San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
BOOKS PICKS
Spring is prime time for book releases, with many publishers releasing anticipated titles in hopes that readers will pick them up for upcoming vacation reading.
This also means authors will be touring to promote their latest ventures. Here are some with local appearances that we’re most looking forward to checking out.
Raisa Figueroa:
‘You Will Do Great Things’ The local artist and illustrator will sign and discuss her new children’s book, the story of a young boy who is transported to another world after he discovers pictures of his ancestors. The book was written by Grammy-nominated musician Amerie. 3:30 p.m. March 25. La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 552-1657, sandiego. librarymarket.com
Gabrielle Zevin: ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’
I named this book as my “Best Book of 2022” back in December. It’s a fantastically engrossing novel about two lifelong friends working in the world of video games. Reserved seats are available with purchase of the book. 7:30 p.m. March 28. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free-$28. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Justin Brooks:
‘You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent’
The defense lawyer and founding director of the California Innocence Project will discuss his new book, in which he reflects on past cases he’s worked on for those wrongfully convicted. 6:30 p.m. April 4. Diesel, a Bookstore, 12843 El Camino Real, Suite 104, Del Mar. (858) 925-7078, dieselbookstore.com
Susanna Hoffs:
‘This Bird Has Flown’
The lead singer of The Bangles will be in town to sign and discuss her first novel, the story of a musician who, after hitting rock bottom, gets a second chance at love and fame.
Reserved seats are available with purchase of the book. 7:30 p.m. April 7. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free-$29. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
V.E. Schwab: ‘The Invisible Life of Addie Larue’
The novelist will be in town to promote the paperback release of her runaway sensation, a fantastical epic about an immortal woman who meets someone who remembers her. This will be a ticketed event, and the price includes a pre-signed copy of the book. 7 p.m. April 12. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St. No. 107, Midway District. $19.99. (619) 539-7137, mystgalaxy.com
Don Winslow:
‘City of Dreams’
The acclaimed author of the “Border” trilogy will be in town to promote his latest thriller (the second book in a new trilogy that began with “City on Fire”), about a former gangster trying to go straight by moving to Hollywood. Reserved seats are available with preorder purchase of the book. 7:30 p.m. April 18. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free-$30. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Singer Susanna Hoff of The Bangles is releasing her first novel, “This Bird Has Flown.”
Author Susan Meissner will be at Warwick’s on April 20.
Thriller novelist Don Winslow will be promoting “City of Dreams,” the second book in a new trilogy.
Susan Meissner:
‘Only the Beautiful’
The formerly local bestselling author returns to San Diego to celebrate the release of her latest novel, which tells the story of Helen, who attempts to find out what happened to her friend after finding out she has was sent away to a home for unwed mothers. Reserved seats are available with preorder purchase of the book. 7:30 p.m. April 20. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free$28. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Independent Bookstore Day Dozens of indie bookstores all over the county will participate in this 10th annual event, which features author appearances, pop-up events, exclusive giveaways and other special promotions. See the website for full details and participating stores. Various times. April 29. Free. indiebound.org/ independent-bookstoreday
A. Lee Brown: ‘Cradle of Bitchin’
In collaboration with the Ocean Beach Historical Association, the local author will discuss his memoir of growing up in O.B. in the 1960s and the lifelong lessons he took away from that experience. 7 p.m. May 18. Water’s Edge Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach. aleebrown.com
Luis Alberto Urrea: ‘Good Night, Irene’
The Pulitzer-winning writer, who grew up in Tijuana and Barrio Logan, is coming home for the release of his new novel, a historical epic that was inspired by his own mother’s work as a Red Cross volunteer during World War II. 7 p.m. June 9. Coronado Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado. Free. (619) 522-7390, coronadolibrary.org