Local resident Percival Everett is the author of “James,” a best-selling novel published this year. It is a reimagining of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” He wrote the Book on which the 2024 Academy Award-winning film American Fiction was based. Everett is appearing Sept. 11 as part of an Open Book event from 7 to 9 p.m. at A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena. Appearing in conversation with him is author David Mas Masumoto.

A Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California, Everett has authored more than 30 books and poetry. His latest, ”Sonnets for a Missing Key,” was recently released by Pasadena-based Red Hen Press.

Everett lives in South Pasadena with his wife and two teen-aged sons. His wife, Danzy Senna, is also a professor of English at USC and author of six books. Her latest, “Colored Television,” is just being released. Both Everett and Senna address issues of racial identity.

David Mas Masumoto is the author of 12 books. His latest is “Secret Harvests: A Hidden Story of Separation and Resilience on a Family Farm.”

The Open Book special evening is co-sponsored by Red Hen Press and the Pasadena Literary Alliance, which has been hosting the event since 2009.

To purchase tickets, go to www.pasadenaliteraryalliance.org/open-book. The tickets are $60 is for general admission and $35 for students/educators. Funds raised will go to supporting Pasadena Literary Alliance grantees. The event includes a pre-program- hosted reception from 7 to 7:30 with appetizers and conversation.

A Noise Within Theatre is located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd, at the site of the Sierra Madre Villa Metro train station. Free parking is available in the train’s Parking Structure. Enter off Foothill at 149 N. Halsted Street.

The post South Pasadena Author Percival Everett to Appear at Open Book Event at A Noise Within first appeared on The South Pasadenan | South Pasadena News.