MICHAEL FOURNIER AND CHERYL QUIMBA AT TALKING LEAVES

7 pm at Talking Leaves, 3158 Main St. Free

On Tuesday (6/2), Michael Fournier—novelist, music writer and punk-rocker—will be at Talking Leaves on Main street to present and read from his newest novel Swing State (Three Rooms Press). The novel is set in the declining, rural Northeast and revolves around the lives of an assortment of characters who share one common goal: to escape a small town in New Hampshire. According to the Talking Leaves’ press release, “As the story unfolds, the paths of all three characters begin to intertwine. Tension and conflict build as the convergence of bullying and terrorism blurs until the consequences are fatal.” Michael Fournier will be joined by local poet Cheryl Quimba, reading from her forthcoming chapbook. The event is free and open to the public. Each author will be willing to sign a copy of his/her works that one purchases at Talking Leaves.

WRITER’S CRITIQUE GROUP AT JUST BUFFALO LITERARY CENTER

6:30-8:30pm at Just Buffalo Literary Center, 468 Washington St., 2nd floor. Free and open to members

Writing is a craft of solitude. Eyes glued to the computer, building characters and thick plots is not the most social of activities. But writing does not have to be an isolated way of life. One of the best ways to stay connected is to join a writers’ group like Just Buffalo Literary Center offers. In “The Writer’s Critique Group,” works are read, discussed, and critiqued the first and third Tuesday of every month on the 2nd floor of Just Buffalo. The advantage of a writers’ group is that it’s a small community of like-minded people, eager to improve their craft and help you improve yours. The workshop is led by Gary Earl Ross, writer and long-time teaching artist with Just Buffalo’s Writers in Education program. All genres—including fiction, poetry, playwriting, nonfiction—under 1,000 words are welcome. No previous experience is required to attend. Authors are to bring enough copies for everyone, sign in at the beginning of each group and check a box on the sign-up sheet if reading is intended. On Tuesday (6/2), come join this writers’ community, to pass your work and point of view around the table.

2015 BUFFALO READING INVASION KICK-OFF IN BIDWELL PARK

6/8 at 7pm in Bidwell Park (buffaloreadinginvasion.com). Free

What exactly is a Reading Invasion? It’s when a swarm of book-lovers overrun a public area, quietly reading their favorite novel alongside neighbors and/or pets. A bookworm flash mob of sorts. The invasion kicks-off in Bidwell Park each year, but moves to other historical and/or inspiring Buffalo locations throughout the summer: from Wilkeson Pointe to Black Rock Heritage Garden. No matter the location, this event series has had great turnouts.

Geoff Schutte, the organizer of the Reading Invasions, says “the first Invasion of the year is taking place on Monday, June 8th at 7pm, along Bidwell Parkway—just east of Elmwood (Talking Leaves side).” Literacy, the art of print and community bonding is promoted through publicly displaying the love of reading; so, grab a friend, a good book and a blanket to indulge in this reader’s delight.

POST SCRIPT

5/28: Poetry Night at Hamburg Public Library, 102 Buffalo St., Free—Join a discussion, recite a treasured classic, or share your own work. To sign up for the first presentation of this monthly event, stop at the library’s reference desk or call (716) 649-4415.

6/3: Poetry Reading featuring Martha Deed, Eric Evans, and Teresa Peipins—7:30pm at Center for Inquiry Literary Café, 1310 Sweet Home Rd. A reading series is held on the first Wednesday of every month and features some of the best local writers. The event is open to the public and is free.