This week in New York City, Walter Mosley remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Chris Cleave reads from Little Bee, editors talk about the future of newspaper and magazine book sections, a special benefit for poet Dean Young in need of a heart transplant, Dave Itzkoff on his drug-addicted father, and Poets House features Canadian poets.
MONDAY 1/17: Brooklyn is the borough to visit for New York City’s largest public celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote speaker is novelist Walter Mosley, also featuring musical presentations. Following the live event, there will be a free screening of Neshoba: The Price of Freedom, a documentary about a Mississippi town 40 years after the murders of three civil rights workers. 25th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. 10:30 a.m. Free.
Chris Cleave, author of Incendiary and Little Bee, reads at Book Court. 7 p.m. Free.
WEDNESDAY 1/19: Tonight is the opening reception for the exhibition “Everything in Time,” featuring installations, video, books, and conceptual poetry from 26 artists on the topic of abundance of information in everyday life. Exhibit runs through April 2. The Center for Book Arts. 6 p.m. Free.
Sasha Frere Jones interviews Matthew Gallaway about his debut novel, The Metropolis Case. McNally Jackson. 7 p.m. Free.
Four editors get together to talk about the future of newspaper and magazine book sections for “Book Reviews, Revamped.” Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal; Robert Messenger, The Wall Street Journal; Craig Morgan Teicher, Publishers Weekly; and Jennifer B. McDonald, The New York Times Book Review. Moderated by The National Book Critics Circle President Jane Ciabattari. The Center for Fiction. 7 p.m. Free.
THURSDAY 1/20: Poets Matthea Harvey, Edward Hirsch, Mary Karr, Matthew Rohrer, Gerald Stern, Dara Wier, and more come together for a benefit reading in honor of poet/teacher Dean Young, who is in need of a heart transplant. All donations will go towards transplant expenses. National Arts Club. 7 p.m. Free, though donations are encouraged.
New York Times journalist Dave Itzkoff’s book launch party for his new book Cocaine’s Son, about his relationship with his addict father. Powerhouse Arena. 7 p.m.
FRIDAY 1/21: Poet Thomas Fucaloro, Inheriting Craziness is Like a Soft Halo of Light, is featured tonight at the Son of a Pony Poetry Series, along with spotlight poet Amy Leigh Cutler, Orange Juice and Rooftops. Poetry open mic before the features, hosted by Kat Georges. Cornelia Street Café. 6 p.m. $7, includes free drink.
Electric Literature celebrates the release of its latest issue with readings from contributing authors. J. Robert Lennon, Ben Greenman, and Lynne Tillman will read new fiction. Short films from Carson Mell will also be shown. DJ and refreshments served. Housing Works Bookstore Café. 7 p.m.
SATURDAY 1/22 AND SUNDAY 1/23: Come hear some of Canada’s top poets at the two-day event, North of Invention: A Festival of Canadian Poetry. Conversations and readings. Saturday concludes with a reading from Stephen Collis, Sarah Dowling, M. NourbeSe Philip, a.rawlings, and Fred Wah. Sunday concludes the festival with readings from Jeff Derksen, Christian Bök, Lisa Robertson, and Jordan Scott. Poets House. 2 p.m. $10, $7 for students and seniors, Free to Poets House Members.
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