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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260129T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260129T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T213046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T213046Z
UID:10014869-1769713200-1769713200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Kaira Rouda discusses & signs We Were Never Friends
DESCRIPTION:Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly? \nMeet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu: \n\nRoxy Callahan Gentry\, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend–even matching the cocktails to her couture–to prove that she remains their undisputed queen\nAmelia Dell\, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol\, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow\nJamie Vale\, the double-legacy pledge\, straight-A student with no sparkle\, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family–and a well-guarded bad habit\nBeth Harrison\, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal\nSunny Spencer\, the carefree and beloved friend to all\, or so it seemed–until she wasn’t\n\nThey’ve been summoned to Roxy’s luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth’s daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies–because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future\, it’s not so easy to bury the past… \nFor fans of Shari Lapena\, Mary Kubica\, and B. A. Paris\, We Were Never Friends is an unputdownable\, riveting train wreck full of dark humor and bad behavior.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-kaira-rouda-discusses-signs-we-were-never-friends/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kaira-rouda-updated.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T212817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T212817Z
UID:10014868-1769540400-1769540400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Shari Dunbar Boyer discusses & signs The Book of Modern Ceremony: Practices to Mark Life’s Big and Small Moments
DESCRIPTION:For those seeking connection and meaning in their everyday lives\, an easy-to-follow\, beautiful\, and inspiring manual on performing ceremonies for all occasions and milestones\, from life transitions and family gatherings to holidays and seasonal changes. \nFor as long as humans have existed\, we have performed ceremonies to mark occasions and personal transitions to create meaning and connect with the world\, ourselves\, and each other. Though ceremony is still a cornerstone of many cultures around the globe\, modern rituals are largely confined to just three events: birth\, marriage\, and death. Without our ancestors’ sense of frequent and intentional ceremony\, we have lost the power to bring meaning to our everyday lives. The Book of Modern Ceremony is here to change that. \nWritten by sociologist and ceremonialist Shari Dunbar Boyer\, this book shares more than 30 ceremonies that can be easily incorporated into contemporary life. There are rituals for life transitions\, calendar changes\, and personal growth. Some celebrate familiar events\, like the Untraditional Birthday or Vow Renewal ceremonies\, but others mark important milestones that we often neglect\, such as moving to a new home or entering menopause. And of course\, there are seasonal rituals for every solstice\, equinox\, and moon cycle. \nPresented in easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions\, The Book of Modern Ceremony encourages readers to leave behind the daily stressors of life and connect more deeply with themselves\, their loved ones\, and their own spirituality.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-shari-dunbar-boyer-discusses-signs-the-book-of-modern-ceremony-practices-to-mark-lifes-big-and-small-moments/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,Free,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shari-dunbar-boyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T212313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T212313Z
UID:10014867-1769454000-1769454000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: John Sayles discusses & signs Crucible
DESCRIPTION:Already the gateway for illegal Canadian liquor during Prohibition\, the Motor City becomes a crucible for American class conflict during the Great Depression\, with an army of laid off Ford workers drifting into the ranks of the burgeoning union movement — Henry Ford’s worst nightmare.  To keep the hundreds of thousands still employed by him in thrall\, the man who was formerly ‘America’s favorite tycoon’ recruits black laborers migrating from the deep South to serve as ‘strike insurance’\, and gives Harry Bennett\, pugnacious as he is diminutive\, free reign over the legion of barroom brawlers and ex-cons who make up the company’s ‘Security Department’. \nThe Model T mogul has also bought a sizable chunk of Brazil’s Amazonian rainforest\, vowing to grow his own rubber for tires\, but stubbornly refusing to include a botanist in his troop of would-be jungle tamers. As a series of biological plagues descend on the Fordlandia plantation\, the racial melting pot he has created in Detroit begins to boil over\, and not even the Sage of Dearborn can control the forces that have been unleashed. \nThe novel’s cast — Ford workers black and white and their families\, young radicals\, cynical newsmen\, gangsters\, Brazilian rubber tappers\, cameos from boxer Joe Louis and muralist Diego Rivera — create the tapestry of differing points of view that John Sayles has become famous for\, the events portrayed fundamental to the country we live in today.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-john-sayles-discusses-signs-crucible/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/john-sayles.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T140000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T211412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T211412Z
UID:10014864-1769436000-1769436000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Lisa Yee & Dan Santat discuss & sign A Sea Monster Conundrum (the Misfits)
DESCRIPTION:NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES – When there are suspicious sightings around the bay (ghosts?! a sea monster?!)–who’re you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs\, that’s who! The Misfits are on the case in the hilarious series from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat! \n“For any kid who’s felt like a misfit\, this crackling adventure packs a wallop!” –Lincoln Peirce\, creator of Big Nate \nOof! When reports of ghosts arise around an abandoned lighthouse\, Olive and her elite team of underdogs are immediately thrust into a brand new case. After all\, ghosts don’t exist . . . right? \nReal or not\, the ghosts draw quite a crowd at Olive’s beloved Reforming Arts School\, or RASCH ( not “rash”). Turns out everyone wants a glimpse of the ghosts\, including . . . the nearby marine life?! \nBetween RASCH’s ghosts and newfound tourism\, rumors soon spiral out of control about a sea monster in the bay–snagging unwanted attention from a corrupt mogul. What is going on at RASCH? Does the mythical creature really exist\, and can the Misfits save it from being captured? The team will have to dive deep to get to the bottom of San Francisco’s most legendary mystery. . . . \nFor other Misfit adventures\, don’t miss The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum and The Misfits #2: A Copycat Conundrum!
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-lisa-yee-dan-santat-discuss-sign-a-sea-monster-conundrum-the-misfits/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lisa-yee-dan-santat.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260126T110000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T211054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T211054Z
UID:10014863-1769425200-1769425200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Paula Price reads from & signs Happiness is for Everyone
DESCRIPTION:Paula Price reads from & signs Happiness is for Everyone\n\nA purchase of the book from Vroman’s is greatly appreciated and makes events like this possible. \nTeach kids they have the power to choose happiness. \nInspired by the adult non-fiction book\, The Quest for Happiness.To Be Happy\, or Not to Be Happy. The Choice is Yours.\, this playful book helps kids ages 3 to 8 discover that happiness is a choice everyone deserves. Through the fun and uplifting poem\, children will learn simple ways to create happiness-by being kind\, grateful\, and finding joy in everyday moments. A heartwarming journey that empowers kids to shine from within!
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-paula-price-reads-from-signs-happiness-is-for-everyone/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/paula-price.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T160000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T211951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T211951Z
UID:10014866-1769356800-1769356800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Local Author Day Introducing Eddie Dovigi & C.A. River
DESCRIPTION:Eddie Dovigi presents Scrubber\nScrubber is a cyberpunk\, neo-noir about a young woman\, Elly\, who is a freelance “scrubber” –a hacker that receives anonymous commissions to illegally delete watermarks on AI-generated media. When her smartdevice pings with a gig that seems too good to be true\, she quickly realizes she may be in over her head. \nThe book takes place in the alleyways of an urban metropolis\, Demos\, that hums with neon pink\, green\, and blue at night. Elly connects with a few characters throughout her mission\, including Lance\, leader of the werewolf sect\, “misanthropic lycanthropes”. Also\, the immaculately dressed\, Dan Dan\, who is like a living and breathing porcelain doll. But Elly isn’t taking any chances or pulling any punches\, she is sure to leave a trail of recordings in her wake in case the long arm of the law\, or worse\, the eyes that seem to lurk in the shadows\, threaten to put a stop to her at any moment. In the end\, these recordings may be Elly’s only hope. \nC.A. River presents Sea of Waking Dreams\nIt is 2001 when Karina Layne decides it’s the right time for gastric bypass surgery. Losing over one hundred pounds seems like an impossible dream\, but she and her husband\, Ryan\, are ready to have children. Determined to confront the childhood trauma that contributed to her unhealthy relationship with food\, Karina returns to her memories to seek healing and begins undergoing a magnificent metamorphosis of mind and body. Karina and Ryan’s bond is strong and promises a long life of passion and happiness. However\, as Karina navigates her new identity\, they face unexpected challenges that rock the foundation of their marriage. When Karina and Ryan’s cousin unexpectedly develops a spark a year after her surgery\, she finds herself torn between her loyalty to Ryan and her growing feelings for Blake. As she is forced to question her beliefs about love and commitment\, she faces an agonizing choice. Will she stay committed to her marriage or take a chance on a different kind of love? And will tragedy derail Karina’s progress toward transformation? In this captivating voyage through love\, healing\, and self-discovery\, a woman’s journey to weight loss leads her to decide what she truly wants-and who she wants to become.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-local-author-day-introducing-eddie-dovigi-c-a-river/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,Free,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/local-authors-600-x-600.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T110000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T211730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T211730Z
UID:10014865-1769338800-1769338800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Jan 25 Local Author Day Introducing Peggy Hongduc Nguyen
DESCRIPTION:Peggy Hongduc Nguyen presents Zodiac Animals for Movers\nThrough movement-based concepts and dynamic illustrations\, Zodiac Animals for Movers is a children’s book inviting readers to embody the gifts of each zodiac friend. Interact with Nguyễn-Griffin’s reimagining of the Vietnamese and Chinese Lunar calendar by celebrating the creative expression of twelve animals and our collective power to move as one.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-jan-25-local-author-day-introducing-peggy-hongduc-nguyen/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/local-authors-600-x-600-kids-edit.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260123T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260123T170000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260123T222252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T222252Z
UID:10014941-1769155200-1769187600@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Lost x Found: Keepsakes Reimagined
DESCRIPTION:Join Vroman’s Bookstore for an exhibit where special family keepsakes lost to the Los Angeles fires are reimagined by local designers and artists\, celebrating memory\, creativity\, and community healing. \nLost x Found: Keepsakes Reimagined is an exhibit of Project Keepsake\, which began in the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles fires when loss felt overwhelming\, and the path to recovery was uncertain. It grew from a simple act of care into a year-long creative collaboration between local artists and families who lost cherished keepsakes in the fires. The project is led by local design leader Alvin Oei\, founder of CMD+Y\, a creative nonprofit that uses imagination to explore social and environmental issues while supporting local communities through art. Through illustration and storytelling\, artists and designers participating in Lost x Found worked closely with families to reimagine beloved objects such as toys\, mementos\, and symbols of comfort that were lost to the flames. What emerged was more than artwork. It became a way to honor emotional memory\, restore a sense of connection\, and acknowledge a part of disaster recovery that often goes unseen. \nThis exhibition brings those keepsakes to life digitally\, displayed in handcrafted fixtures that transform the space into an intimate gallery of resilience and remembrance. Families\, neighbors\, and the wider community are invited to gather\, reflect\, and celebrate the culmination of a year of volunteer-driven creativity. The event will also feature speakers sharing the journey of Lost x Found\, from its beginnings with Design for Disaster Response LA\, to a workshop with ArtCenter College of Design Designmatters\, to the co‑creative relationships that shaped each illustration. Entirely grassroots and built through collective generosity\, Lost x Found stands as a testament to what can grow when art\, empathy\, and community come together. \nFor more information and / or to participate in the project\, please contact Project Keepsake on their website.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-lost-x-found-keepsakes-reimagined/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art Show,Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lost-x-found-square1x1-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260118T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260118T150000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T204850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T204850Z
UID:10014859-1768748400-1768748400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Chanel Miller discusses & signs The Moon Without Stars
DESCRIPTION:What’s the deal with middle school\, anyway? Newbery Honor-winning author and artist Chanel Miller explores the glorious mess that is middle school–and the way growing up\, finding friends\, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering. \nAt the beginning of seventh grade\, Luna knows who she is: an observant\, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend\, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off\, somehow Luna is swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she’s going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for? \nIn a contemporary novel that feels like today’s Are You There God? It’s Me\, Margaret\, Newbery Honor winner and bestselling author Chanel Miller explores what it means to lose and then find yourself again in the middle of middle school.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-chanel-miller-discusses-signs-the-moon-without-stars/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chanel-miller-updated.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260117T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260117T150000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260116T204632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T204632Z
UID:10014858-1768662000-1768662000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Paula Lafferty discusses & signs The Once and Future Queen: Deluxe Limited Edition (The Lives of Guinevere)
DESCRIPTION:Paula Lafferty\, in conversation with Dahlia De La Vega\, discusses & signs The Once and Future Queen: Deluxe Limited Edition (The Lives of Guinevere)\n\nA purchase of the book from Vroman’s is greatly appreciated and makes events like this possible. \nOutlander-meets-The Princess Bride plus Camelot in a fresh\, big-hearted\, feminist\, timeslip adventure reimagining the epic saga of King Arthur\, as told from the perspective of his spunky and surprising queen\, Vera – complete with time travel and good running shoes! \n***DELUXE LIMITED EDITION HARDCOVER with stenciled edges\, a beautiful foil-stamped hardcover\, exclusive interior design with full-color illustrated endpapers*** Only while supplies last. \nVera always knew she didn’t fit in. When she learns that she is meant to be in another time\, she leaps at the chance to embrace a new life in a world of valor\, intrigue\, and unexpected magic in this bold and romantic retelling of Arthurian legend . . . \n22-year-old Vera is at a crossroads: waiting tables\, grieving her previous relationship\, and jogging aimlessly each morning as if toward an uncertain future. Then an odd man shows up at her workplace\, insisting that she was once the legendary Queen Guinevere of Camelot\, and that her lost memories hold the key to changing both the past and the present. Somehow\, it all feels like the direction she’s been looking for. But when she asks the mysterious man to tell her more about Lancelot\, Arthur\, and a faithless queen\, he can only say that much of what she’s heard about Camelot is wrong. The truth\, he claims\, is something she must see for herself. \nAfter jumping through a portal in Glastonbury’s historic center\, Vera is not prepared for what she finds. Magic is everywhere\, but a curse on the kingdom means it dwindles every day. She has no idea how to perform a queen’s duties. Her fast friendship with Lancelot sets gossip flowing\, and the stranger she must call “husband” often refuses to meet her eye. Arthur is a puzzle: cold\, forbidding\, and\, while angry to her face\, keeps leaving secret tokens of tenderness in her chambers. Worst of all\, Vera’s memories–and the answers locked within them–show no signs of returning. If Vera is truly destined to save Camelot\, she’ll have to trust her instincts. And her king will have to trust her . . .
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-paula-lafferty-discusses-signs-the-once-and-future-queen-deluxe-limited-edition-the-lives-of-guinevere/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,Free,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/paula-lafferty-updated.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260113T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260113T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260109T203250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T203250Z
UID:10014855-1768330800-1768330800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Denise Nicholas discusses & signs Finding Home: A Memoir
DESCRIPTION:“This stirring memoir proves what readers of Nicholas’s debut novel\, Freshwater Road\, already know: that Nicholas\, a pioneer Black actress\, is also a writer of deep talent and understated eloquence. This is not your typical Hollywood tell-all\, full of ‘I did this\, and I did that\, ‘ complete with cheap shots and horrible reveals about the rich and famous with whom she worked. Rather\, it’s a long thoughtful moment\, in which an artist peers into the looking glass and reflects on her life in a manner that allows us to see every corner of every room she’s ever been in–and every corner of every room we’ve ever been in. Because her story is ours. Nicholas is a distinct American voice. Her inspiring story\, written with deep humility and refreshing honesty\, is further proof that women will one day save this country. And I’m a witness.” –James McBride\, National Book Award winner \nA poignant\, revelatory memoir from acclaimed novelist and actor Denise Nicholas that offers an episodic exploration of her multifaceted life\, delving intimately into themes of artistic self-invention\, race\, and grief. \nLong before writing her acclaimed novel Freshwater Road\, or her career as a path-breaking TV and film star\, Denise Nicholas was a middle-class Black girl growing up in 1950s Detroit\, struggling to decipher her family’s profound secrets. She loved Detroit’s vibrant culture despite the harsh realities of its racial segregation\, which deeply influenced her perspective on identity. In her early twenties\, she dropped out of the University of Michigan to tour the Deep South with the Free Southern Theater at the height of the Civil Rights Movement\, a path that ultimately ignited her lifelong commitment to social justice and activism. A few short years later she would launch from stage work to meteoric national fame as a series lead on the groundbreaking ABC-TV show Room 222\, a role that earned her three consecutive Golden Globe nominations. \nWith eloquence\, vulnerability\, and resolve\, Nicholas mines her six-decade journey through TV and film stardom\, the complexities of her three marriages\, and her reconstituting her creative life to become a celebrated novelist\, reflecting on the personal\, professional\, and societal pressures that buffeted her throughout. Constructed of episodic reflections from both personal and professional high points and low points of her life\, Nicholas navigates the intersections of love and identity\, exploring how her experiences in Hollywood shaped her understanding of success\, intimacy\, and commitment. Her narrative is rich with anecdotes from her career in Hollywood\, as an actor and\, later\, a successful screenwriter for television and eventually a novelist\, providing a backdrop to the struggles and achievements that marked her path. She outspokenly discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazing actress of color\, shedding light on the systemic barriers and biases within the entertainment industry. \nBut at the deepest level\, this memoir is a heartfelt exploration of grief\, as Nicholas recounts the profound losses–including the unsolved\, targeted slaying of her sister\, the telling of which occupies the center of her story–that have shaped her. Her reflections on mourning and resilience paint a vivid\, moving portrait of how to journey through healing to new dimensions of self-discovery. Through her powerful\, stylish\, and evocative storytelling\, Nicholas not only chronicles her own remarkable life but also provides a resonant narrative of what it means to live\, work\, and succeed as a Black woman in America over the past half-century.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-denise-nicholas-discusses-signs-finding-home-a-memoir/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/denise-nicholas-updated.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260109T203002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T203002Z
UID:10014854-1768147200-1768147200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Kadir Nelson discusses & signs Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game (American Sports Histories #2)
DESCRIPTION:Award-winning creator Kadir Nelson delivers the perfect gift for basketball fans of any age–a beautifully illustrated history of the game and its key players over the years–in this companion to his bestselling We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. \nBasketball has evolved by leaps and bounds since its origin over 125 years ago\, but what remains is the passion of the players\, the heat of competition\, and supreme strategy and athleticism on the court. In this visual tour de force\, celebrated artist Kadir Nelson weds his love for the game with showstopping paintings that bring its heart-pounding history to life. \nThe sage voice of an elder player narrates the journey from the early days of the slow game of “basket ball” to today’s dazzlingly athletic and fast-paced sport. Engaging profiles of revolutionary players–including Wilt Chamberlain\, Magic Johnson\, Michael Jordan\, LeBron James\, and Stephen Curry–are featured\, along with notable quotes from major figures of the game. With each breathtaking page turn\, fans young and old will learn the gripping story of the all-American game and meet its iconic\, indomitable heroes.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-kadir-nelson-discusses-signs-basket-ball-the-story-of-the-all-american-game-american-sports-histories-2/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kadir-nelson-web-updated.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T110000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20260109T202136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T202136Z
UID:10014852-1768042800-1768042800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Chanel N. Grant reads from & signs Michael Goes to School: The M.O.D.Y Kid's Collection
DESCRIPTION:When Michael starts a new school\, he hopes to make friends and have fun. But the kids aren’t friendly\, and the teachers don’t notice when he struggles. With courage and honesty\, Michael tells his mom how he feels\, and together they find a new school where he feels safe\, seen\, and happy. A heartfelt story from Chanel N. Grant reminding children that their feelings matter and their voices deserve to be heard.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-chanel-n-grant-reads-from-signs-michael-goes-to-school-the-m-o-d-y-kids-collection/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Community Event,In-Person,Kids,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chanel-n-grant.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251216T212848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T212848Z
UID:10014557-1766073600-1766077200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Dec 18 Christmas Paper Craft Workshop with Joel Stern
DESCRIPTION:Join origami artist and author Joel Stern for a Christmas paper craft workshop on Thursday\, December 18th\, from 4-5pm! Participants will be making origami evergreen trees and five-pointed stars\, as well as pop-up cards using characters from Joel’s book\, In the Holly Jolly North Pole.  \nJoel is the author of Into the Deep Blue Sea\, Into Starry Outer Space\, and many other papercraft books. His art has been featured in movies\, commercials\, and on television. Visit his website here.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-dec-18-christmas-paper-craft-workshop-with-joel-stern/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Free,In-Person,Kids,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-event-image-16.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251209T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251209T200000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T230544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T230544Z
UID:10014539-1765306800-1765310400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Nadia Davids discusses & signs Cape Fever
DESCRIPTION:From award-winning South African author Nadia Davids comes a gothic psychological thriller set in the 1920s\, where a young maid finds herself entangled with the spirits of a decaying manor and the secrets of its enigmatic owner. \nI come highly recommended to Mrs. Hattingh through sentences I tell her I cannot read. \nThe year is 1920\, in a small\, unnamed city in a colonial empire. Soraya Matas believes she has found the ideal job as a personal maid to the eccentric Mrs. Hattingh\, whose beautiful\, decaying home is not far from The Muslim Quarter\, where Soraya lives with her parents. As Soraya settles into her new role\, she discovers that the house is alive with spirits. \nWhile Mrs. Hattingh eagerly awaits her son’s visit from London\, she offers to help Soraya stay in touch with her fiancé\, Nour by writing him letters on her behalf. So begins a strange weekly meeting where Soraya dictates and Mrs. Hattingh writes–a ritual that binds the two women to one another and eventually threatens the sanity of both. \nCape Fever is a masterful blend of gothic themes\, folk tales\, and psychological suspense\, reminiscent of works by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Daphne du Maurier\, and Soraya Matas is an unforgettable narrator\, whose story of love and grief is also a chilling exploration of class and the long reach of history.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-nadia-davids-discusses-signs-cape-fever/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Free,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/nadia-davids.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251208T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251208T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T230307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T230307Z
UID:10014538-1765220400-1765220400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Elline Lipkin reads from & signs Girl in a Forest
DESCRIPTION:Elline Lipkin’s Girl in a Forest explores the roles and tropes of women at different life stages\, filtered through the lens of the Brothers Grimm tale of Hansel and Gretel. These poems lay a trail of breadcrumbs through permutations of grief as a mother realizes her mortality\, a girl awakens to possibility\, and an elder reckons with loss. Lipkin invites the reader to step into the enchanted\, “the grip of night\, / a swarm of marble /feelings set / inside a storm” and to question\, reinscribe\, and reverse the tensions of womanhood in both the fairy tale and contemporary life.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-elline-lipkin-reads-from-signs-girl-in-a-forest/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/elline-lipkin.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251206T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251206T180000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T224655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T224655Z
UID:10014535-1765044000-1765044000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Elena Brower discusses & signs Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself
DESCRIPTION:A distinctive\, artful\, contemplative guide for self-discovery and self-inquiry\, with wisdom\, encouragement\, and thought exercises by the best-selling author of Practice You. Includes 45 practices and full-color pieces of artwork by the author. \nWhat if the most important work of your life isn’t something you chase—but something you uncover\, slowly\, in stillness? What if your presence is the greatest offering you can make to the world? This book is an invitation to come home to yourself—gently\, honestly\, and with great love. \nAs an evolution of\, and a departure from\, her best-selling journals\, Practice You and Being You\, Brower draws on her memories and life experiences\, her practice of yoga and Nonviolent Communication\, and more recently\, her study of Zen\, to offer us a road map for living with presence and reverence. \nEach chapter offers teachings\, contemplations\, and prompts on a single theme\, such as: \n\nestablishing presence in your daily life\nbearing witness to small moments of reverence\nembracing the art of not knowing\ninvoking the wisdom of emptiness and stillness\nand more\n\nShe also includes 45 pieces of her full-color artwork to inspire deeper insight and creativity as readers explore each theme. This is not a manual for self-improvement; it is a field guide for self-remembrance\, for cultivating tenderness toward your own heart\, and for showing up to life completely\, with purpose and heartfulness.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-elena-brower-discusses-signs-hold-nothing-an-invitation-to-let-go-and-come-home-to-yourself/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/elena-brower-website-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251206T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251206T130000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T200519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T200519Z
UID:10014532-1765018800-1765026000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman’s Special Holiday Event - Santa Comes to Vroman’s
DESCRIPTION:Come get your photo taken with Santa and let him know what you want for Christmas this year! Photos are FREE courtesy of Vroman’s Bookstore. And while you’re here\, don’t forget to finish up your holiday shopping!
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-special-holiday-event-santa-comes-to-vromans/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/website-event-image-11.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251205T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T200305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T200305Z
UID:10014531-1764961200-1764961200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Tom Toro presents & signs And to Think We Started as a Book Club…
DESCRIPTION:What can Leonardo DiCaprio\, Bernie Sanders\, Greta Thunberg\, and Elon Musk all agree on? That Tom Toro’s cartoons belong in their social media feeds. Now\, with this debut collection by one of The New Yorker’s contemporary stars\, everybody can enjoy the timeless witticism and thigh-slapping wisecracks of Toro’s cartoons without needing to go online. \nIn Tom Toro’s hilarious world\, the Grim Reaper binges television while Superman shops for health insurance. The collection features original chapter art that sets the perfect tone for these brilliant cartoons and what they reveal about the absurdity of modern life\, all drawn in the author’s wry and winsome style \nShowcasing hundreds of Toro’s greatest hits from his fifteen-year career at the New Yorker\, as well as previously unpublished cartoons that we shouldn’t shy from calling “undiscovered masterpieces\,” this book is sure to delight readers—if not outright corrupt them.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-tom-toro-presents-signs-and-to-think-we-started-as-a-book-club/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tom-toro.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T200046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T200046Z
UID:10014530-1764874800-1764874800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Suzanne Weerts discusses & signs Champagne Girl in a Budweiser Family: A Memoir in Stories
DESCRIPTION:“Suzanne Weerts’ Champagne Girl in a Budweiser Family gives us a delightful and vivid time machine to bygone days of youthful folly and wide-eyed hope\, while reminding us why girls in the seventies were just as eager to leave that time behind.” -Cara Lopez Lee author of Candlelight Bridge\, a 2025 Pick in Fiction in Southwest Books of the Year \n“Whether unintentionally poisoning the neighborhood kids as a child\, getting asked to dance last at the Spring Ball\, or being attacked by a flock of birds while basking in the afterglow of breaking her chastity vow\, Suzanne Weerts approaches life with a refreshing dose of charm\, grace\, and self-deprecating humor. If you’re looking for something to bring a smile to your face\, give you a good laugh and warm your heart\, you’ve found it.” \n-Carlos Kotkin\, author of Please God Let it Be Herpes and host of The Moth StorySLAMs \n“Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt\, Suzanne Weerts’s stories of growing up in the 70’s south whisk you back to a simpler\, golden-hued\, Aquanet-scented time. Her writing is charming and evocative\, and so honest and self-aware- I loved every Tab-infused page.” \n-Johanna Stein\, author of How Not to Calm a Child On a Plane \nIn a Southern town in the 1970s\, the rules for girls are simple: look pretty\, behave politely\, and marry well. But for this rebel-in-the-making\, life beyond suburban America beckons. Before she can escape\, however\, she’ll have to navigate extreme diets\, feathered hair\, and a mother who insists on hanging her bras on the clothesline in full view of the boys next door. Will she ever find a life that fits and a beverage that suits her champagne dreams?
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-suzanne-weerts-discusses-signs-champagne-girl-in-a-budweiser-family-a-memoir-in-stories/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/suzanne-weerts.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T180000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T195802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T195802Z
UID:10014529-1764698400-1764698400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Falon Ballard discusses & signs Something Wicked
DESCRIPTION:The country of Avon is in deep turmoil… \nThe Uprising has overthrown Avon’s monarchial rulers\, and a decree has been issued. Candidates for the first presidential election will be selected by the completion of a special task: to kill the former monarch of their home province. \nCallum\, the son of the recently dethroned king\, is determined to be in the running. But coming to terms with patricide will require the help of Lady Caterine\, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance\, Avon’s premiere sex club. \nLady Caterine has always had the magical ability to manipulate the emotions of anyone who experiences an orgasm in her presence. If Callum can only open up to Cate\, he will be able to commit the newly fated murder without suffering the guilt and take his place as the rightful candidate from his province. But Callum has a deep-seated mistrust of the Gifted. And the last thing he expects is to be confronted with an undeniable connection with Cate that neither of them understands or wants. \nWith the fate of the country at stake\, Callum and Cate search for ways to bare themselves to each other\, and discover a darker force building within La Puissance\, one that might ruin the future of Avon forever. To stop Avon from falling to ashes\, they must sacrifice everything they have . . . even if it requires betraying each other.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-falon-ballard-discusses-signs-something-wicked/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/falon-ballard.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251130T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251130T160000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T224808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T201537Z
UID:10014429-1764500400-1764518400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: An Artisan’s Holiday Market on the Vroman’s Paseo (Weather Permitting)
DESCRIPTION:Join Vroman’s Bookstore for a special holiday market outside on the Vroman’s Paseo. We have a confirmed list of local crafters and artisans all set to join us for this day in celebration of Artists Sunday\, supporting local artists nationwide.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-an-artisans-holiday-market-on-the-vromans-paseo-weather-permitting/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/website-event-image-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T110000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T194001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T194001Z
UID:10014525-1764414000-1764414000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Shop Local with Richard Scarry: A Special Story Time Reading in Celebration of Small Business Saturday
DESCRIPTION:“All the Busytown workers have worked hard to help their families and friends. I think it is about time to have a party to celebrate. Don’t you?” — Richard Scarry\, What People Do All Day \nJoin the Vroman’s Children’s Department on November 29th at 11am for a special Small Business Saturday celebration\, inspired by Richard Scarry and the Busytown books! There will be music with Ms. Marie and stories with Mr. Steve\, along with activities\, giveaways\, and more!
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-shop-local-with-richard-scarry-a-special-story-time-reading-in-celebration-of-small-business-saturday/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Free,In-Person,Kids,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/website-event-image-12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251124T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251124T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T193728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T193728Z
UID:10014524-1764010800-1764010800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Andrew Bernstein discusses & signs Mamba & Mambacita Forever
DESCRIPTION:A beautiful and moving testament to the enduring life of Kobe Bryant and the Mamba Mentality. \nWhen Kobe and Gianna Bryant died\, tragically and unexpectedly\, in 2020\, the world mourned with a wholehearted ferocity. In perhaps the largest and most intense outpouring of public art the world has ever seen\, murals went up on seemingly every available wall in Los Angeles and around the globe. The paintings were both professional and amateur\, some public and some private\, many of them colossal. All of them expressed love and respect for Kobe and Gianna Bryant as athletes\, as a father and daughter\, as heroes who will not be forgotten. \nIn Mamba & Mambacita Forever\, Vanessa Bryant brings together the images and stories of more than a hundred murals honoring her husband and daughter. Taken together\, what emerges is the story of a man who became even more than he himself could have imagined\, an avatar of determination\, discipline\, and competitiveness. He was also a worldwide icon\, one of the greatest athletes of our time\, a man committed to his family and to fatherhood. Kobe was a figure of transformation and hope. \nMamba & Mambacita Forever ensures that the legacy of Kobe and Gianna Bryant will live on even after the most monumental murals themselves have all crumbled.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-andrew-bernstein-discusses-signs-mamba-mambacita-forever/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/andrew-bernstein_0.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T140000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251113T193437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T193437Z
UID:10014523-1763906400-1763906400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Local Author Day Introducing Pamela Nickel Williams and Donna R. Phillips
DESCRIPTION:Pamela Nickel Williams presents Clearly Lies Are True\nThe memoir\, Clearly Lies Are True\, is a compelling and powerful firsthand narrative account of the childhood and sexual abuse of Pamela Nickel Williams. Written from her perspective as a young child and teenager\, and told through vivid\, detailed memories and experiences\, Pamela’s story captures a unique period of time within the Church of Scientology. \nDonna R. Phillips presents Among The Reeds & Other Stories Of The Supernatural\nThe veil between the living and the dead is gossamer-thin in this haunting collection of supernatural tales\, where the familiar becomes strange and the strange\, achingly human. From a lakeshore to a basement apartment\, each story unveils a hidden world\, pulsing just beneath the surface of our own.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-local-author-day-introducing-pamela-nickel-williams-and-donna-r-phillips/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/local-author-day-website-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T224551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T224551Z
UID:10014428-1763809200-1763812800@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Morgan Stevenson Cooper reads from & signs I Can Make a Movie!
DESCRIPTION:From self-taught\, award-winning director Morgan Stevenson Cooper comes a heartfelt picture book about a girl on a mission to make her first movie–and lift her grandpa’s spirits along the way. \nNorah Rose loves movies–action\, comedy\, drama–you name it! She dreams of becoming a director\, but Hollywood feels a long way from home. When her grandpa falls ill\, Norah decides to make a movie just for him\, because no one loves a good story more than Grandpa. Armed with her mom’s phone\, a head full of ideas\, and the wide-open backdrop of Kansas City\, Norah sets out to write\, cast\, shoot\, and edit her very first film. There’s a lot of work ahead\, but Norah’s sure of one thing: her movie is going to shine. \nWith a spirited how-to approach and lively artwork by Geneva Bowers\, Morgan Stevenson Cooper shows young readers how creativity\, heart\, and a little hustle can turn any dream into a reality.
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-morgan-stevenson-cooper-reads-from-signs-i-can-make-a-movie/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/morgan-stevenson-cooper.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T190000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T224343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T224343Z
UID:10014427-1763665200-1763665200@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Brian Schaefer\, in conversation with Marc Malkin\, discusses & signs Town & Country
DESCRIPTION:A “big-hearted and true” (Andrew Sean Greer\, Pulitzer Prize winner) debut novel set in a small rural town amid a congressional race that forces the candidates\, their families\, and a clique of gay second homeowners to confront lies\, betrayals and shifting allegiances. \nThe trendy rural town of Griffin has become a popular destination for weekenders and the city’s second homeowners\, but now a congressional race in this swing district is highlighting tensions between life-long residents and new arrivals. The campaign pits local pub owner and town supervisor Chip Riley against the wealthy young carpetbagger Paul Banks\, challenging the social and political loyalties of their families and friends with lasting repercussions. \nDiane Riley\, Chip’s wife\, is a religiously devout real estate agent who feels conflicted about selling second homes–including to Paul and his much older husband\, Stan. Their elder son\, Joe\, is grieving the recent overdose death of his best friend and spiraling into drugs himself\, while their younger son\, Will\, is a newly out college student seduced by the decadent lifestyle of Paul’s circle. \nMeanwhile\, Stan Banks uses the race to give purpose to the pain of losing a loved one to AIDS\, even as he begins to doubt Paul’s readiness for office. And within their growing fraternity of city transplants\, Eric Larimer finds unexpected connection with a local farmer that opens his eyes to the region’s complexity as Leon Rogers\, still reeling from a divorce\, becomes increasingly desperate to infiltrate the Banks’s exclusive crew. \nSpanning six months from Memorial Day to Election Day\, Town & Country paints a kaleidoscopic portrait of a community in flux. For readers of Fredrick Backman and Jen Beagin\, this “powerful and extremely well-written book” (Colum McCann\, National Book Award winner) asks the essential and timeless questions: What makes a home\, and what do we owe our neighbors?
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-brian-schaefer-in-conversation-with-marc-malkin-discusses-signs-town-country/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/brian-schaefer-website-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T200000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T224046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T224046Z
UID:10014426-1763578800-1763582400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Jerry D. Moore discusses & signs Cat Tales: A History
DESCRIPTION:Feared\, revered\, respected\, and beloved\, cats have left an indelible paw print on the histories and civilizations of humankind. Over the last two million years\, cats and people have interacted in diverse and unexpected ways\, but the predecessors of today’s furry friends were predators\, not pets. \nLeading anthropologist Jerry Moore charts the cat’s path from deadly enemy to improbable roommate\, making use of the latest archaeological evidence to produce an original and revealing narrative. Starting with the terrifying prehistorical scimitar–tooth cat of the Pliocene age and the lion drawings of the Paleolithic Chauvet caverns\, Moore journeys through our complicated history with these charismatic creatures. He travels along the Nile and across the Mediterranean\, sailing on to South America\, exploring pet cemeteries\, cat mummies\, and exquisite statuary across continents and centuries. \nIllustrated throughout with photographs\, artifacts\, and artworks\, this book surveys our relationships with cats from the Paleolithic period to the present day\, unlocking the mysteries of these remarkable creatures. While cats are now beloved members of families around the world\, our attempts to bring cats in from the cold have not always had happy endings\, as Moore explores through such famous feline fanciers as Joe Exotic\, Siegfried Fischbacher\, and Roy Horn. From incredible archaeological finds to cave paintings\, and from classical statues to contemporary social media\, Cat Tales surveys ancient and modern interactions between humans and cats\, wild and domestic\, to ask a simple question: who domesticated who?
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-jerry-d-moore-discusses-signs-cat-tales-a-history/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://playhousevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jerry-moore-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251118T200000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T223826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T223826Z
UID:10014425-1763492400-1763496000@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Pyet DeSpain\, discusses & signs Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking
DESCRIPTION:Next Level Chef winner Pyet De Spain celebrates her Mexican and Native American heritage in this collection of mouthwatering recipes\, a vibrant fusion that ties us to the land and to one another. \nStar chef Pyet DeSpain rose to prominence as the first winner of Gordon Ramsey’s Fox television show Next Level Chef. Now\, in her debut cookbook\, she shares the joy of cooking fueled by her burning passion for Native American and Mexican American cuisine. Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking is a tribute to her dual heritage–a gorgeously crafted celebration of the diversity of food and the stories\, traditions\, culture\, and profound philosophies of Indigenous people that season each meal. \nPyet shows you how to incorporate a delicious range of key ingredients–from venison\, dandelion greens\, and wild salmon to sunchokes\, bison\, and native berries–into more than sixty fusion dishes. Family and friends will be excited to gather around the table to enjoy sweet and savory food such as: \nThree Sisters SaladBison and Sweet Corn SoupFry BreadMexican Chocolate & Mezcal CakeCorn Silk and Honey TeaWojapi BBQ Sauce \nIn addition to her inventive and palate pleasing recipes\, Pyet invites home cooks to honor the seasons on our beautiful Earth and connect with essential foodways. “This is more than just a cookbook\,” Pyet writes. “It’s giving a voice to Indigenous people\, while also highlighting the fusion of my two cultures with fire and purpose.”
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-pyet-despain-discusses-signs-rooted-in-fire-a-celebration-of-native-american-and-mexican-cooking/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260509T075659
CREATED:20251022T223550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T223550Z
UID:10014424-1763218800-1763222400@playhousevillage.org
SUMMARY:Vroman's Bookstore: Ry & Skyla Castles discuss & sign I Love Disneyland: 100+ Surprising Facts\, Fun Quizzes\, Fan-Favorite Trivia\, and More about Disneyland!
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a first-time visitor\, this insider guide promises to give you a deeper appreciation for the iconic amusement park. \nI Love Disneyland blends fascinating trivia\, fun quizzes\, and key tips to help visitors of all ages make the most of their Disneyland experience. Going beyond the typical guidebook\, this book uncovers must-know details about Disneyland’s history\, secrets hidden throughout the park\, and strategies for navigating its amazing attractions. \nEach chapter is chock full of information regarding Disneyland’s nine themed lands including Main Street U.S.A\, Fantasyland\, Frontierland\, Adventureland and the newest addition\, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which opened in 2019. Chapters highlight key rides and attractions guests won’t want to miss\, fascinating trivia\, must try restaurants\, Park Pointers\, shopping destinations\, and more! I Love Disneyland is a must read for fans as the iconic park celebrates its 70th Anniversary! \n“We wanted to create something that’s not just practical but also endlessly entertaining\,” note authors Ry and Skyla Castles. “For anyone who loves Disney\, this book is your ultimate companion to rediscover the magic at Disneyland.” \n“I Love Disneyland” stands out from other titles as it features: \n\nTrivia You’ll Love: Unearth lesser-known facts about the park’s70 year history and hidden gems.\nInteractive Quizzes: Test your knowledge of all things Disneyland!\nPark Navigation Tips: Learn insider tricks to avoid lines\, save time\, and plan your perfect day.\n\nWhether you’re someone who loves amusement parks or a fan of Mickey Mouse\, I Love Disneyland offers insight on Walt Disney’s vision to create an immersive entertainment experience for children and adults that would turn 160 acres of orange and walnut trees into the Happiest Place on Earth! \nAbout the Authors: \nRy Castles is a marketing professional and theme park enthusiast from Southern California. He’s been visiting Disneyland since he was a small child and grew up going to Disneyland a few times a year with his family. Together with his partner Skyla\, he created Sometimes Castles\, an online community that shares knowledge of food\, events\, and theme parks—especially Disneyland! When they aren’t working on marketing plans\, you’ll find them hanging out at Disneyland and California Adventure. From entertainment and special events\, to tips and hidden secrets\, they can help you feel like a Disney expert too! Learn more on their social media platforms at @SometimesCastles. \nSkyla Castles is an influencer marketing specialist and Southern California transplant. In moving to SoCal\, she discovered her love for Disney parks and wanted a creative outlet that married both her influencer marketing experience and this newly discovered passion. Together with her partner Ry\, she created Sometimes Castles\, an online community that shares knowledge of food\, events\, and theme parks—especially Disneyland!
URL:https://playhousevillage.org/event/vromans-bookstore-ry-skyla-castles-discuss-sign-i-love-disneyland-100-surprising-facts-fun-quizzes-fan-favorite-trivia-and-more-about-disneyland/
LOCATION:Vroman’s Bookstore\, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.\, Pasadena\, CA\, 91101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Books,In-Person,Vroman's Bookstore
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