Rock Island Library Hosts Best Selling Authors Online Through Illinois Libraries Present
Registration is still available via the Rock Island Public Library website calendar for the first Illinois Libraries Present virtual author visit on January 26 with Mexican-Canadian novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia, best-selling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night.
Rock Island Public Library is one of 200 statewide libraries joining forces in Illinois Libraries Present, a collaborative effort to bring virtual author events with best-selling and esteemed authors to area readers.
At the first online event, Moreno-Garcia will discuss her new book, Velvet Was the Night, and her genre-defying mashups of cultural noir and Lovecraftian horror. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of the critically acclaimed novels Certain Dark Things, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and Mexican Gothic. Her newest book, Velvet Was the Night, was included on The New York Times’ list of 100 notable books of 2021. Taking place in 1970s Mexico City, the book revolves around a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of a missing woman they’re both desperate to find.
Kirkus Reviews called Mexican Gothic “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror.” Set in glamourous 1950s Mexico, the award-winning 2020 novel centers on a young socialite called to investigate her cousin’s claims that her husband is trying to murder her.
An Evening with Silvia Moreno-Garcia will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26. Silvia Moreno -Garcia will be joined by fellow author Gus Moreno, who recently published his debut novel This Thing Between Us.
For February’s online presentation, Illinois Libraries Present features bestselling novelist Jasmine Guillory. Called one of romance’s brightest new voices, Guillory is the author of six novels, including The Wedding Date and The Proposal. Guillory will discuss her newest novel, While We Were Dating, and the modern romantic-comedy on Wednesday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
In While We Were Dating, two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy. Time magazine calls the book, “another dazzling love story.” Joining Guillory in conversation is Morgan Rogers, author of Honey Girl. Both Guillory’s While We Were Dating and Rogers’ Honey Girl were included in NPR’s list of the best books of 2021. Honey Girl was featured on OprahMag.com’s 27 most anticipated romance novels for 2021 and BookRiot’s list, “Queer books from 2021 you might have missed and why we need to talk about them.”
For Rock Island, the diversity of featured authors is a great benefit. “Hosting accomplished authors of this caliber isn’t something we could do on our own. Through this statewide collaboration, we are able to highlight diverse voices that reflect our community, and expand patron awareness of these authors,” said Karrah Kuykendall, Rock Island Public Library Director of Reference and Adult Services.
“We’re looking forward to working with Illinois Libraries Present to bring more of these online events to our community” she added. The March 30 presentation features Jenny Lawson, best-selling author of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Furiously Happy, You Are Here, and Broken (in the best possible way.)
Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed. All Illinois Libraries Present events are free and open to any member of the public. No library card is required.
To sign up for any of these events, visit the library calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org. For more information, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ.
