DATEBOOK: March 18–24
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Welcome back to Datebook, the weekly guide to literary events in New York, London, and LA. All events listed in local time.
For those of you who don’t know, yesterday was my birthday, so I took myself to the Botanic Gardens, where I spent the day in the company of myself; some fish in the pond; books of poetry by Ariana Reines and René Bennett; and my journal.
I received many very kind messages throughout the day — messages that said (in so many words) ‘I see you’ and it got me thinking about the deepened social contract that exists between friends. I wrote in my notebook: I guess I feel a sort of responsibility — not a pressure, but a compact — to them. As if they are holding me to my promise to succeed. Yes, the sense of ‘I’ll love you no matter what’ roots true friendship. But I think perhaps this other sense, the sense of an obligation borne out of love, is what makes them grow.
In her latest post, Bella from Messy Medicine posed the question: how do I take no blame and no credit while remaining accountable? I think friendship nurtures that aim. So, this is all to say to my friends: Thank you.
And now, another great week of literary events across the three cities. xoxo Scremes
🍀 Tuesday, March 18
5:30 pm // NYC: Lecture on Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing with Elizabeth L. Block and Tamsin Young | The Museum at FIT (227 W 27th St.) Free – RSVP.
🍀 Wednesday, March 19
7 pm // LA: Launch of Amassing Life, with Giulia Bencivenga and Fariha Róisín | Stories. Free
🍀 Thursday, March 20
7 pm // LDN: Soho Reading Series feat. Gabriel Smith, Ella Fox-Martens, Henry Woodland, and Dean Kissick. Hosted by Madeline Cash and Myles Zavelo | Staffordshire Street (49 Staffordshire St, Peckham, SE15 5TJ). Free.
And a busy night in New York!
7 pm // BKLYN: Roasting House Reading Series presents their Spring Equinox Supper & Reading feat. Chase Elodia, Grace Byron, Ash Pattison-Scott, Heather Akumiah, and Sonnet Phelps | Kos Kaffe (251 5th Ave, BK). $10 – RSVP (Only 10 spots left, and check out that menu!!)
7 pm // NYC: Casual Encounters presents: On the Rag Issue 1 Launch Party feat. Tif Sigfrids, Thomas Dozol, Stephanie Wambugu, Alex Auder, Alexis Okeowo, Krithika Varagur, and Isaac Trochopoulos. DJ set by Naomi Asa | The Ace Hotel (20 W 29th St.). Free – RSVP Mandatory.
7 pm // NYC: Date Time: Spring Equinox Edition. You all know that old John Waters quote about what not to do if you go home with someone and they don’t have books. This event is for going home with someone who does have books. | Baby’s All Right. $10 – RSVP (they’re giving away vibrators, fyi).
🍀 Friday, March 21
6:30 pm // NYC: Amulet Magazine launch party feat. Simon Critchley, Aria Aber, Samuel Rutter, and Alec Gewirtz | McNally Jackson Seaport. $5 – RSVP (limited seats!)
