What’s Happening in the Austin Book World, July 25-31

By Jessica Weems

The events this week are chock full of nerves, twists and turns, and a lot of drama. From open mics to readings of pure emotion, these events might require tissues. Be sure to stop by to get the full experience and maybe even a little inspiration.

The Events

On Friday, July 25 at 7:30PM, Testify presents Heat at Spiderhouse Ballroom. Testify features live performers sharing stories of personal and vastly different experiences. The group performs each month with a different theme. This month’s theme is Heat. Join them for a night of amazing tales capturing human experience. The evening will range from fierce police chases to intense journeys to Burning Man. It is sure to thrill!

On Saturday, July 26 at 7PM, Malvern Books, in association with VSA Texas and the Pen2Paper Creative Writing Contest, will host The Lion & The Pirate Unplugged- an open mic (without the mic) night for writers, musicians, and performers alike. All ages are welcome! Check out previous Lion & Pirate open mic footage at http://bit.ly/1m7v4L8

On Monday, July 28 at 7PM, Book People is excited to have bestselling author, Ace Atkins back for a speaking and signing of his latest novel, The Forsaken. The Forsaken is the newest addition to Atkins’ Quinn Colson novels, and follows Sherriff Colson through his journey to prove the innocence of a wrongly accused, and long dead, black man in Jericho, Mississippi. However, his determination for justice, may lead him down a road of false accusations that could be permanent. Check it out!

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7PM, Book People presents Lacy Johnson and her memoir, The Other Side, where she hauntingly narrates the true story of her past abuse, kidnapping, and her eventual escape. Written in accordance with FBI and police reports and psychological records, Johnson uses the coldness of facts to illuminate her emotional journey through hell and triumph. You don’t want to miss it.

On Wednesday, July 30 at 7PM, Book People will host Edan Lepucki for a speaking and signing of her debut novel, California. This much anticipated apocalyptic fiction, centers on the lives of couple, Cal and Frida who discover they are pregnant after leaving LA in ruins. Together they must travel to the nearest settlement, where they realize that nothing is the same and the lives they once knew are forever lost.

We know we’ll be at these awesome events and we hope to see you there too!