Choose Year:
“Every Good Boy Does Fine,” a conversation with pianist and author Jeremy Denk
Free and open to the public with required RSVP.
Curtis Chin: Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
Washington University is proud to welcome Curtis Chin to the Hurst Lounge.
International Writers Series: Mona Kareem
Join the International Writers Series for an evening of poetry in translation with poet, translator, and scholar Mona Kareem. She will be joined in conversation by Safa Khatib, Ph.D. candidate in Comparative Literature.
Graduate Student Co-Working
Fulbright Creative and Performing Arts Grant March Info Session
Author & Artist Event: Tioliendo
Join Subterranean Books for a book signing from St. Louis-based artist and former Washington University student Tioliendo.
International Writers Series: Verónica Gerber Bicecci
Center for the Literary Arts Speaker Series: Author Megan Kamalei Kakimoto and Editor Callie Garnett
Center for the Literary Arts Breakfast Meet-and-Greet: Author Megan Kamalei Kakimoto and Editor Callie Garnett
Poetry at the Point: Bailey Schaumburg & Macallan Lay
Like any venue for processing the human experience, what is absent from a poem can hold as much meaning as what is included. It is this process of withholding that distinguishes art from reportage. Bailey Schaumburg and Macallan Lay will read from their work, and in conversation afterwards, reckon with the poem as a site for facing one’s self in preparation for facing the other.
Visiting Hurst Professor: Camille T. Dungy - Craft Talk
Washington University Department of English is proud to welcome Professor Camille T. Dungy as part of its Hurst Visiting Professors Series.
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (March)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Visiting Hurst Professor: Camille T. Dungy - Reading
Washington University Department of English is proud to welcome Professor Camille T. Dungy as part of its Hurst Visiting Professors Series.
Inaugural Dean’s Distinguished Lecture with Carl Phillips, “Pressure Against Emptiness: Some Thoughts on Making”
Carl Phillips is a celebrated poet, essayist, and professor whose work has garnered critical acclaim and captivated readers around the world. With numerous accolades to his name, including the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, Phillips is recognized as one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature.
Visiting Hurst Professor: Lidia Yuknavitch - Reading
Washington University Department of English is proud to welcome Professor Lidia Yuknavitch as part of its Hurst Visiting Professors Series.
Fulbright Creative and Performing Arts Grant April Info Session
Observable Readings: Edgar Kunz & Reyes Ramirez
Saint Louis Poetry Center is thrilled to welcome poets Edgar Kunz and Reyes Remirez for Observable Readings.
Sunday Workshop: Edgar Kunz & Reyes Ramirez
This workshop will be held in-person at High Low. In conjunction with our April Observable Readings, Saint Louis Poetry Center is thrilled to welcome poets Edgar Kunz and Reyes Ramirez for the April Sunday Workshop!
International Writers Series: Esther Kinsky
Join the International Writers Series for an evening of fiction in translation with the 2024 Max Kade Visiting Writer Esther Kinsky, one of Germany’s most celebrated living authors. She will read and discuss her most recently translated novel Rombo (New York Review Books, 2023). Danielle Dutton, Associate Professor of English, will join her in conversation.
On Palestinian Literature: past, present, and future
A talk on art, scholarship, and community
Visiting Hurst Professor: Laird Hunt - Craft Talk
Washington University Department of English is proud to welcome Professor Laird Hunt as part of its Hurst Visiting Professors Series.
Visiting Hurst Professor: Laird Hunt - Reading
Washington University Department of English is proud to welcome Professor Laird Hunt as part of its Hurst Visiting Professors Series.
Poetry at the Point: Melody S. Gee, Carolina Hotchandani & Catherine Anderson
Perugia Press and Saint Louis Poetry Center present acclaimed poets Melody S. Gee, Carolina Hotchandani and Catherine Anderson for a Perugia Press Showcase reading.
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (April)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Poetry Reading: Hadara Bar-Nadav & Asha Futterman
Join Saint Louis Poetry Center and Left Bank Books for a reading and celebration of poetry by Hadara Bar-Nadav & Asha Futterman. Copies of The Animal is Chemical will be available for purchase from Left Bank Books. Cash bar.
Assistant Professor of French Nathan H. Dize's Translation of Makenzy Orcel's The Emperor
Please join the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures in celebrating Assistant Professor of French Nathan H. Dize's new translation of Makenzy Orcel's novel The Emperor (University of Chicago Press)
Renée Watson - Skin & Bones
Left Bank Books & Kimbilio for Black Fiction presents Renée Watson, #1 New York Times Bestselling author, to discuss her highly anticipated adult debut novel Skin & Bones! Skin & Bones is a soulful and lyrical novel exploring sisterhood, motherhood, faith, love, and ultimately what gets passed down from one generation to the next.
Rachel Khong - Real Americans
The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Left Bank Books Present Acclaimed Novelist Rachel Khong, Author of “Real Americans." Khong presents an exhilarating novel of American identity that spans three generations in one family. “Real Americans” begins on the precipice of Y2K, when twenty-two-year-old Lily Chen, the only child of scientists who fled Mao’s Cultural Revolution, meets easygoing and effortlessly attractive Matthew - heir to a vast pharmaceutical empire.
Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket - And Then? and Then? What Else?
Left Bank Books presents bestselling author Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket for his new part memoir, part inspiration for aspiring writers And Then? and Then? What Else? described as a bold, candid, vulnerable, and entertaining memoir of a literary life. This is the first book to be published with both given name and alias where we will look at the challenging and often amusing path toward one of the most spectacularly successful writing careers of the twenty-first century.
Poetry Reading: Ariana Benson and Dana Levin
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (May)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Jenna Tang - Fang Si-Chi's First Love Paradise
Left Bank Books & Taipei Cultural Center (TCC) in New York presents Jenna Tang. Tang is the translator for Fang Si-Chi's First Love Paradise, one of the biggest books to come out of Taiwan in the last decade. Join us as Tang discuss the most influential book of Taiwan's #MeToo movement--a heartbreaking account of sexual violence and a remarkable reinvention of the trauma plot, turning the traditional Lolita narrative upside down as it explores women's vulnerability, victimization, and the lengths they will go to survive.
Chukwuebuka Ibeh - Blessings
Left Bank Books presents Chukwuebuka Ibeh for the launch event to celebrate his highly anticipated debut novel Blessings! Named one of USA Today, Esquire, & Cosmopolitan's most anticipated books of 2024, we are excited to discuss this book by Ibeh who was profiled as one of the "Most Promising New Voices of Nigerian Fiction" by Electric Literature. Currently a Washington University MFA student, Ibeh is certainly going to be an author to watch.
Author Event: Lisa Ampleman
Mom in Space is a complicated love letter to both the intergalactic and the terrestrial. Using the lens of spaceflight, Lisa Ampleman explores subjects ranging from the personal to the political, from fertility tests and parenting to climate change and civil rights. As NASA and commercial space companies gear up for Artemis missions to the moon, Mom in Space offers new conceptions of women in space, incorporating both fictional and real female astronauts, among them the first mom in space (Anna Fisher) and the first Black woman in space (Mae Jemison). With a sense of both awe and informed inquiry, Mom in Space considers what spaceflight means not just for those who get rocketed into space but for those who stay home.
Chigozie Obioma - The Road to the Country
Left Bank Books presents two-time Booker Prize nominee Chigozie Obioma to celebrate the release of his new highly praised book The Road to the Country. Imbolo Mbue says that, "The Road to the Country is Chigozie Obioma at his finest." And Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah calls it, "a wonderous novel."
Lindsay Ellis - Apostles of Mercy
Left Bank Books and Schlafly Public Library presents Hugo nominated and best selling author Lindsay Ellis to celebrate her highly anticipated third book in the Noumena series, Apostles of Mercy! Join us as we discuss the new installment in a staff favorite series. Left Bank Books' staff member Alicia says of the series, "I am definitely putting it on my 'read over and over' shelf."
Paul Tremblay - Horror Movie
Bestselling author of “The Cabin at the End of the World,” Paul Tremblay presents a chilling twist on the “cursed film” genre. In 1993, a group of guerilla filmmakers spent four weeks making “Horror Movie,” a notorious art-house horror flick. Three decades later, Hollywood is pushing for a big budget reboot. The man who played “The Thin Kid” is the only surviving cast member. He remembers all too well the dangerous crossed lines on set that resulted in tragedy. But he’s going to help remake the film—demons of the past be damned. “Horror Movie” is a suspenseful feat of storytelling genius that builds to an unforgettable, mind-bending conclusion.
Elin Hilderbrand - Swan Song (In Store Signing Line)
Left Bank Books presents beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand for the twenty-seventh--and final--Nantucket-based novel Swan Song. Join us in store for a celebrity signing line from 5-7pm as we thank Elin as she brings her Nantucket novels to a brilliant finish. The official event color is Kelly Green. Elin will take photos with attendees wearing Kelly Green for her Instagram!
Lisa See - Lady Tan's Circle of Women
Left Bank Books presents New York Times Bestselling author Lisa See to celebrate the paperback release for Lady Tan's Circle of Women. Join us in store with Lisa See as we discuss the immersive tale about an elite woman who becomes a physician in spite of societal restrictions during China's Ming Dynasty.
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (June)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (July)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Scott Phillips: The Devil Raises His Own
Subterranean hosts the St. Louis book launch for Scott's new book, The Devil Raises His Own. Tonight, he will be in conversation with Jedidiah Ayers.
Kat Tang - Five-Star Stranger
Join us as we celebrate the debut novel from Kat Tang. Tang recently lived in St. Louis, and we are excited to welcome her back to celebrate Five-Star Stranger.
P. Djèlí Clark - The Dead Cat Tail Assassins w/ Ann Leckie
Join us as we celebrate P. Djèlí Clark for his new book The Dead Cat Tail Assassins. A Most Anticipated Book of 2024 According to Bookish, She Reads, Civilian Reader, and FanFiAddict, The Dead Cat Tail Assassins is a brand-new world and a fantastical city full of gods and assassins.
Author Event: Rebecca Anne Nguyen
NEW YORK TIMES essayist and 2024 Reader's Choice Award winner Rebecca Anne Nguyen's stunning debut. In The 23rd Hero, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary memory travels back in time to 16th century France to stop climate change before it starts and return to the man she loves.
Calahan Skogman - Blue Graffiti
Join us as we welcome debut author and star of Netflix's Emmy-nominated show Shadow and Bone, Calahan Skogman! Skogman will join us for a special VIP discussion and reading followed by a signing line. Join us to celebrate Skogman's debut book Blue Graffiti!
Author Event: Adam “Bucho” Rodenberger
Adam “Bucho” Rodenberger is a 44-year old abstract artist and fiction writer from Kansas City, specializing in surrealism, dark fiction, horror, and dystopian stories.
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (August)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Stuart Neville - Blood Like Mine
Join us as we welcome award-winning author Stuart Neville all the way from Belfast for his new book Blood Like Mine.
Kenzie Allen - Cloud Missives
Join us as we welcome Kenzie Allen, Haudenosaunee poet and multimodal artist, to Left Bank Books.
Janelle Bassett - Thanks for This Riot: Stories
Join us as we welcome Janelle Bassett for the launch event for Thanks for This Riot. Bassett, winner of the Raz/Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Fiction, is a St. Louis area writer and fiction editor.
Lars Horn - Reading
John Murillo - Reading
Sarah Smarsh - Bone of the Bone
Join us as we welcome Sarah Smarsh back to Left Bank Books! Her first book, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, was a finalist for the National Book Award.
John Murillo - Craft Talk
Howard Nemerov Scholars Open Mic
Banned Books Week: Carmen Maria Machado Reading
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (September)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
Banned Books September Book Bazaar
Join us today for the Banned Books September Pop-Up Book Bazaar at the High Low! The event features books that have been banned for a variety of reasons across the United States. Come by, grab a tasty beverage & a snack, and chat with some of your favorite booksellers about ALL of your favorite banned books!
Georgia K. Johnston Writer-in-Residency Program: Deborah Taffa
Deborah Jackson Taffa is a citizen of the Quechan (Yuma) Nation and Laguna Pueblo. She earned her M.F.A. at the Iowa Writers Workshop and is the director of the M.F.A. in Creative Writing Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Garth Greenwell - Small Rain
Join us as we welcome award-winning author Garth Greenwell. Greenwell is an alumnus of Washington University of St. Louis, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to St. Louis to discuss his new highly anticipated novel Small Rain. Greenwell will discuss and sign this profound and luminous novel.
William H. Gass Centenary Celebration
Join us to celebrate the centenary of William H. Gass (1924-2017), renowned postmodern fiction writer, essayist, and Washington University professor emeritus. A panel of former students and colleagues of Gass will discuss his influence on their lives and careers. Then, WashU’s Martin Riker will interview novelist and Conjunctions editor Bradford Morrow to discuss Morrow’s long friendship and professional relationship with Gass. A reception and exhibit viewing will follow these talks.
Realistic Hope: American Democracy and the 2024 Election
The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics is pleased to host a special Danforth Dialogues event focused on the 2024 presidential election. Realistic Hope: American Democracy and the 2024 Election will explore the place of faith and imagination in our current politics and public life.
Ira Sukrungruang - Reading
Guggenheim Fellowship Info Session
Goodie House: Poetry and Stories (October)
Goodie House presents poetry and story readings every fourth Thursday. Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/goodiehouse) for details on each month's readers.
In Conversation with That Librarian
The WashU Libraries, Saint Louis University Libraries, and St. Louis City Libraries invite you to a panel discussion examining the rise in book bans in recent years, and the implications for libraries, librarians, and intellectual freedom.
"Matignon la nuit" - Lecture by Dr. Nicolas Idier
Dr. Nicolas Idier, a prominent French novelist, sinologist, French diplomat, and Inspector-General of Chinese Language Education in France, is our guest of honor.
Catherine Lacey - Craft Talk
Catherine Lacey - Reading
International Writers Series: New Poetry From Europe
Join WashU Libraries and the Department of Comparative Literature and Thought for an evening of new poetry from Europe. Poets Efe Duyan, Marko Pogačar, and Ales Steger join us under the auspices of Versopolis, an online European poetry platform for emerging European poets.
Poetry Reading: John Dorsey, Jason Ryberg & Brett Lars Underwood
Subterranean Books is excited to host three renowned local poets: John Dorsey, Jason Ryberg & Brett Lars Underwood
Fulbright Creative and Performing Arts Grant Info Session
Left Bank Books Presents Mary Jo Bang & Yuki Tanaka
Mary Jo Bang & Yuki Tanaka - A Kiss for the Absolute: Selected Poems of Shuzo Takiguchi
"Un Afrofuturisme caribéen - Rencontre avec Michael Roch" (A Caribbean Afro-Futurism, A Conversation with Michael Roch)
Author Event: Eileen G'Sell & Tola Sylvan
Subterranean Books presents Eileen G'Sell, with opening poet Tola Sylvan
What’s Important in Verse Translation?
Diane Arnson Svarlien, Independent Scholar
Creative Practice Workshop Info Session
Artist Talk: Nicole Mitchell, creative flutist/composer/poet
In partnership with New Music Circle
WashU Reads Han Kang: A Celebration
Paige Aniyah Morris, writer and translator
A World of Words Undergraduate Reading
Please join us in celebrating the written work of students taking Professor Goeritz's "A World of Words" course!
Literature in the Making: A Public Reading
Please join us to celebrate the creative work of students taking the course Literature in the Making