) — you can purchase it through <a href="http://allshewrotebooks.com/">allshewrotebooks.com</a>, <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/Bookshop.org">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/www.sachakraborty.com">Libro.fm</a> to help support our work! Our event has a limited capacity and we want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to attend. By letting us know that you can no longer attend, we can open up your spot to someone on our waitlist who is eager to participate. &nbsp; "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c0063556-a33e-457d-b696-a71163ba43b9/events/event/draft/98324514-676b-4e88-a399-ef3db20863ce/www.sachakraborty.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About the Book: When Dorothy’s obnoxious date is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf–themed wedding Rose is hosting. Things are heating up, and not just because of Blanche’s hot flashes. Rose’s cousin is eloping to Miami, and Rose is playing host. If she can’t balance the groom’s family’s snobbery against the traditional St. Olaf wedding week guidelines, her hometown may never accept her cousin again!&nbsp; Dorothy quickly realizes she needs a date with whom she can exchange wedding-related wisecracks. Turning to a newfangled VHS dating service, she believes she’s found the ideal conversationalist. Unfortunately, what looks good on TV can actually be a total jerk in real life. It seems she’ll just have to enjoy the company of Sophia, Blanche, and whomever Blanche has targeted for a hookup. As the Girls all pitch in, Rose is thrilled that the tea-and-fish-themed kickoff event is perfect, not a herring out of place. That is until Dorothy’s date is found dead—face-planted in an otherwise scrumptious-looking cheesecake. With every guest a suspect (especially Dorothy) and a marriage on the line, the four besties must ID the real killer, get the should-be-happy couple down the aisle, and make sure nobody from St. Olaf gets lost in the wilds of Miami. It’s up to the Golden Girls to sleuth out a way for friendship and love to win the day! About the Author: Rachel Ekstrom Courage is the New York Times, USA Today, and American Booksellers Association bestselling author of Murder By Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery (Hyperion Avenue/Disney) and the Young Adult thriller Nothing Bad Happens Here (PRH/Delacorte). She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband (the children’s book author Nick Courage) and their dog, Chaely. By day she’s the founder of Courage Literary, advocating for books and authors that make the world a better, smarter, and more interesting place. As a literary agent, Rachel has represented New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Best Sellers. Her clients include GoodReads Choice Award Winners, IndieNext Picks and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections as well as finalists for the Lambda Award, the National Jewish Book Award, and the ITW Thriller Award. When she’s not busy working on books, you can find Rachel playing with her dog and restocking her Little Free Library. Our Book Club Guidelines:<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

Dani's Queer Bar x All She Wrote Books Book Club: Let Them Stare

Join All She Wrote Books on Tuesday, July 15th at 7:00pm at Dani's Queer Bar for a discussion of Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy! Let Them Stare is a bighearted story about friendship, love, and discovering the secrets and beauty of your own hometown. Seats are limited, so snag yours quick! Worried about finding the book? We've got you covered! Grab a copy through registration for the event, at <a href="http://bookshop.org/">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="http://libro.fm/">Libro.fm</a>. Can't make it? No worries! Let us know ASAP so we can release your spot to someone eagerly waiting on the waitlist. Don't miss out- register now! Remember: This event has limited capacity, so grab your ticket and claim your seat before it's too late! We can't wait to see you there! ✨ About Let Them Stare Sully is ready to get out of Hearst, Pennsylvania. With a fashion internship secured, the gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old is trading in their stifling small town for the big city. Sully even sells their beloved car, to Bread—er, Brad—the most boring (and maybe only other) gay kid in town. When Sully’s internship goes up in smoke, they’re trapped in Hearst with no cash—and no car. Desperate, they go to the thrift store, their personal sanctuary. There, they discover a vintage bag—like "put this baby in an airtight case at the MET" vintage. If Sully can authenticate it, the resale value would be enough for a new life in the city. But when they begin to investigate, Sully finds themself haunted. Literally. With the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died standing—no, floating—in their bedroom, Sully’s summer has a new purpose: 1) help this ghostly honey unlock his past and move on and 2) make bank—after all, the Real Real doesn’t take poltergeist purses. With Rufus in tow, and Brad—who’s looking pretty scrumptious these days—playing chauffeur, Sully delves into the history of the town they’re so desperate to escape. Only to discover that there might be more to Hearst than they ever knew. About Author Jonathan Van Ness Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 3x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, comedian, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of JVN Hair. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award–winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and he hosts the popular podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. About Author Julie Murphy Julie Murphy splits her time between North Texas and Kansas with her husband, who loves her, and her cats, who tolerate her. When Julie isn’t writing, she can be found watching movies so bad they're good, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, or planning her next great travel adventure. She is the author of the middle grade novels Dear Sweet Pea and Camp Sylvania as well as the young adult novels Ramona Blue, Side Effects May Vary, the Faith series, Pumpkin, Puddin’, and Dumplin’ (now a Netflix original film). Our Book Club Guidelines<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

All She Wrote Books x Stephanie Burt: SUPER GAY POEMS Launch Event

Join All She Wrote Books on Sunday, July 13th at 5:00pm, as we host authors Stephanie Burt and Rachel Gold! They will discuss Burt's latest book of poems, Super Gay Poems, a groundbreaking anthology that brings together fifty-one works encompassing the wide range of queer and trans verse after the Stonewall uprising of 1969. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="http://mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com/">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About Super Gay Poems A major poet and literary critic leads an aesthetic adventure through poems about queer experience, by writers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, nonbinary, gender fluid, and more. A groundbreaking anthology edited by acclaimed poet, critic, and scholar Stephanie Burt, Super Gay Poems brings together fifty-one works encompassing the wide range of queer and trans verse after the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Since that galvanizing moment, poetry has served as both a vehicle for queer liberation and a witness to its sometimes fragile, sometimes ebullient flourishing, across the world. The poems in this anthology represent the great variety of queer and trans life itself. They include near-sonnets, iambic couplets, and rhymed quatrains; skinny dimeters and shaped poems; chatty free verse and intentionally inaccurate translations; the demotic and the rococo. Arranged in chronological order, the selections trace queer culture’s recent evolutions. Frank O’Hara, Audre Lorde, Judy Grahn, James Merrill, Thom Gunn, Jackie Kay, Adrienne Rich, Chen Chen, essa ranapiri, and The Cyborg Jillian Weise—poets widely known and poets who deserve to be—share their alienation, their euphoria, and their encounters with a protean community as it discovers new solidarities and new selves. Each piece is paired with a concise, eye-opening essay in Burt’s trademark style, with verve and an inimitable literary ear. A treasury of aesthetic experience and insight, Super Gay Poems points protestors, political organizers, poetry lovers, and LGBTQIA+ readers toward many beautiful tomorrows. About the Author Stephanie Burt is the author of fourteen books of poetry and literary criticism, including Super Gay Poems and Don’t Read Poetry. A past judge for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, she served as a board member of the National Book Critics Circle, is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, and writes regularly for the New York Times Book Review, the New Yorker, London Review of Books, the New York Review of Books, Raritan, and other publications. She is the Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker Professor of English at Harvard University. About the Speaker Rachel Gold (they/she) is the author of multiple, award-winning queer &amp; trans Young Adult novels and an English professor at Macalester College. They have a diverse writing career that includes being a reporter for a regional LGBTQ newspaper and surviving corporate marketing. Rachel’s debut novel, Being Emily, was the first Young Adult novel to tell the story of a transgender girl from her perspective. Rachel is a nonbinary lesbian, all-around nerd and avid gamer. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.rachelgold.com/">www.rachelgold.com</a>.

All She Wrote July Queer Romance Book Club: LAVASH AT FIRST SIGHT

Join us on Sunday,&nbsp;July 13th at 10:30am at All She Wrote Books&nbsp;for a discussion of Lavash At First Sight&nbsp;by Taleen Voskuni, a delectable romantic comedy in which sparks fly between two women pitted against each other. Seats are&nbsp;limited, so snag yours quick! Worried about finding the book?&nbsp;We've got you covered! Grab a physical copy through registration for the event, at <a href="http://bookshop.org/">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="http://libro.fm/">Libro.fm</a>. Can't make it?&nbsp;No worries! Let us know ASAP so we can release your spot to someone eagerly waiting on the waitlist. Don't miss out-register now! Remember:&nbsp;This event has limited capacity, so grab your ticket and claim your seat before it's too late! We can't wait to see you there! ✨ About the Book Twenty-seven-year-old Nazeli “Ellie” Gregorian enjoys the prestige of her tech marketing job but is sick of the condescending Patagonia-clad tech bros, her micromanaging boss, and her ex-boyfriend, who she’s forced to work with every day. When Ellie’s lovingly overbearing parents ask her to attend&nbsp;PakCon—a food packaging conference in Chicago—to help promote their company and vie to win an ad slot in the Superbowl (no big deal), she’s eager for a brief change and a delicious distraction. At the conference, she meets witty, devil-may-care Vanya Simonian. Ellie can’t believe how easy it is to talk to Vanya and how much they have in common—both Armenian! From the Bay Area! Whose families are into food! Their meet-cute is cut short, however, when Ellie’s parents recognize Vanya as the daughter of the owners of their greatest rival, whose mission (according to Ellie’s mother) is to whitewash and package Armenian food for the American health-food crowd. Sworn as enemies, Ellie and Vanya must compete against each other under their suspicious parents' scrutiny, all while their feelings for each other heat to sizzling temps. About the Author Taleen Voskuni (she/her) is is an award-winning writer who grew up in the Bay Area Armenian diaspora. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in English and currently lives in San Francisco, working in tech. Other than a newfound obsession with writing rom-coms, she spends her free time cultivating her kids, her garden, and her dark chocolate addiction. Her first novel, Sorry, Bro, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, was named an Amazon editor's pick, and was favorably reviewed in The New York Times. Sorry, Bro is also winner of the 2023 Golden Poppy award for best romance. Lavash at First Sight is her second published novel.. Our Book Club Guidelines<ul><li>We strive for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the featured book and its related themes.</li><li>You do not have to have finished the book to participate, but we ask that you contribute to the discussion in whatever way you feel comfortable.</li><li>We do not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.</li></ul>

All She Wrote Presents: Make Your Own Collage Keychain w/author Jess Bird

Join All She Wrote Books on Saturday, July 20th at 7:30pm, as we host author and self-taught artist and illustrator Jess Bird! Not only will we be talking about her debut book, Bless the Messy, but guests will assemble their own unique keychain trinkets using collage materials. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About Bless the Messy For readers of Hyperbole and a Half and Am I There Yet?, Bless the Messy is a compassionate, distinctive, and voice-driven illustrated personal growth book, one that gives readers permission to radically love themselves, feel their feelings, and live with joy even as—especially as—they may fumble through major life moments, or feel othered by society’s narrow norms. Supreme moments of beauty and joy can be found in the mess. Jess Bird is living proof of that. As a queer woman who received a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, Jess is raising her kids in a blended family, rewriting the rules as she goes along. Far from being an expert or perfect, she embraces her imperfections and invites you to do the same. By sharing her messy, in-process journey, Jess hopes to connect with those who feel isolated or oppressed by society’s narrow norms, making them feel seen and validated. In this illustrated personal growth book, Jess combines self-reflection, encouragement, and practical guidance. She delves into her struggles and triumphs, offering insights on growing through trauma and healing, breaking free from societal expectations, setting boundaries, redefining home and chosen family, finding self-worth, and embracing anti-perfectionism. The mantra “Bless the Messy” runs through it all, reminding us that every emotion, even the uncomfortable ones, is valid and valuable. Bright, hopeful, real, and raw, Bless the Messy is a warm hug of a book that will make you feel a little less alone. About the Author Jess Bird is a self-taught artist and illustrator, making magic in her hometown of Rochester, New York. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Tonight, Yoga Journal, and VICE, and she was named one of Marie Claire’s top twenty-one creators to watch in 2022. Jess is a highly sought-after artist, particularly for content creation related to pride and mental health awareness, and she has partnered with a wide range of brands, including Madewell, Blundstone, Always, Adobe, Pinterest, Hallmark, Calm, Anthropologie, Yoga Journal, and VICE. Jess started her Instagram and shop Bless the Messy in 2014 in an effort to connect back to herself and others during the darkness of depression. Jess started her business in a closet (both literally and figuratively) and has grown as an artist and human alongside so many of those who have supported her journey, even at a distance. Jess came out as queer in 2017, and also received a late diagnosis of ADHD when she was thirty-one years old. Jess’s art reflects her inclusive values, and she is a vocal advocate for queer and trans rights, belonging, mental health, and antiracist action. She lives with her family in Rochester, New York.

Connexion

ASWB x Kelsey Toney

You're invited to join All She Wrote Books, in partnership with MassNOW, to celebrate the release of The Unexpected Consequences Of Bleeding On A Tuesday, on Sunday, June 29th at 3:00pm. This book is a funny, period-positive novel about a girl striving to become the compassionate doctor she's been unable to find in her journey to diagnose her excruciating period pain. The event will include a moderated discussion, an audience Q&amp;A, and a signing line. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About The Unexpected Consequences Of Bleeding On A Tuesday Delia Bridges is striving to become the compassionate doctor she's been unable to find in her journey to diagnose her excruciating period pain--but when a single rule-breaking incident jeopardizes her future, she must find a way to reclaim her dreams in this funny, period-positive novel. High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer GPA--and periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up. Though she doesn't know it yet, Delia has endometriosis, an affliction plaguing millions of people that is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Pain makes everything harder, but Delia is just one semester away from graduating from Stockwood Prep and pursuing her dream of becoming the kind of doctor she's never had: one who takes her symptoms seriously. But when she breaks a rule for the first time ever and is caught using marijuana at school to manage her pain, Delia is expelled. Her expulsion jeopardizes her college acceptance, her planned mentorship, and everything she had carefully planned for years. Without her academic success and no closer to a diagnosis, is Delia anything more than her period? About the Author Kelsey B. Toney (she/her)  writes humorous, heartfelt stories about the hope that exists after our most laughably bad decisions. In past lives, Kelsey has been a teacher, recording artist, and actress—always in pursuit of connection through art and empathy. Learn more at <a href="http://kelseybtoney.com/">kelseybtoney.com</a>, on her podcast, or in her newsletter.

All She Wrote 2025 Pride Book Fair

Come celebrate Pride with All She Wrote Books on June 28th with an all-day book fair event at Connexion, located at 149 Broadway in Somerville!  This ain’t your average book fair, folks. We’ll have daytime AND nighttime activities! Our all ages event runs from 10:00am-2:00pm followed by our 18+ nighttime ticketed extravaganza from 8:00pm-10:00pm.  We’ll kick things off with our all ages book events and family friendly programming that’s open to the public. There will be books and goodies for sale, local vendors, a color book station, and organizations from 10:00am-2:00pm. We’ll even have special kids story times with local drag performers and others starting at 10:30am! You’ll find resources from the ACLU of Massachusetts, BAGLY, Fenway Health, and many more. This is a great way to find your newest read for bedtime or anytime. Bring your friends and family to Somerville from 10:00am-2:00pm for all ages fun! At 8:00pm, the 18+ party begins. We’ll have even more books for sale, music, performances, and vendors plus nostalgic snacks. From 8:30-9:00pm, we’ll have our first queer-friendly performance of the night followed by multiple drag-inspired performances from during the entire book fair. In addition, we will have along with fun LGBTQIA+ items from Crafty Queer Studio, Popwink, and more. During our evening events, you can snag that book you’ve been eyeing and find knick knacks to match. We’ll have exclusive All She Wrote Books merch, funky bookmarks, tote bags, stickers, pins, and more! Did we mention we’ll have a coloring book station too? Our 2nd Annual Book Fair is the perfect way to wrap up Pride month activities while celebrating 6 years of All She Wrote Books! Whether it’s day or night, let’s celebrate Pride right.

All She Wrote x Sarah Schulman: THE FANTASY AND NECESSITY OF SOLIDARITY

Join All She Wrote Books at on Friday, June 20th at 7:30pm, as we host Sarah Schulman and Joan Ilacqua! They will discuss Schulman's new book, The Fantasy And Necessity Of Solidarity, a brilliant examination of the inherent psychological and social challenges to solidarity movements and what that means for the future. "Inclusivity" isn't just a buzzword to us. We make every effort to ensure our space and events are accessible to and for everyone. If you or someone in your party needs accommodations, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@allshewrotebooks.com">info@allshewrotebooks.com</a>. About The Fantasy And Necessity Of Solidarity For those who seek to combat injustice, solidarity with the oppressed is one of the highest ideals, yet it does not come without complication. In this searing yet uplifting book, award-winning writer and cultural critic Sarah Schulman delves into the intricate and often misunderstood concept of solidarity to provide a new vision for what it means to engage in this work—and why it matters. To grapple with solidarity, Schulman writes, we must recognize its inherent fantasies. Those being oppressed dream of relief, that a bystander will intervene though it may not seem to be in their immediate interest to do so, and that the oppressor will be called out and punished. Those standing in solidarity with the oppressed are occluded by a different fantasy: that their intervention is effective, that it will not cost them, and that they will be rewarded with friendship and thanks. Neither is always the case, and yet in order to realize our full potential as human beings in relation with others, we must continue to pursue action towards these shared goals. Within this framework, Schulman examines a range of case studies, from the fight for abortion rights in post-Franco Spain, to NYC’s AIDS activism in the 1990s, to the current wave of campus protest movements against Israel’s war on Gaza, and her own experience growing up as a queer female artist in male dominated culture industries. Drawing parallels between queer, Palestinian, feminist, and artistic struggles for justice, Schulman challenges the traditional notion of solidarity as a simple union of equals, arguing that in today's world of globalized power structures, true solidarity requires the collaboration of bystanders and conflicted perpetrators with the excluded and oppressed. That action comes at a cost, and is not always effective. And yet without it we sentence ourselves to a world without progressive change towards visions of liberation. By turns challenging, inspiring, pragmatic, and poetic, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity provides a much-needed path for how we can work together to create a more just, more equitable present and future. About the Author Sarah Schulman (she/her)&nbsp;is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, nonfiction writer, and AIDS historian. Her books include Gentrification of the Mind, Conflict Is Not Abuse, and Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP, New York 1987–1993 and the novels The Cosmopolitans and Maggie Terry. Schulman’s honors include a Fulbright in Judaic Studies, a Guggenheim in Playwriting, and honors from Lambda Literary, the Publishing Triangle, NLGJA, the American Library Association, and others. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, New York, Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Schulman holds an endowed chair in creative writing at Northwestern University and is on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. About the Speaker Joan Ilacqua (she/her)&nbsp;is the Executive Director of The History Project, Boston's queer community archives. She's dedicated her career to centering marginalized community histories through collecting oral history interviews, preserving archival records, and sharing queer stories. Joan serves on the Boston Commemoration Commission and the Community Archives Collaborative Steering Committee. She earned her master’s degree in Public History from UMass Boston and her BA in History and Sculpture from the University of Puget Sound. In her spare time, Joan loves crafting, reading queer romance novels, and spending time with her wife and their cats.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

allshewrotebooks

Experiences