A writerly weekend with book signings, ‘Spirited Away,’ and poetry and story slams

We did it! We survived the holidays, and ultimately, 2019. It was a close one, but we’re here. And, well, there’s still that holiday vacation lull hanging over the city. David Bowie tributes are abundant and themed brunches are cooking up all over the place. While nearly everyone is grasping onto those last days of ‘freedom,’ the weekend has become a writerly one.

BSR contributor and local superstar Daralyse Lyons releases her new novel. Kiley Reed swings by Uncle Bobbies for her own debut novel’s signing. Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film Spirited Away serves as a lively and mindful segue into the new decade. And a pair of open mics are open to those willing to hit the new year running with a few ounces of courage by sharing their stories.

Even if you’re not a writer yourself, there’s plenty to enjoy from the writerly world as you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare for 2020.

Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Poetry Slam

The Philly Pigeon hosts its January poetry slam boasting a roster of women, trans, and non-binary performers. Special guest Raych Jackson, a Chicago-based writer, educator, and performer, will be this month’s feature. Catch the performances at 9pm at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Prior to that is a workshop that starts at 7pm. All are welcome to watch and attend, and poets wishing to compete should arrive before 8:40pm. Pick up tickets online.

January Community Drafts at A Novel Idea

The monthly open mic returns this weekend at A Novel Idea on Passyunk on Friday, January 3. The event is open to artists of all genres, with signups at 7:30pm and performances at 8pm. Come out and show your stuff to get the year off on the right foot! A $5 donation is suggested.

Spirited Away screening

One of my favorite films, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, is screening at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 West Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, on Saturday, January 4, at 11am. The film spotlights 10-year-old Chihiro as she strays into a resort for supernatural spirits with her parents, who are transformed into pigs. The classic won Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards. Get your tickets ahead of time online.

Kiley Reed book signing

Uncle Bobbies in Germantown will welcome author Kiley Reed for her debut book Such a Fun Age on Monday, January 6 at 7pm. The book focuses on Emira Tucker, a Black woman who is accused of kidnapping the two-year-old white toddler she was babysitting. Reed’s first novel explores the stickiness of transactional relationships, what it means to make someone family, and the consequences of doing the right thing for the wrong reason. Grab a copy, get it signed, and say hello to the promising new author.

Daralyse Lyons book signing

Former yoga teacher, renowned Philly author, and BSR contributor Daralyse Lyons will be at the Wooden Shoe Books and Records, 704 South Street, Philly, on Wednesday, January 8, at 7pm for the release of her latest novel, Yoga Cocaine. The story follows Jessica, a woman alternating between cocaine and yoga, dependence and freedom. Lyons will read passages, hold a Q&A session, and autograph copies. Refreshments will be served. If you can’t come by, then look out for my review later this month!