Literary calendar: Stacey Abrams launches 'Our Time is Now' paperback edition

Jun. 19—STACEY ABRAMS — Bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO and political leader, former member of the Georgia House of Representatives and 2018 Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia, virtually celebrates the paperback launch of "Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America," her account of how the right to vote and the principles of democracy have been and continue to be under attack. In conversation with Cari Champion, broadcast journalist and television personality. 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, presented via Zoom by Picador Books and Next Chapter Booksellers. Information at: nextchapterbooksellers.com/events.

COLIN DAYAN: Robert Penn Warren Professor in the Humanities and professor of law presents via Zoom "Animal Quintet: A Southern Memoir," her mediation on the connection between her personal and family history and her relationship with animals. A raw look at racial tensions. With Michael D. Snediker, associate professor of English at the University of Houston. Presented by Next Chapter Booksellers. 7 p.m. Monday, June 21. Go to: nextchapterbooksellers.com/events.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER: Kao Kalia Yang and her father, Bee Yang, present the keynote event concluding a month of programming around "The Latehomecomer," Kao Kalia's memoir about her song poet father. The book was the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, presented by ArtReach St. Croix. Attendees can enhance their evening with a heat-at-home kit with flavors from the kitchen of Chef Yia Vang. The kits need to be pre-ordered ($85 meal feeds two) and will be available for pickup after the program. 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, Carpenter Nature Center's River Bluff Pavilion, 12805 Saint Croix Trail South, Hastings. Free, registration required at: artreachstcroix.org/register.

E.J. LEVY: Presents "The Cape Doctor," in conversation with Rebecca Makkai. 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 22. Free. Livestreamed on Magers & Quinn Facebook page and YouTube channel.

LITERATURE LOVERS' NIGHT OUT: With authors Zakiya Dalila Harris ("The Other Black Girl"), Renee Rosen ("The Social Graces") and Tahmima Anam ("The Startup Wife"). Noon Tuesday, June 22, presented by Valley Bookseller of Stillwater. Free, registration required at lit-lovers.com.

MIPA FINALISTS: Afton Press celebrates two of their books selected as finalists for the Midwest Independent Publishers Association book awards. They are "Hazel Belvo: A Matriarch of Art" and "Synthesis: Lost and Found in America: The Art of Vesna Kittleson." The event also includes celebration of the press's newest book "Trails of a Paintbrush: An Artist's Memoir," the autobiography of Nicholas R. Brewer. Emceed by Afton Press publisher Ian Graham Leask. 6 p.m. Saturday, June 26, Double Tree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Reservation deadline is June 21. RSVP at aftonpress@gmail.com or call 651-436-8443.