Los Angeles Literature Events 1/27/20 – 2/02/20

Mietek Boduszynski & US Democracy Promotion in the Arab World at LMU

Author Mietek Bosduszynski will discuss and sign his book, US Democracy Promotion in the Arab World. Should the US offer more support to the Middle East and Northern Africa to democratize? Join us in a discussion with an expert on the Balkans and the modern Middle East and North Africa, especially Iraq, Libya and Egypt.

The author teaches U.S. Foreign Policy at Pomona College, and was a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State at postings in Albania, Kosovo, Japan, Egypt, Libya and Iraq.

Where:  LMU, McIntosh Center, University Hall, 3999

Date: Monday the 27^th

Time: 5 pm

Address:  1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Website: https://cal.lmu.edu/event/mietek_boduszynski_us_democracy_promotion_in_the_arab_world

Los Angeles Literature Events 1/20/19 – 1/26/20

Wild Cards Kids Book Release Party at Westin Bonaventure Hotel

Join Hope and Wade King for a night of fun, food, and entertainment to celebrate the launch of their all-new book, Wild Card Kids and relive your child with carnival-inspired fun and games  The celebration follows the first day of the Get Your Teach on Los Angeles conference, but you do not need to be a conference attendee to join the party..

NOTE: This is a ticketed event so check website for details.

Where:  Western Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Plaza Pool Deck

Date: Monday the 20^th

Time: 6 pm – 10 pm

Address:  404 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/events/782294382220609

Book Review: Lost Hills By Lee Goldberg

By Brian Dunlap

There are so many things I could say about Lost Hills by Lee Goldberg, yet I don’t know where to begin. I could talk about how I received this book unexpectedly in the mail, sent in a manila envelope, addressed to my site, Los Angeles Literature, from Amazon in early December. Published by Thomas & Mercer, Amazon’s own publisher. Because this mystery is set in Calabasas, Topanga, and the surrounding area. L.Á. suburbs.

I could disclose that Lee Goldberg is the brother of my friend and novelist Tod Goldberg, to dispel any appearance of conflict of interest, to assure the reader I’ll be fair and honest in my review, despite the relationship.

Los Angeles Literature Events 1/13/19 – 1/19/20

Waraqah—Holistic Arabic Learning Playgroup at Children’s Book World – Kids Event

Caregivers and children immerse their senses in the beauty of the Arabic language through dynamic and rhythmic activities delivered through stories, songs, creative movement and props. This event is led by Dina Halwani and is for children ages 1-6.

Where:  Children’s Book World

Date: Monday the 13^th

Time: 10:30 am

Address:  10580 ½ W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Website: http://www.childrensbookworld.com/author-events/waraqah-holistic-arabic-learning-playgroup-dina-hawani

Los Angeles Literature Events 1/06/19 – 1/12/20

Docent Tour of Central Library at Downtown LA Central Library

Visit Los Angeles Public Library’s historic Central Library. Enjoy the art and architecture of the 1926 Bertram Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid. Wander through the 1993 Tom Bradley Wing, designed by architect Norman Pfeiffer, and gaze at the 8–story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers. Learn about the library’s comprehensive collections. All tours are FREE. Start the year by getting to know your LAPL central library!

Where: Central Library, LAPL

Date: Monday the 6^th

Time: 12:30 pm                            

Address: 630 W. 5^th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

Website: https://www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/docent-tours-central-library

Los Ángeles Writers Publish in 2019

By Brian Dunlap

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s clear that Los Ángeles writers explore a diverse range of topics, themes, and ideas. As the months went by, writers published novels, essay collections, poetry collections/chapbooks or announced their books had been accepted for publication in 2020. Their writing ranged from exploration of children lost too soon, to a celebration Los Ángeles, to the love of a neighborhood always reduced and racially stereotyped, to the generational trauma of people of color.

‘I Was Interested In The People Who Are Stuck With These Memories’

Steph Cha discusses her new novel “Your House Will Pay,” the LA Riots, the Korean American Angeleno community, her 3,600 Yelp reviews, and pushing back against gatekeepers in publishing.

By Victoria Namkung
FROM: Longreads

On March 16, 1991, 15-year-old Latasha Harlins went to a local convenience store in South Los Angeles to buy a bottle of orange juice. Owner Soon Ja Du accused the teenage girl of shoplifting, an altercation ensued, and in a split-second captured on video, Du shot Harlins in the back of the head. She died with two dollars in her hand. A jury found Du guilty of voluntary manslaughter, but against their recommendation, the judge sentenced the Korean-born woman to a $500 fine, probation, and community service.