FORT GREENE — A new reading series featuring immigrant authors is coming to Greenlight Bookstore’s Fort Greene and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens starting this week.
The series — which kicks off Tuesday at the Greenlight outpost at 686 Fulton St. — opens with a group of authors from Middle Eastern, South Asian and Asian Pacific backgrounds.
The readings will include fantasy, short stories and graphic novels and will explore the diversity of the American experience and the theme of searching for home.
“We live in a country and in a borough that was built by and thrives because of its immigrants,” co-owner Rebecca Fitting said.
“We wanted to create this reading series because it's vital that as a community and culture, our worldview stays broad, open, supportive and wide.”
The series starts Tuesday with the launch of Mohsin Hamid’s new novel "Exit West," a refugee story in which portals appear to other parts of the world.
On March 14 at the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens store, at 632 Flatbush Ave., author Deepak Unnikrishnan will present his book as part of the series. "Temporary People," set in the United Arab Emirates, highlights the humanitarian crisis of “guest workers” brought in to construct high-rises in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Then, on April 3, three graphic novelists will speak about how comics can act as a force for social change.
Thi Bui will present her graphic novel memoir "The Best We Could Do," detailing a family’s escape from Vietnam for the United States in the late 1970s. And John Jennings and Damian Duffy will read from their graphic adaptation of Octavia Butler’s science fiction slavery narrative, "Kindred."
The first two readings will be followed with a wine reception.
The bookstore will host at least one literary event each month featuring immigrant writers.
Here are the upcoming readings:
► Book Launch: Mohsin Hamid presents "Exit West" in conversation with Philip Gourevitch
Where: 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene
When: March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
► Book Launch: Deepak Unnikrishnan presents "Temporary People" in conversation with Mia Alvar
Where: 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
When: March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
► Comics as a Force for Social Change: John Jennings & Damian Duffy present "Kindred" and Thi Bui presents "The Best We Could Do"
Where: 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene
When: April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
