Of all the seasons, the spring is prime time for new book releases. Publishers often release new titles this time of year in the hope readers will pick them up for their summer reading lists.
And with the weather finally improving all over the country, it’s prime time to catch authors on tour. Here are a few of our picks for the season.
Shilpi Somaya Gowda: ‘A Great Country’
The local novelist behind bestsellers such as “Secret Daughter” and “The Golden Son” will make two free local appearances to promote her latest, “A Great Country,” about an Indian-American family coming together after a violent encounter with the police.
3 p.m. March 24 at Diesel, a Bookstore, 12843 El Camino Real, Suite 104, Del Mar. (858) 925-7078, dieselbookstore.com; and 2 p.m. March 30 at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. (619) 300-2532, adventuresbythebook.com
Colum McCann : ‘American Mother’
McCann is probably best known for experimental novels such as “Let the Great World Spin” and “Apeirogon,” but on this night he’ll be discussing his latest, a nonfiction of Diane Foley, who recounts the story of her son, Jim Foley, a journalist who was killed by ISIS fighters.
7 p.m. March 25. Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre, University of San Diego, 5555 Marian Way, Linda Vista. $26-$36. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Scarlett St. Clair: ‘A Touch of Chaos’
The Native American author is obsessed with Greek mythology, as evidenced by her multiple series that are based in the worlds of gods and goddesses. She will come to town to discuss her latest, the seventh and final book of her acclaimed Hades x Persephone series.
7 p.m. March 27. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St. #107, Midway District. $18.99-$26.99. (619) 539-7137, mystgalaxy.com
Rita Bullwinkel: ‘Headshot’
There’s a ton of buzz surrounding Bullwinkel’s debut novel, a gritty of teenage boxing told through the voices of eight girl fighters who travel to Reno, Nevada, to compete.
7 p.m. March 30. The Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St., South Park. (619) 795-3780, thebookcatapult.com
Don Winslow: ‘City in Ruins’
The Julian-based writer is probably best known for his bestselling Border Trilogy, but he’s also been hard at work on the conclusion of his Danny Ryan Trilogy, which centers on the titular Ryan, a former Irish mob soldier-turned-Vegas billionaire. “City in Ruins” is reportedly Winslow’s last book ever.
7:30 p.m. April 10. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. $32. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Amor Towles: ‘Table for Two’
The beloved novelist of “Rules of Civility” and “A Gentleman in Moscow” will sit down with local journalist Dean Nelson to have an intimate discussion about Towles’ new book, a collection of six short stories set in New York City, including a novella set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Price includes a copy of the book.
7 p.m. April 16. Brown Chapel, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, Point Loma. $32-$42. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Michelle Gable: ‘The Beautiful People’
The Cardiff-by-the-Sea-based writer behind “A Paris Apartment” and “I’ll See You in Paris” turns her attention to Florida in her new novel about a jet-setting photographer’s assistant who gets wrapped up in the glamorous pace of 1960s Palm Beach.
7:30 p.m. April 18. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Isaac G. Lee: ‘Hangar 4’
The San Diego Marine combat pilot veteran-turned-writer will be on hand to discuss his debut, a memoir in which he recounts his 20 years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and his four combat tours of duty in the Middle East.
7:30 p.m. April 24. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. $18.99. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com
Independent Bookstore Day
For the past decade, dozens of indie bookstores all over the county have ed together to participate in this national event that brings attention to ing local stores. It features author appearances, pop-up events, exclusive giveaways and other special promotions. See website for full details and participating stores in this year’s 11th annual event.
Various times. April 27. Free. indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day
Laura McNeal: ‘The Swan’s Nest’
Enjoy a coffee or tea, as well as light bites, while hearing this San Diego author discussing her latest historical novel, which is based on the real-life romantic letters between poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. Some pricing includes a copy of the novel.
3 p.m. April 28. Meraki Cafe, 1735 Adams Ave., University Heights. $38 for event only, $58 includes signed book. (619) 300-2532, adventuresbythebook.com
Combs is a freelance writer.
