U-M Professor Kiley Reid’s Novel “Such a Fun Age” Is the 2023 Washtenaw Read Book

Thu, 02/02/2023 - 2:30pm by strattonl

The 2023 Washtenaw Read is Such a Fun Age by University of Michigan professor Kiley Reid, whose plot-driven novel details what happens and how people feel amidst misunderstandings and omissions around a recent run-in and past hurts. 

Reid is having a talk, reading, and Q&A session at the Downtown Library February 5 at 4 pm.

Poet and EMU Lecturer Andre F. Peltier Imagines New Contexts for Pop Culture Icons in Recent Chapbook, “Poplandia”

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 12:30pm by strattonl

Part tribute, part humor, and part elegy, the new chapbook Poplandia by Andre F. Peltier centers on epic moments, including epic scenes in movies like the "Yub Nub" Ewok celebration to epic memories like recalling the purchase of a new record when it was released. The poet lives partially in this world and partially in others by reviving late 20th century childhood longings, such as to live in the Star Wars galaxy, among others.

One such dream deals directly with poetry itself: 

Searching for the Right Words: Julia Cho's award-winning "The Language Archive" makes its Michigan debut at Theatre Nova

Tue, 01/31/2023 - 9:15am by christopherporter

When Julia Cho read about dying languages, she wondered if losing a language meant something larger—losing a whole way of looking at the world.

Chicago percussionist Kahil El’Zabar brings spiritual energy to Encore Theatre’s "American Songbook" concerts

Mon, 01/30/2023 - 9:15am by christopherporter

Kahil El’Zabar has a very clear memory of the greatest performance he ever attended.

Aaron Burch's perspective-shifting “Year of the Buffalo” tells the tale of a road trip to reconciliation

Wed, 01/25/2023 - 10:30am by christopherporter

Aaron Burch captures the spirit of a road trip in his novel, Year of the Buffalo. The long drive sets the stage for bonding, observations, and memories shared between brothers Ernie and Scott as they travel from Washington state toward Detroit. 

Author and Former Literati Bookseller Mairead Small Staid Narrates Travels in Italy and the Search for Happiness in Her Book of Essays, “The Traces”

Tue, 01/24/2023 - 9:00am by strattonl

Happiness may be elusive, but the quest is part of the experience. 

“Happiness is the endpoint and the race itself, the finished vessel and its firing,” writes Mairead Small Staid, an author, librarian, a University of Michigan alum, and former Literati bookseller.

New AADL Video Showcases Photographer Josh Lipnik’s “Up North: An Architecture Road Trip” Presentation

Mon, 01/23/2023 - 11:00am by strattonl

(Re)Introducing Djangophonique: Andrew Brown and Co. are putting a modern spin on a jazz tradition

Fri, 01/20/2023 - 10:30am by christopherporter

“When I say ‘modern music,’” says Andrew Brown, “what I mean is, like, anything after 1956.”

How Human: Lily Talmers returns to Ann Arbor with two new excellent albums that explore deeply personal and universal experiences

Thu, 01/05/2023 - 12:00pm by christopherporter

On "My Mortal Wound," the opening song on Lily Talmer's It's Unkind to Call You My Killer album, states in the chorus:

In Conversation: New AADL Video Revisits Dur e Aziz Amna's "American Fever" Debut Novel and Summer Event

Wed, 01/04/2023 - 1:00pm by christopherporter

A new Ann Arbor District Library video featuring a conversation with authors Dur e Aziz Amna and Julie Buntin is now available.

Recorded on August 26, 2022, it spotlights Amna discussing her debut novel American Fever.