Each week, we offer a roundup of the best literary events in the city. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Go here.
Brad Thomas Parsons (Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All)
Tuesday, November 29, 6-7 pm, at Omnivore Books on Food (3885a Cesar Chavez St.)
They're one of the four key ingredients in any cocktail, but compared to their fellow ingredients (spirits, water, and sugar), bitters are by far the least understood. Parsons' (left) new book examines the history behind the little paper-covered bottles, from their days as snake-oil cure-alls to their modern renaissance in the mixology movement. The book also features profiles of modern bitters creators and recipes for making your own concoctions.
Regis Philbin (How I Got This Way)
Sunday, November 27, 4 pm, at Book Passage Corte Madera (51 Tamal Vista Blvd.)
The long-running talk-show host has been on television for nearly 17,000 hours in his life, but his real passion is dishing about all the celebrity encounters he's had over the years, some of which taught him invaluable life lessons. Guest stars in this memoir range from Jack Nicholson to David Letterman, as well as his two long-running co-hosts, Kelly Ripa and Kathie Lee Gifford. Admission is free, but those who purchase a signed book in advance get priority seating.
Annie Leibovitz (Pilgrimage)
Tuesday, November 22, 8 pm, at Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness Ave.)
Best known for her top-notch portrait photography, particularly of celebrities, Leibovitz takes a different tack in her new book of photos, showcasing places that are important to her. Featured locales include Niagara Falls, Emily Dickinson's home in Amherst, Thoreau's cabin on Walden Pond, and the trails of Yosemite. Tickets are $17-27, and can be purchased here.
Tristan Taormino (Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica)
Monday, November 28, 7 pm, at Books Inc. Alameda (1344 Park St.)
Tuesday, November 29, 7:30 pm, at Books Inc. Castro (2275 Market St.)
One of the nation's leading sex educators, Taormino has authored a number of how-to guides and edited various compilations of erotica; her latest focuses on sexy encounters between trans and genderqueer individuals. (Fun fact: she's also Thomas Pynchon's niece!) Her appearance is primarily to promote the new book, but if you have any burning sex questions, inquire within.
