WILLIAMSBURG — They have woven tales, untangled truths, exposed emotions, and elicited anger and amusement — all through the magic of computer screens.
Now they invite you to dance.
Wordsmiths from online publications the LA Review of Books, the New Inquiry, Electric Literature, and Tumblr are descending on the Public Assembly Monday night to begin "the most bookish week in Brooklyn" with a booze-and-beats filled bang.
"I'm thrilled to be co-hosting," said Rachel Rosenfelt, the New Inquiry's founder who is joining the other online publications to kick off Bookends, a week of readings, talks and workshops around the borough, especially in Park Slope and Williamsburg.
And the nights of linguistic exaltation all lead up to Sunday's Brooklyn Book Festival, an all-day extravaganza with hundreds of writers on 14 stages.
As for Monday night, the young New York-born New Inquiry and the Brooklyn-based Electric Literature promise an East vs. West Coast "showdown" against the LA Review of Books — and as lighthearted as the rivalry may be, the North Sixth Street venue promises complimentary drink specials as part of the fun.
The free event is guaranteed to pack the venue, where fans overflowed to catch a reading last week by another culture magazine The Rumpus. This week's literary party kicks off at 7 p.m.
More details about the Brooklyn Book Festival and Bookends can be found on the festival's website.