Only J.K. Rowling could steal the spotlight from the staff at Laughing Oyster when it comes to chatting about books.
But readers in the Valley have the opportunity to enjoy book talk from all on Oct. 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.
Book Club Night, a popular annual event, is taking a different format this year and will begin with a live webcast of a conversation between Rowling and author Anne Patchett about Rowling’s new adult novel The Casual Vacancy.
The webcast will be followed by conversation with Laughing Oyster staff about some of their favourite new books of the season.
“It’s an opportunity for our customers to see two great writers engage in a lively discussion about books and writing,” says Evelyn Gillespie, owner of Laughing Oyster. “And it’s an opportunity for the store to be involved in her only North American public appearance to discuss her first adult novel.”
The best-selling author of the Harry Potter series will speak from New York’s Lincoln Center, promoting her new mystery — a tale of class warfare, addiction and sexuality — that is most definitely for grown-ups.
Fans can even submit questions for the popular storyteller in advance via e-mail by sending them to JKRquestions@hbgusa.com.
As noted, the webcast will be followed by casual conversation with the bookstore staff about new selections that are suitable for book club reading lists.
The event will take place at the Comox Valley Art Gallery at 580 Duncan Ave. in Courtenay. Tickets for this event cost $5 and are available at the Laughing Oyster Bookshop.
For more information on the presentation, call the bookstore at 250-334-2511. A list of staff suggestions for book club titles will be available at the store’s website at www.laughingoysterbooks.com.
— Laughing Oyster Bookshop