Join us in our newly renovated reading room!
M. Nzadi Keita presents her new collection of 55 poems, drawn from her experiences of being born in Philadelphia into a Black family and a Black culture transported from the American South by the Great Migration.
Rochelle Abrams Fellman, an educator and Philadelphia native, presents her memoir of growing up in the 50s and 60s as part of a loving Jewish family in South Philadelphia.
Poetry reading featuring John Leo and Kristine Esser Slentz, accompanied by guest readers from Philly local press Thirty West Publishing House.
Author and literary translator Arielle Burgdorf presents their debut novel, Prétend, in conversation with local translator Martín Gaspar.
Lyrically and sensitively written, Breathing Underwater is a slice-of-life story with depth, exploring topics like epilepsy, inclusivity in student athletics, changing friendships, and the power of love and community.
Black Philadelphians have shaped Philadelphia history since colonial times. In Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape, Amy Cohen recounts notable aspects of the Black experience in Philadelphia from the late 1600s to the 1960s and how this history is marked in the contemporary city.
Poet, educator, and witch Robin Gow joins us to read from and sign faer middle-grade novel in verse, Dear Mothman. Selected by Booklist as one of the best books of 2023, Dear Mothman is the story of a young trans boy dealing with the loss of his friend by writing to his favorite cryptid, Mothman.
From an academic who has been there, this step-by-step guide will help anyone with a postgraduate degree become a thought leader in their field — and make money while doing so.
The 11th annual Independent Bookstore Day, celebrating indie bookstores across the country!
Meet & greet plus book signing session with author-illustrator Gabriela Rodriguez Epstein!
Is it ever too late for a new beginning? Is it ever too late to live out loud?
An overview for therapists and therapy-savvy people interested in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for their own healing journeys.
A woman returns to her hometown in upstate New York to care for her ailing mother and uncovers a web of secrets her late father left behind, changing everything she once knew about family.
Jenny Adams and Kyrie McCauley join us to discuss Adams’ debut novel, a historical mystery set in Jazz Age Philadelphia.
Is it ever too late for a new beginning? Is it ever too late to live out loud?
A philosophy professor presents a unique approach to disordered eating. The Constant Dieter: A Philosopher's Guide to Conquering Chronic and Compulsive Overeating combines self-help, memoir, academic philosophy, and psychology.
Join us at Kismet in Chestnut Hill to celebrate the launch of Laura Piper Lee’s debut novel Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair! Laura will be appearing in conversation with Eric Smith, whose most recent book is With or Without You. Please RSVP HERE for the event; Kismet is located at 12 West Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118.
Laura says: “Y’all, this event’s going to be crazy. Come to the lovely Kismet space in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia for a night of loud talking, laughing, sequins, scene reads with friends, a scintillating conversation with Romcom Author and Literary Agent Eric Smith, romcom trivia, giveaways, and more. You’ll be able to pick up your preordered copy of Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair from the local indie favorite Big Blue Marble Bookstore right at Kismet and enjoy wine, chocolate, and snacks, too.”
About the book: A new mom repairs her broken dreams in this hilarious rom-com about starting over that sparkles with intelligence, wit, and compassion.
Hannah Tate can hardly believe her sleep-deprived eyes when she finds an engagement ring hidden in the closet. Killian, her super responsible, incredibly attractive boyfriend — and the father of her new baby, Bowie — is finally going to propose. But a romantic night out goes horribly wrong when Killian reveals he’s dumping Hannah, not proposing.
Furious and heartbroken, Hannah takes Bowie and moves in with her mama and stepdaddy in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Hannah realizes that her parents’ cabin has vacation property gold written all over it — and could save her mama from going broke. Again.
Only problem? The cabin’s décor is . . . mildly terrifying and it’s in desperate need of renovation. Hannah hires the hot carpenter living in the treehouse next door to fix up the place. Not only does River respect Hannah’s business acumen, he looks at her like she’s a woman, not a hot mess. And Hannah can’t deny that River awakens something new inside her.
Can Hannah embrace a future that looks different from the picture-perfect family she once dreamed of . . . and maybe start living life on her own terms?
Pre-order your copy to pick up at the event!
Free workshop with author and writing coach Frankie Rollins, focusing on the importance of creative work for activists. Please RSVP to reserve your spot!
Centered around claus and the scorpion, written by the Galician author Lara Dopazo Ruibal and translated by Laura Cesarco Eglin (co•im•press, 2022), this event includes a bilingual reading, a discussion about translation and being translated, and a Q&A.
Our annual inventory closure will take place from after New Year’s Day on Monday January 1, 2024 until the end of the day on Friday January 5, 2024. We will reopen on Saturday January 6, 2024 at 11 AM.
Author Leta Hong Fincher appears in conversation with Shiamin Kwa, celebrating the newly revised 10th anniversary edition of Leftover Women, a landmark work shining a light on the resurgence of gender inequality in 21st-century China.
Indies First Honorary Bookseller: In the morning, local author/illustrator Amy Ignatow will be sharing her favorite books with Big Blue Marble shoppers.
There will also be a Small Business Saturday Maker’s Market with handmade items from local artists and crafters on the 600 Block of Carpenter Lane from 10 AM to 4 PM
Journalists Emily Previti and Stephanie Marudas of Kouvenda Media present their new limited series, From Words to Weapons, which is focused on survivors of law enforcement trauma. The series is a part of their new Obscured podcast for underreported, complex issues missed by the daily news cycle.
When a mother is charged with murder in a town already convinced of her guilt, can defense attorney Powell Harrison find truth and justice in a legal system where innocence is not presumed? Author Sharon Virts appears in conversation with Jeanne Dagna.
Naomi’s new book Braving Creativity: Artists Who Turn the Scary, Thrilling, Messy Path of Change into Courageous Transformation shares 16 life transition stories from artists who identify as women to illuminate how our lives and our art can be transformed as a result of a big life change and the period of uncertainty that follows. She’ll be joined in conversation by LM Feldman, a Philadelphia playwright and trapeze artist who shares a story in the book about about the impact of big life change on her own growth and creative transformation.
Three local authors join us to share tales of horror, psychological thrills, and postapocalyptic dystopia. Following the readings will be a Q&A and book signing session.
EVENT CANCELLED
Nichole Louise presents her new work of historical fiction, Raven Rock: both a prequel to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and a Headless Horseman origin story.
Kay Synclaire and Dominique White join us to present their collection of spooky short stories, all set in the historical neighborhood of Germantown!
