We had a terrific first…

We had a terrific first Oak Park book club meeting, with ten people attending! Going forward, we're going to aim for meeting monthly, and see what happens. Meetings will stay at this time, 4-6 p.m., on the third Saturday of the month (so the next meeting is about six weeks away). We're going to stay in people's homes -- Surinder and I are happy to alternate hosting, along with anyone else local who wants to host, and we may at some point start having people who don't want to host sign up to bring snacks. (Which is what my writing workshop does, and it works well. :-)

Here are the next three books:

June 16: Palace of Illusions: Chitra Divakaruni
July 21: The Sea of Poppies: Amitav Ghosh
August 18: Unaccustomed Earth, Jhumpa Lahiri

NOTE: If you attended the meeting, or plan to attend future meetings, I'd really appreciate it if you could send me your contact info, ideally both e-mail address and phone #. That's the best way we can be sure to get in touch with you in case of unexpected location changes, etc. But also, PLEASE do join the mailing list, if you're not on it already, since that's how we'll typically communicate. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/desilit-oakpark-bookclub/) Thanks!

There are also two upcoming DesiLit events I'd like to tell you about.

1) Wednesday, May 9, 7-9 p.m.: DesiLit local author reading at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, Chicago
Currently scheduled:

Featured writer: Anupy Singla (author of The Indian Slow Cooker)

Also reading:
Mary Anne Mohanraj
Angeli Primlani
Aroon Chaddha
Uma N. Dabhade

Starting at 8:15, we'll have an open mic, so please come if you'd like to read. All are welcome, including beginners! (Sign-ups start at 6:45; if you e-mail me in advance, I'll try to reserve you a spot. :-)

2) Saturday, May 19, 1-3 p.m.: Accidental Shakespeare company high tea and short performance; a DesiLit-sponsored fundraiser
More info coming on this soon, but save the date -- my friend and accomplished writer / thespian Angeli Primlani is starting a new Shakespeare company in Chicago. Everything she does is terrific, and I think you'll really enjoy her work. We'll be holding a fundraising event at my home; tickets will be available shortly, and will be reserved to a limited number (that I can fit in my dining room :-). We'll serve a British high tea and see the actors perform a short and funny piece from their upcoming production.