Litquake Palo Alto returns to Oshman Family JCC

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Aug. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Litquake, the legendary S.F. literary festival, returns to the Oshman Family JCC (OFJCC) in Palo Alto on August 18 for a free afternoon of author readings and literary salons by bestselling and upcoming authors.Over 40 Bay Area writers will participate in a variety of panels on intriguing topics from multiculturalism to food revolutionaries. This community event takes place on Sunday, August 18 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM and includes a no-host after party for guests and authors (21+).

“Last year, over 2,000 book lovers attended our first Litquake in Palo Alto,” said Ronit Widmann-Levy, Cultural Arts Director at the OFJCC. “This year we’ve built on that foundation, providing even more stimulating literary fare, great conversations, a women’s theatre reading and a lively “Blues, Booze & Schmooze” to close the day.”

Authors will be sharing their writing and experiences in a dozen intimate literary salons including Gail Tsukiyama (A Hundred Flowers), Darya Pino Rose (Foodist: Using Real Food and Real Science to Lose Weight without Dieting), Helene Wecker (The Golem & the Jinni), Sheldon Siegel (The Terrorist Next Door), Mason Grigsby (Love at Second Sight: Playing the Midlife Dating Game) and Ann Packer (Swim Back to Me).

New this year are three “In conversation” salons for in depth conversations with noted authors Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket (Why We Broke Up) Deborah Perry Piscione (Secrets of Silicon Valley: What Everyone Can Learn From the Innovation Capital of the World) and Jane Smiley (Private Life).

Attendees will also enjoy outdoor author readings in the OFJCC’s cultural arts courtyard, as well as a special performance by the innovative Los Angeles Jewish Women’s Theatre. Books by our authors will be available to purchase from Books, Inc and food vendors will be on hand for grab and go snacks.

Attendees over 21 are welcome to stay for a “Blues, Booze & Schmooze” no-host social that promises excellent mingling with authors and other book lovers. Guests will enjoy the lively Gaucho gypsy jazz sextet, literary-themed cocktails and an opportunity to purchase autographed copies of books from featured authors.

“Litquake is thrilled to be partnering with the Oshman Family JCC in producing its second annual Palo Alto festival,” said Jane Ganahl, Litquake co-founder and Peninsula native. “Our authors recognize the Peninsula is a true book loving community and are happy to participate.”

Litquake Palo Alto is generously sponsored by Stanford Continuing Studies, Palo Alto Library, Moldaw Residences, Center for Literary Arts at San Jose State University, Taube Center for Jewish Studies at Stanford University and our two media sponsors, J Weekly and Palo Alto Weekly.

For a detailed list of authors, salons and the day’s activities, please visit www.paloaltojcc.org/litquake.

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org (outbind://91/www.paloaltojcc.org) or call (650) 223-8700.

To receive pictures or arrange interviews, contact Jessica Brooks at (650) 223-8663 or jbrooks@paloaltojcc.org.