Vroman's Bookstore: Robin Benway discusses The Girls of Skylark Lane
2024-10-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91101, United States
National Book Award winner Robin Benway debuts a coming-of-age middle grade novel about friendships, family, and discovering the person you’re meant to be. Babysitters Club meets The Sandlot when twin sisters join a ragtag neighborhood girls softball team at a time when growing up could mean growing apart.
Aggie and Jac might be twin sisters, but lately they haven’t felt the same about anything. While Jac is excited about their move to Los Angeles and a chance to seem cool and mysterious, Aggie is worried her new locker won’t open, that Jac could make new friends without her, and that her friends from home will move on, leaving her all alone.
When the first day at school ends with an invite to join the neighborhood softball team, Aggie jumps at the chance to meet the other girls, even if she has to drag Jac along, whose own interest in the softball team might have more to do with the captain’s older brother…
Aggie is relieved to learn that each girl is dealing with their own problems and becomes excited at the opportunity to create strong friendships. But as Jac and Aggie grow into different people, will they be able to hold on to their sisterhood? For life throws the biggest curveball of all: growing up.

Vroman's Bookstore: Storytime with Mr. Steve
2024-10-02 11:00 - 11:45, 2024-10-09 11:00 - 11:45, 2024-10-16 11:00 - 11:45, 2024-10-23 11:00 - 11:45, 2024-10-30 11:00 - 11:45
Join Mr. Steve and the gang at 11 am for story time!

Vroman's Bookstore: MG Lord, discusses Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water
2024-10-02 19:00 - 20:30
A groundbreaking history of how women found synchronicity―and power―in water.
“If you’re not strong enough to swim fast, you’re probably not strong enough to swim ‘pretty,’” said a young Esther Williams to theater impresario Billy Rose. Since the nineteenth century, tensions between beauty and strength, aesthetics and athleticism have both impeded and propelled the careers of female swimmers―none more so than synchronized swimmers, for whom Williams is often considered godmother.
In this revelatory history, Vicki Valosik traces a century of aquatic performance, from vaudeville to the Olympic arena, and brings to life the colorful cast of characters whose “pretty swimming” not only laid the groundwork for an altogether new sport but forever changed women’s relationships with water. Williams, who became a Hollywood sensation for her splashy “aquamusicals,” was just one in a long, bedazzled line of swimmers who began their careers as athletes but found greater opportunity, and often social acceptance, in the world of show business.
Now, on the fortieth anniversary of synchronized swimming’s elevation to Olympic status, Swimming Pretty honors its incredible history of grit, glamor, and sheer athleticism.

Vroman's Bookstore: Mike Madrid discusses The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:00
An insightful investigation of how and why the two major political parties have failed to appeal to the Latino vote—the largest ethnic voting group in the country—and the impact it will have on American democracy and politics for decades to come.
In 2020, Latinos became the second-largest ethnic voting group in the country. They make up the largest plurality of residents in the most populous states in the union, as well as the fastest segment of the most important swing states in the US Electoral College. Fitting neither the stereotype of the aggrieved minority voter nor the traditional assimilating immigrant group, Latinos are challenging both political parties’ notions of race, religious beliefs, economic success, and the American dream. Given their exploding numbers—and their growing ability to determine the fate of local, state, and national elections—you’d think the two major political parties would understand Latino voters. After all, their emergence on the national scene is not a new phenomenon. But they still don’t.
Republicans, not because of their best efforts but rather despite them, are just beginning to see a movement of Latinos toward the GOP. Democrats, for the moment, still win a commanding share of the Latino vote, but that share is dwindling fast. Now, in The Latino Century, veteran political consultant Mike Madrid uses thirty years of research and campaign experience at some of the highest levels on both sides of the aisle to address what might be the most critical questions of our time: Will the rise of Latino voters continue to foment the hyper-partisan and explosive tribalism of our age or will they usher in a new pluralism that advances the arc of social progress? How and why are both political parties so uniquely unprepared for the coming wave of Latino votes? And what must each party do to win those votes?
By answering these questions, The Latino Century explores the true meaning of America at a time of rapid cultural change, the founding principles of self-government and individual responsibility, and one man’s journey through a political party that has turned itself inside out.

Vroman's Bookstor: Scott Dominic Carpenter, in conversation with Joan Meyerson, discuss Paris Lost and Found: A Memoir of Love
2024-10-04 19:00 - 20:00
Following his hilarious introduction to Paris in French Like Moi, Midwesterner Scott Dominic Carpenter returns to the scene of the crime with more tales of intrigue.
This time, though, the story starts with sorrow as Carpenter’s wife struggles with dementia. Humor may be the best medicine, but even the antics of a vandal in their building can’t cement the tiles of her memory for long. Before he expects it, the author finds himself alone in a capital that is also blighted by the pandemic.
It’s against this backdrop that the city comes roaring back to life. From bizarre encounters on the Metro to comical clashes with authority figures, and even a quixotic battle against a flock of migrant parrots, Paris Lost and Found unveils sides of the great city that are as quirky as they are authentic. With his unique blend of wit, insight, and wistfulness, Carpenter charts a path through his new labyrinth of solitude–only to emerge on the other side, squinting into the bright light of hope and new beginnings.

Vroman's Bookstore: Kate Stayman-London, in conversation with Amber Benson, discusses Fang Fiction
2024-10-05 15:00 - 16:00
Tess Rosenbloom is no stranger to the dark. An assault survivor and grad school dropout, Tess spends her nights managing a chic Brooklyn hotel and her days reading her favorite vampire novel, Blood Feud. She even dabbles in online conspiracies claiming Blood Feud is real—it’s fun to hunt for clues! But deep down, Tess doesn’t believe vampires exist . . . until one walks through her door.
The sexy villain of Blood Feud is trapped, and only Tess can rescue him. Eager to escape her life, Tess agrees to help, and soon she’s on a secret island where the sun never shines, surrounded by deadly vampires—and most terrifying of all, she’s falling in love with one of them. (Meanwhile, back in New York, Tess’s estranged best friend is having a sapphic paranormal affair of her own.)
Visiting the world of your favorite story is any fan’s dream, but can Tess outrun the demons of her past (and vampires of her present) before it becomes a nightmare? In this darkly glamorous rom-com, Tess will find out if it’s worth risking her neck—and her heart—for a chance to reclaim her future.

Vroman's Bookstore: Kathleen Glasgow, in conversation with Alexa Donne, discuss The Glass Girl
2024-10-06 16:00 - 18:00
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces comes a raw, heart-wrenching novel about a teenager facing down her struggles with alcohol–and the journey she must take to heal.
Everyone in fifteen-year-old Bella’s life needs something from her. Her mom needs her to help around the house, her dad needs her to not make waves, and her ex needs her not to be so much. The only person who never needed anything from her was her grandmother–and now she’s dead.
There’s only one thing that dulls the pressure: alcohol. Vodka, beer, peppermint schnapps–alcohol smooths the sharp edges of Bella’s life. And what’s the big deal? Everyone drinks. Besides, Bella can stop whenever she wants. But after she gets blackout drunk at a Thanksgiving party and wakes up in the hospital, it’s time to face reality. And for Bella, reality means rehab.
Gorgeously written and deeply compassionate, Kathleen Glasgow’s The Glass Girl is a candid exploration of the forces pushing young women toward addiction–and what it takes to help them get better.

Vroman's Bookstore: Red Hen Press Poetry Night featuring Abi Pollokoff, Jason Schneiderman, and Christian Teresi, in conversation with Rob Arnold
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00
Rob Arnold is a CHamoru poet, essayist, and arts leader whose work has appeared in Ploughshares, Hyphen, Gettysburg Review, Poetry Northwest, RED INK, Harpur Palate, and Solstice, among others. His work has been anthologized in New CHamoru Literature and Na’huyong: An Anthology of CHamoru Literature, and has received support from the Somerville Arts Council, the Jack Straw Cultural Center, and Artist Trust. He lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he serves as Executive Director of Poets House.

Abi Pollokoff is the author of night myths • • before the body (Red Hen Press, forthcoming 2025). TriQuarterly nominated her work for a Pushcart, and her poems can also be found in The Seventh Wave, Denver Quarterly, and Radar, where she was a finalist for the Consiton Prize. She has been supported by the Jack Straw Cultural Center, Hugo House, The Seattle Review of Books, and other organizations. Currently, Abi is the managing editor for Poetry Northwest Editions and works in publishing. She received her MFA from the University of Washington. Find her at abipollokoff.com.

Jason Schneiderman’s fifth collection of poems, Self Portrait of Icarus as a Country on Fire will be published by Red Hen Press in 2024. He is also the editor of the anthology Queer: A Reader for Writers (Oxford UP 2016); his book of essays Nothingism: Poetry at the End of Print Culture will be published by the University of Michigan Press Poets on Poetry imprint in 2025. His poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including The Penguin Book of the Sonnet, and three installments of Best American Poetry. His awards include the Emily Dickinson Award from the Poetry Society of America, the Jerome J. Shestack Award from The American Poetry Review, and a Fulbright Fellowship from the Fulbright Foundation. He is longtime co-host of the podcast Painted Bride Quarterly Slush Pile and has been a guest host for The Slowdown. He is Professor of English at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and teaches in the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College.

Christian Teresi is the author of What Monsters You Make of Them (forthcoming in fall 2024 from Red Hen Press). His poems, essays, and translations have appeared in many journals, including AGNI, The American Poetry Review, Blackbird, The Kenyon Review, Literary Hub, and Narrative. He lives in Washington, DC where he works on international education and public diplomacy initiatives. Read more about him at christianteresi.com.

Vroman's Bookstore: Dan Jones, in conversation with Grace McKagan, discuss Henry V
2024-10-08 19:00 - 20:00
The New York Times bestselling author returns with a biography examining the dramatic life and unparalleled leadership of England’s greatest medieval king.

In 1413, when Henry V ascended to the English throne, his kingdom was hopelessly torn apart by political faction and partisanship. Public finances and law and order were in a state of crisis. Pirates tormented the coast; plots, conspiracies, and heresy threatened society. The lingering effects of the worst pandemic in human history continued to menace daily life. And then, in less than ten years, Henry turns it all around.
By common consensus in his day, and for hundreds of years afterward, Henry was the greatest medieval king that ever lived. Through skillful leadership, unwavering vision, and seemingly sheer force of personality, he managed to catapult his realm into the greatest triumphs it has ever achieved: he united the political community behind the crown, renewed the justice system, and revived England’s maritime dominance. And then there are his military achievements in France, most notably the resounding, against-the-odds victory at Agincourt. He was tough, lucky, intelligent, farsighted, and cultured. But he was also, at times, cold, callous, violent, by instinct a traditionalist, and even a reactionary. A historical titan, his legacy over the years has become a complicated one.
As an exceptional leader, Henry V transcends the Middle Ages which produced him, and his life story has much to teach us today. Drawing on the latest scholarship and writing with his characteristic wit and style, Dan Jones examines the king’s legendary life—and he puts Henry’s claim to greatness very vigorously to the test.

Vroman's Bookstore: Maha Abouelenein discusses 7 Rules of Self Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own You Future
2024-10-10 19:00 - 20:00
Embrace the journey of self-reliance with global communications strategist Maha Abouelenein as she shows you how to deploy your greatest asset—yourself—to achieve your dreams and beyond.
In an era defined by rapid change and unrelenting uncertainty, mastering self-reliance is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Maha Abouelenein is a strategic communication and personal branding expert who has been instrumental in orchestrating transformations for clients that include global corporate giants, high-growth startups, sports organizations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.
Whether you’re launching a business, pivoting in your career, or seeking personal fulfillment, 7 Rules of Self-Reliance provides a robust framework for navigating the demands of contemporary life while equipping you with the tools to thrive in today’s AI-enhanced, tumultuous landscape.

Vroman's Bookstore: TICKETED - Jason Reynolds discusses Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…:A LOVE Story
2024-10-11 19:00 - 20:00
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy’s perspective in this unfiltered and undeniably sweet stream-of-consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first.
Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog all around the parking lot of a church. Not his finest moment. And one he would have loved to forget if it weren’t for the dog’s owner: Aria. Dressed in sweats, a t-shirt, and hair in a ponytail. Aria. Way more than fine.
Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad insists on talking to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria are definitely in love, and while they haven’t taken that next big step…yet, they’ve started talking about…that.
Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her—gulp—bra in his room. Hey! No judging! Those hook thingies are complicated! So he’d figured he’d better practice, what with the big day only a month away.
Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at work at his dad’s bingo hall, making sure to bring some chicken tenders for Aria. They’re not candlelight and they definitely aren’t caviar, but they are her favorite.
And right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, completely freaking out because twenty-four seconds from now he and Aria are about to…about to… Well, they won’t do anything if he can’t get out of his own head (all the advice, insecurities, and what-ifs) and out of this bathroom!
Note: the subject matter of this book contains PG-13 material and is not recommended for the youngest of readers.
**All tickets include a signed copy of Twenty-Four Seconds From Now . . .: A LOVE Story as well as admittance to the meet and greet line for a photo with Jason!

Vroman's Bookstore: Special Storytime presents: Laura Obuobi discusses What Love Looks Like
2024-10-12 11:00 - 12:00
From Laura Obuobi, author of Black Gold and NAACP Image Award nominee, and illustrator Anna Cunha comes a whimsical bedtime story about the love between a Black father and his daughter. This tender tale with lush natural imagery and pure Black joy captures love’s vastness, showing us its greatest form is often the one between parent and child.
One question must be answered before Afia can slip into a peaceful sleep: What does love look like? With the companionship of her loving papa, Afia journeys to find love and learns that it is the warmth of the sun’s hugs, the brook’s soothing song, and other mesmerizing gifts of nature. But Afia’s quest also teaches her that she may not have to go too far to see the emotion at the heart of the world’s wonders.

Vroman's Bookstore: Horror for Young Audiences: featuring Moss Lawton and Aaron Alexovich, in conversation with Justine Pucella Winans
2024-10-12 14:00 - 15:00
Join Vroman’s Bookstore along with children’s authors Moss Lawton and Aaron Alexovic for a discussion on Horror for Young Audiences. This event is kid-friendly and will include a book signing. Books are available for purchase at Vroman’s Event Calendar.

Vroman's Bookstore: Elizabeth Ai, in conversation with Oliver Wang, discuss New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora
2024-10-13 14:00 - 15:00
Fifty years of the Vietnamese Diaspora as seen through the New Wave movement, showing how young Vietnamese refugees in Orange County found rebellion and reinvention through music, fashion, and community.
As Vietnamese refugees sought safety in the United States in the wake of the fall of Saigon, a generation of Vietnamese teenagers and young adults struggled to adjust to a new life in America. Many of these young people in Southern California found a new life and a new identity in New Wave music, a type of Euro Disco that became enormously popular in this community. New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora celebrates the rebellion, reinvention, and rebirth of joy in this young generation in cultural limbo. Featuring essays from prominent Vietnamese scholars, critics, and stars, New Wave explores how music, fashion, and rebellion can be a force for healing. New Wave is a love letter to the first generation of Vietnamese punks and rebels who came of age in the 1980s.
