Mamapalooza: A Mother’s Day Mini-Marathon Reading

We think Mom deserves flowers on Mother’s Day. But we also think she deserves to be recognized as someone who can’t be reduced to a sentimental greeting card message. So we’re hosting 10 of the most eloquent, articulate chroniclers of mothers and motherhood around for a reading extravaganza centered on motherhood as it really is: its joys and headaches, its laughter and tears, its unexpected rewards and disappointments, and of course, its infuriating tendency to lead to screaming by both the mother and the mothered.

Here’s the deal:

The readings are free and open to the public. Books by all the authors will be available for purchase and autographing.

Every mother who comes will, in fact, receive the flower she so richly deserves, courtesy of Bookends & Beginnings (and Saville Flowers?)

You can treat your mom (and/or yourself) to a private Champagne reception and author meet-and-greet following the final reading with Julia Sweeney and Julia Claiborne Johnson, who will both be present, along with all/most of the day’s other authors. Tickets for the reception are $15 and advance purchase is strongly suggested since space is limited.

Mamapalooza Schedule:

1 – 2 pm: Pamela Ferdinand, Three Wishes, Gili Sherman, essayist, with special musical guest Emily Grayson

2 – 3 pm: Freda Love Smith, Red Velvet Underground, Barbara Mahany, Slowing Time: Seeing the Sacred Outside Your Kitchen Door, Toni Nealie, The Miles Between Me

3 – 4 pm: Nina Barrett, Her Own Accord: American Women on Identity, Culture, and Community, Michele Weldon, Escape Points: A Memoir, Ellen Barish, Views From the Home Office Window: On Motherhood, Family, and Life

4 – 5 pm: Julia Sweeney, If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother, Julia Claiborne Johnson, Be Frank With Me: A Novel

5:30 – 7 pm Champagne reception (Ticketed)