Join Elisa Albert, our 2020 Literary Legend, for fascinating conversations with fabulous writers talk about their new books! How Hard Could It Be? kicks off on March 10th with guest Courtney Zoffness, author of the forthcoming essay collection Spilt Milk. There series is scheduled for March-April-May right now, but may extend longer is there is still popular demand for a Zoom chat about new books.
Registration is required. Sign up via LibCal to get the Zoom link to join. Or text “TUESDAY” to 518-547-1005
March 10: Guest Courtney Zoffness
On March 10, Elisa talk s with Courtney Zoffness, author of newly-released essay collection, Spilt Milk.
In Zoffness’ literary debut, the internationally award-winning writer considers what we inherit from generations past—biologically, culturally, spiritually—and what we pass on to our children. Spilt Milk is an intimate, bracing, and beautiful exploration of vulnerability and culpability. She relives her childhood anxiety disorder as she witnesses it manifest in her firstborn; endures brazen sexual advances by a student in her class; grapples with the implications of her young son’s cop obsession; and challenges her Jewish faith.
The Paris Review previewed the work in an excerpt of the book. A review in Publisher’s Weekly raved about Zoffness’ “keenly perceptive” and “masterful” collection of essays. Spilt Milk also made Lit Hub’s coveted Most Anticipated Book of 2021 list.
Read more about Courtney Zoffness as well as information regarding her other works here.
April 14: Guest Shalom Auslander
On April 14, Elisa talks with Shalom Auslander about his new novel Mother For Dinner.
This event is co-sponsored by Center Square Minyan.
Auslander continues to amuse in his new work employing his quintessential satirical humor to address cultural and familial identity and loyalty. As Seventh Seltzer grapples with the death of his emotionally distant mother he is faced with an even larger moral and rational dilemma due to his belonging to the small remaining Cannibalistic-American community which binds him to an ancient tradition in which himself and his brother’s must consume their mother. The incomparably humorous Auslander beautifully narrates the balance between tribalism and loyalty to one’s own identity.
The Wall Street Journal praised Mother For Dinner for it’s “dependably good” jokes and effortless humor. The Guardian‘s Sam Leith applauds Auslander’s employment of his classic “satirical scalpel” in another impressive review. Publisher’s Weekly also notes that “Auslander soars” to a degree that makes this an absolutely worthwhile read.
More information on Shalom Auslander as well as his other works can be found here.
April 14: Guest Shalom Auslander
May 12- Gregory Pardlo, American poet, writer, and professor joins the series to discuss his recent (2018) memoir Air Traffic: A Memoir of Ambition & Manhood in America.
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Pardlo’s memoir Air Traffic chronicles Gregory Pardlo’s life, from childhood, as he develops into a father, poet, and teacher while facing addiction. He also poetically details his responses to both the addictions faced by his father and brother, while simultaneously constructing a powerful reflection on the impacts of race, class, and education on his growth, experiences, struggles, and opportunities. He also addresses the role of masculinity in his life relative to his at-times frustrating father-son dynamic.
Among several other impressive reviews, Pardlo received praise from The New York Times in an riveting article entitled “A Poet’s Memoir Explores R ace, Addiction and a Fraught Father-Son Dynamic”. This article can be found here. The Washington Post‘s Jabari Asim also wrote a detailed review praising Pardlo’s powerful prose. Pardlo also landed a spot on Vogue‘s 10 Most Anticipated Book List .
Click here to learn more about Pardlo and his other works.
