Introducing our event program for June
With the Emerging Writers’ Festival opening last night, it feels necessary to start our highlights reel for June with two free events we’re hosting as part of their festival program.
On Wednesday 27 May (well, it’s almost June), the ever lovely Andy Griffiths will talk about his grassroots beginnings to being a bestselling author for children. This event is for aspiring writers, not for young readers – it’s strictly for writers over 18 years old. Find out more here.
The following week on Thursday 4 June, we’ll host a panel discussion with local authors Miles Allinson, Leanne Hall and Alec Patric about their books’ publication histories. The three will chat with Readings book buyer and spotter of the next big thing in local publishing, Martin Shaw. Find out more here.
Moving on to the rest of the month, we’re hosting three fascinating discussions about troubling and urgent issues that impact all Australians.
On Tuesday 9 June, cartoonist David Blumenstein will be in conversation with Nat Pestana, an organiser of Reclaim the Night, about Melbourne’s recent (and successful) anti-Pick-Up Artist campaign involving Julien Blanc. Find out more here.
On Tuesday 16 June, Klaus Neumann will discuss Across the Seas, which examines Australia’s response to refugees and asylum seekers throughout history to the present. Find out more here.
On Thursday 25 June, Tim Soutphommasane will talk on I’m Not Racist But…, which reflects on the national experience of racism and the progress that has been made since the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act in 1975. Find out more here.
As usual, we’re also hosting several terrific book launches across our stores throughout the month. The highlight is the arrival of the latest novel by acclaimed novelist Steven Carroll, winner of the Prime Minister’s Award and the Miles Franklin Award. Forever Young is set against the tumultuous period of change and uncertainty that was Australia in 1977, and will be launched on Tuesday 2 June. Find out more here.
Finally, we’re so pleased to be hosting the monthly Kill Your Darlings First Book Clubs this year. On Thursday 18 June, online editor Veronica Sullivan will be talking with Rochelle Siemienowicz about her frank and compelling debut memoir, Fallen: A Memoir About Sex, Religion and Marrying Too Young. Find out more here.
