Featured Events in Palo Alto in September, 2024(January Updated)

Join author Kenny Gould at Books Inc. Palo Alto for a celebration of his book The Potion Master! Kenny will be joined in conversation with fellow teacher Ben Meiseles. From the author of The Castle of 1,000 Doors comes the first book of The School Beneath the City trilogy, the story of three magical students destined to save the world. For the first time in the history of Wunder's School for Brewing Excellence, three students are tied for valedictorian. To break the tie, Dr. Wunder issues a challenge: the student who makes the best final potion will earn the coveted title of Potionmaster. But as the students compete, an ancient evil is rising from a long overdue slumber. It's a magic even Dr. Wunder can't stop. And the students pitted against each other might become the world's only hope for survival. Kenny Gould writes fantasy for both kids and adults. He has a degree in English from Duke University, an MFA in Fiction from Chatham University, and an MBA from NYU Stern. He taught creative writing at Phillips Academy Andover and in the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, PA. Information Source: Books Inc. | eventbrite

Join Stephanie Nass at Books Inc. Palo Alto for a celebration of her book Swing By! From stylemaker and chef Nass comes a charming guide to twenty-first- century entertaining with parties and accompanying recipes. Having thrown hundreds of parties for celebrities, royals, fashion brands, and a long list of family members, Nass understands what it takes to be a stellar hostess; indeed, she believes that hosting is an art form. If the definition of art is to please and instruct, there is no more literal art than a dinner party. A founder of her own culinary lifestyle brand, Chefanie, and a successful catering business, Nass is ready to share all she knows in this, her first book. Organized by type of party—standing soirees, seated suppers, outdoor dining, and holiday celebrations—the book features sixteen fun, festive, and original ideas for hosting, from a pizzeria-based pizza party with homemade rainbow cookies to a sunflower field luncheon, martini night, and an alpine lodge-inspired dinner. Enhanced by Nass’s hand-painted menus and filled with recipes, checklists, affordable DIY tricks, flower arranging techniques, and the tablescapes for which she is known, Swing By! will delight and instruct readers eager to entertain. Stephanie Nass is a chef, influencer, and founder of the culinary lifestyle brand Chefanie. Her products are available on her website and at retailers worldwide, including Revolve and Goop. She regularly appears on TV, panels, and podcasts as a thought leader in the cooking and hosting space. Nass has been called the “Millennial Martha Stewart” and named one of the top 50 hosts in America. She is based in New York City. Information Source: Books Inc. | eventbrite

Join local author Diana Farid at Books Inc. Palo Alto for a Special Storytime, featuring her book The Light of Home! A universal story about displacement, migration, and the many ways we find home, from talented author-illustrator team Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi. Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon. But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home. Then one day, Nur's mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur's brushstrokes help her connect the place she's lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart. The Light of Home will resonate with anyone who has ever had to leave a place they've loved. From author, poet, and physician Diana Farid and artist Hoda Hadadi comes this introspective story about belonging and the power of creativity. For readers of Yuyi Morales' Dreamers and Yamile Saied Mendez and Jaime Kim's Where Are You From? Diana Farid is an award-winning author and poet. Her picture book, When You Breathe, was a National Council of Teachers of English Notable poetry book. Her novel in verse, Wave, was the 2022 Cybils Award winner for poetry novel and a School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book. She is also a physician and associate professor at Stanford University. Information Source: Books Inc. | eventbrite

Stand Up To Hate: Jewish Comedy for a Cause Come join us for a night of laughter and unity! We're bringing together top Jewish comedians from around the Bay Area to stand up against hate through humor. We are partnering with Hillel at Stanford and Hillel of Silicon Valley. Proceeds from the event will go to help them support Jewish students and ensure that campuses are a safe and welcoming environment for everyone regardless of religion. The event is recommended for ages 14+ (okay, 13 if they had a bar/bat mitzvah). There will be adult material - not Andrew Dice Clay level but definitely not a kids show. Snacks and refreshments will be available in the lobby, and alcoholic beverges can be purchased (we're talking beer and wine, no Long Island Ice Tea). Doors open at 6:30pm. Other than paying for the facility, ticket proceeds will all go to local Hillels to fight Jew hate on campus and support students having a tough time. We're not making any money on this, we swear! And we'll have links to these and other worthy organizations where you can make an additional tax-deductible donation. ˙Hosted by Rob Irony Man Block, produced by Rob B and Rachael Berman Huck. Information Source: Irony Man Comedy | eventbrite