Susan Larson talks with writer Louis Edwards about the inspiration for his fourth novel "Ramadan Ramsey," his first in 20 years.
Here’s what’s on tap in the literary life this week
Here in New Orleans:
Congrats to Blue Cypress Books, which is relocating from 8126 Oak St. to a new two-story location is right across the street at 8123 Oak St. There will be a grand opening Saturday, August 7 with a book signing at 2 p.m. with Jim Gabour, whose most recent book is “Meow, Monsieur: The French Felines of New Orleans.”
Members of the Monday Night Writing Group will read from their work at the Latter Library Poetry Buffet, Saturday, August 7, at 2 p.m. via zoom.
Louis Edwards discusses “Ramadan Ramsey,” with Garden District Book Shop co-owner Christopher Tidmore Tuesday, August 10, at 6 p.m. at Garden District Book Shop. This is a ticketed event; go to gardendistrictbookshop.com.
And coming up: The Jefferson Parish Library’s Comic Con, a comic book mini-convention that focuses on superheroes and comic book culture for kids and teens, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. Costumes and cosplay are encouraged. The event will feature the following components: How to Draw Workshops with Mike Artell and Samantha Hallenus, a superhero training academy for kids, crafts, a photo booth, a marvel movie scavenger hunt, face painters and trivia. It’s all free and registration is not required. Check out jplibrary.net for more info.
In Baton Rouge:
The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana announced last week that author and Louisiana native Fatima Shaikhas been selected as the recipient of the 22nd annual Louisiana Writer Award. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to Louisiana's literary and intellectual life exemplified by a contemporary writer's body of work. Shaik’s books include her recent narrative nonfiction Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood (The Historic New Orleans Collection), a meticulously researched work on a largely forgotten aspect of Louisiana history, two short story collections, The Mayor of New Orleans: Just Talking Jazz and What Went Missing and What Got Found; two children’s picture books, The Jazz of Our Street and On Mardi Gras Day; and the young adult novel Melitte, all set in Louisiana. The Louisiana Center for the Book will present the Louisiana Writer Award to Shaik at the opening ceremony of the Louisiana Book Festival, Saturday, October 30, in Baton Rouge.