This Week's Events--Paul Geenen at the Washington Park Library on Tuesday, Luis Alberto Urrea at Boswell on Wednesday (Plus Don't Forget about Willie Davis Next Monday)

Since Monday's event calendar sometimes goes out a little late in the day, and since weekends are getting so busy that I don't always have any downtime to blog, I'm reminding you about one event for next week too.

Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 pm, at the Washington Park Library
2121 N. Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee 53208 (for GPS systems)
Paul Geenen, author of Sherman Park: A Legacy of Diversity of Milwaukee (and also Gimbels and Schusters).
It started with the great migration of African Americans from the South, looking for opportunity in cities like Milwaukee. In Sherman Park, activists of all races fought against discrimination in housing, schools, buses, and even social clubs. The Sherman Park Community Association was at the forefront this change, and former president Paul Geenen traces the blueprint his community mapped out for progress and diversity.

Wednesday, December 5, 7 pm, at Boswell:
Luis Alberto Urrea, author of Queen of America.
The award winning author tells the story of of his Aunt Teresita, a young woman (a healer, no less) making her way through turn-of-the century America, in search of answers both spiritual and personal. Urrea is a wonderful writer and speaker both, as you've probably heard him on Wisconsin Public Radio over the years, and he also spoke at Schwartz at least once in the past. His interest in borders and identity have taken him to nonfiction works like The Devil's Highway (shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize) and novels like Into the Beautiful North, a gentle and humorous play off the film, "The Magnificent Seven."

Publishers Weekly calls Urrea's novel "A rich mix of Wild West and magical realism."

Here's Carolyn Kellogg's take in the Los Angeles Times.

Marchela Valdes weighs in at Chicago Sun Times.

And here's a teaser interview with Maria Hinojosa.


Monday, December 10, 7 pm, at Boswell
A signing with Willie Davis, author of Closing the Gap: Lombardi, The Packers Dynasty, and the Pursuit of Excellence.

NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman has built a respected career both on and off the field. We're hosting Mr. Davis's signing to celebrate his new memoir. From Bob Wolfley's column in the Journal Sentinel:

"I look at the game today and I say, is this the same game?" Davis said. "The hits above the shoulder pads, the concussions . . . was that a part of the game when I played? I honestly can’t give you an answer much beyond I don’t believe (we) had . . . intentional hits above the shoulder as much as they have today. . . . I’m glad the league is taking the position that it has no place in the game. I do respect (NFL commissioner) Roger Goodell for trying to do something to put a curb to it."

Here's a promo video put together by Marquette:

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We will allow books to be brought from home to be signed at Boswell, but only one per customer. You can have as many copies as you want signed bought at Boswell. But alas, no memorabilia. Mr. Davis will be doing a memorabilia signing elsewhere.

Thursday, December 6, 5:30 pm
University Club, 924 E. Wells Street
(Note: we are not the bookstore of record at this event and I believe this is for Marquette alumsonly. There may be signing restrictions and I think reservations are required).

Friday, December 7, 12 Noon
Barnes and Noble Bayshore
5755 N. Port Washington Road
(Needless to say, you need to call them to find out about signing restrictions)