Oakland, CA, January 1st, 2024 -- Sistah Scifi, the first Black-owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy, is proud to announce the West Coast Book Tour celebrating Nisi Shawl's sequel to Everfair, "Kinning," the follow-up to their acclaimed debut novel, "Everfair." The tour will bring together the pillars of Afrofuturism, literature, and community engagement in an immersive exploration of Shawl's groundbreaking alternate history.
The tour will start in Seattle at The Seattle Public Library. Additonal stops will be Northwest African American Museum, and Distant Worlds Coffee; in Oakland at Chapter 510 & Dept of Make/Believe.
"Nisi Shawl's imaginative storytelling continues to captivate our readers, and this thought-provoking work of speculative fiction will undoubtedly spark rich discussions within our community. At The Seattle Public Library, we are dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive literary conversations, and 'Kinning' is a perfect addition to our ever-expanding collection of visionary works." - Stesha Brandon, Literature & Humanities Program Manager, The Seattle Public Library
"Kinning" continues the narrative of "Everfair," a story where diverse populations work together to build a new society, and colonies claim their freedom from imperialist rule. The Washington Post describes "Everfair" as "a beautifully written and thrillingly ambitious alternate history," says "it's a tribute to Shawl's powerful writing that her intricate, politically and racially charged imaginary world seems as believable—sometimes more believable—than the one we inhabit.”
Isis Asare, CEO and Founder of Sistah Scifi, states, "Nisi Shawl's work is a beacon for those exploring the realms of Afrofuturism. It's an honor to host their West Coast Book Tour."
Shawl, a celebrated writer of science fiction and fantasy, is also a journalist. Their work often appears in Asimov's, Strange Horizons, and other magazines and anthologies. Shawl's stories have been shortlisted for several awards, and in 2008, they won the James Tiptree, Jr. Award for "Filter House." Ursula K. Le Guin has referred Shawl's work as "superbly written."
Giselle Gonzalez, Publicist, Tor Publishing, remarks, "Shawl's storytelling is remarkable. 'Kinning' is an exciting sequel that will captivate readers."
Brandon Bird, Vice President of Operations, Northwest African American Museum, adds, "Hosting Nisi Shawl for a leg of their Kinning book tour is a testament to our commitment to celebrate and elevate Black voices in literature."
About Sistah Scifi: Sistah Scifi is a Black-owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy, casting spells to uplift work by Black and Native American women. Learn more at www.sistahscifi.com.
We invite readers, fans, and followers of Afrofuturism to join us in this celebration of Nisi Shawl's work. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the events.
Sistah Scifi is the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States. You can learn more at www.sistahscifi.com.
