Author Event: Susana M. Morris, Positive Obsession
May
27

Author Event: Susana M. Morris, Positive Obsession

Join us as we welcome Susana M. Morris. Susana M. Morris is a Black feminist Afrofuturist writer, scholar, and cultural critic who explores contemporary Black women's stories and experiences. As an Associate Professor of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech and co-founder of the Crunk Feminist Collective, she brings fresh perspectives to conversations about feminism, race, and culture. Susana will spend the evening discussing and reading from her latest book, Positive Obsession, a magnificent cultural biography that charts the life of one of our greatest writers, situating her alongside the key historical and social moments that shaped her work. We can’t wait to see you there!

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There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood: An evening with Rasheed Newson
Jun
1

There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood: An evening with Rasheed Newson

Rasheed Newson strikes again with his second novel, THERE’S ONLY ONE SIN IN HOLLYWOOD! Join us for an evening with this incredible talent and all around great human. Rasheed will be joined by Laura Warrell and discuss Rasheed’s newest book, his writing process and answer audience questions followed by a book signing. We are thrilled to host Rasheed and know that you will love this book as much as we do!

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Author Event: Désirée Zamorano discusses Amarisa’s Cooking Pot: Tales of Life in All Its Wonders
Jun
6

Author Event: Désirée Zamorano discusses Amarisa’s Cooking Pot: Tales of Life in All Its Wonders

Join us on Saturday June 6 as we welcome Désirée Zamorano who lived in Altadena for 26 years until January 7, 2025 when the Eaton Fire took her home. We will be celebrating the release of her book, Amarisa’s Cooking Pot: Tales of Life in All Its Wonders. Désirée will be joined by her writing group, Bonnie S. Kaplan, Daria E. Topousis, and Lisa Eve Cheby (two of whom lost their homes in Altadena). She will do a brief reading, discuss the importance of their support, the threads of Altadena/Pasadena in the collection of stories, and the importance of magical realism in these uncertain times followed by an audience Q & A and book signing.

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Author Talk: Deborah Santana discusses Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom
Jun
12

Author Talk: Deborah Santana discusses Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom

Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.  

We are honored to welcome her to Octavia’s Bookshelf for a moderated conversation with Meilan Carter and book signing of her latest book, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom. Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, Deborah Santana shares her journey of spiritual awakening shaped by a rich life of family, partnership, and purpose. Born to pioneering interracial couple Jo Frances and Saunders King, Deborah learned early the strength of identity, resilience, and love. Later married to legendary musician Carlos Santana, she embraced many meaningful roles—daughter, wife, mother, and supporter—before recognizing that it was time to fully step into her own voice and calling.

Across stories of motherhood, heritage, faith, and spiritual growth, Deborah takes readers on a deeply human journey of resilience and renewal. From her work with Daraja Academy to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, she reveals how a life devoted to service can evolve into one rooted in truth, wholeness, and fulfillment.

Equal parts inspirational memoir, spiritual reflection, and women’s empowerment, Loving the Fire is for anyone standing at a crossroads—ready to honor who they’ve been and step into who they are becoming.

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Author Event: Tisa Bryant in Conversation with Lynell George
May
2

Author Event: Tisa Bryant in Conversation with Lynell George

We are delighted to host Tisa Bryant on Saturday evening, May 2 to discuss her latest book, RESIDUAL. RESIDUAL is about the home as archive and the aftermath of her mother's death on her sense of home and self. RESIDUAL explores security and precarity, sister friends, genealogy as well as literary and cinematic connections to Black women's interiority, and is dedicated to the many women whose homes and peace were broken by domestic and state violence, including Tisa’s mother. Octavia E. Butler figures in the work, as the self-mothering of her characters fascinates Tisa, among many other things. Tisa will be joined in conversation with Lynell George.

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Lauren Campbell - Author Event
Mar
8

Lauren Campbell - Author Event

Author Lauren Campbell joins us for a reading and signing of her debut novel, WHEN THEY WERE IN VOGUE! This is a fiery tale of two southerners and their epic trip to Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. We can’t wait to share it with you :)

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Galentine's Event & Deck Launch!
Feb
13

Galentine's Event & Deck Launch!

Author Oludara Adeeyo will be with us in celebration for her new deck, Self-Care for Black Women! This Galentine’s event is for the ladies - a laid back and intimate gathering to discuss and strategize the self care practices that best serve us.

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shaping the future of literary california
Dec
3

shaping the future of literary california

Join us for the second event – in a three part series– “Shaping the Future of Literary California.” The focus of this reading and convo will be “On finding and building literary community.” Featuring: Suzy Exposito, Emma Specter, Rasheed Newson, and Aja Gabel.

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