An Author Talk & Book Signing Featuring Lamar Giles

About

THE EVENT MahoganyBooks is excited to host author Lamar Giles for an Author Talk and Book Signing featuring his book Not So Pure and Simple, on January 22, 2020 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at MahoganyBooks (located inside of the (Anacostia Arts Center). In his first contemporary teen novel, critically acclaimed author and two-time Edgar Award finalist Lamar Giles spotlights the consequences of societal pressure, confronts toxic masculinity, and explores the complexity of what it means to be a "real man." Giles will be in conversation with award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo to discuss his new book, his experiences. and his growth as a writer.     Join us on January 22, 2020 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM for what promises to be an incredible night of literature, conversation, and community featuring Lamar Giles and conversation host, author Liz Acevedo.  See you there! THE BOOK NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she's finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del's right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he's inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge. His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn't believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del's not about to lose his dream girl, and that's where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers' questions...about sex ed. With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important question: What does Kiera want? He can't think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, it'll all sort itself out. Right? THE AUTHOR Lamar Giles Giles grew up next to an army base in Hopewell, Virginia. He wrote his first novel at 14. Giles has a B.S. in Communications with a Minor in English from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He started wanting to become a published writer after reading Stephen King's On Writing in college, and sold his first short story at age 21. He also independently published novels and short stories as L.R. Giles. He sold what would become his first novel, Fake ID, at 31. Giles is a founding member of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, their former VP of Communications. Giles was a judge for the 2018 National Book Awards. He lives with his wife in Chesapeake, Virginia. THE INTERVIEWER Elizabeth Acevedo is a New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X and With the Fire on High. Her critically-acclaimed debut novel, The Poet X, won the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. She is also the recipient of the Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Fiction, the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and the Boston Globe-Hornbook Award. Additionally, she was honored with the 2019 Pure Belpré Author Award for celebrating, affirming, and portraying Latinx culture and experience. Her books include, Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths (YesYes 2016),  The Poet X (HarperCollins, 2018), With The Fire On High (HarperCollins, 2019). She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Acevedo has been a fellow of Cave Canem, Cantomundo, and a participant in the Callaloo Writer’s Workshops. She is a National Poetry Slam Champion, and resides in Washington, DC with her love.