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The book scene this week is sort of like a Westword homecoming: four of the author events on this list highlight folks we’ve written about in one way or another, both recently and in past years. From literary fiction to psychological horror to sex and objectification to a psychic medium talking about the afterlife...there’s lots of must-see stuff in the Mile High City as we head into August.
Keith Martin-Smith, Only Everything
Tuesday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
Boulder Bookstore
1107 Pearl Street, Boulder
$5
We’ve interviewed author Keith Martin-Smith before, on the occasion of the launch of his book about Zen master Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi, A Heart Blown Open. Now Martin-Smith is back with a novel called Only Everything. He’ll be reading from, discussing and signing his new book at the Boulder Bookstore; as always, your $5 admission can be applied toward the price of this (or any) book purchase.
Natalia Sylvester, Everyone Knows You Go Home
and Chip Livingston, Owls Don’t Have to Mean Death
Thursday, August 2, 6 p.m.
BookBar
4280 Tennyson Street
Free
Regis University’s MFA program hosts the Mile High Summer 2018 Residency Readings, with Natalia Sylvester reading from her novel Everyone Knows You Go Home, chosen a Best Book of 2018 by Real Simple magazine; and Chip Livingston reading from his novel Owls Don’t Have to Mean Death. The evening includes introductions by Colorado Book Award finalist David Hicks and Kateri Kramer. Grab a place on the sofa (and a glass of wine), sit back, and enjoy.
Catlyn Ladd, Strip: The Making of a Feminist
Friday, August 3, 7 p.m.
Tattered Cover LoDo
1628 16th Street
Free
Catlyn Ladd’s book Strip has made something of a splash, including right here at Westword, which reprinted the chapter titled “Fetish” last month. Ladd will read from and discuss her book, which focuses on her experiences performing in gentlemen’s clubs while pursuing her education. Now a college professor teaching philosophy, religion and women’s studies, Ladd offers unique insight into what it means to be a sex object in modern America.
Josiah Hesse, Carnality
Friday, August 3, 9:30 p.m.
Tattered Cover
2526 East Colfax Avenue
$15
Head to Tattered Cover for a special late-night release party for Josiah Hesse, author, former Westword contributor and focus of a recent 100 Colorado Creatives Q&A and the release of his new novel, Carnality: Sebastian Phoenix and the Dark Star. The event will include not only a reading by the author, but also the comedy of Christie Buchele, several guest readings, and music from Esme Patterson, Adam Baumeister, Erin Stereo and “a secret guest band.” Ratio Brewing Company will provide free beer with the price of a ticket, too — so this is a 21-and-over event, kids, with IDs checked at the door.
Deb Sheppard, Grieving to Believing
Sunday, August 5, 2 p.m.
Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore
2553 South Colorado Boulevard, #104
Free
Professional medium Deb Sheppard (who once spoke with us about some of Denver's most haunted places) comes to the Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore to read from, discuss and sign her book Grieving to Believing: Discovering the Afterlife. Sheppard will also take questions and do impromptu psychic readings with random members of the audience. Speaking of which, how is there not yet a TLC cable series called Mile High Medium? Just saying. Ponder this question at the event, which is free, but RSVPs are required at Shining Lotus.