#8: T-Minus One Week
Friends,
In just over a week, Dictionary Stories will be released, the curse will be broken, your crops will flourish, and peace will be restored to the kingdom. As you might imagine, there's a lot to tell you, so buckle up →
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I. Release Dates
This ridiculous book that you've patiently followed, some of you for far longer than any sane person should, will be released in the US next Tuesday, April 10th. I'm thrilled to tell you it will also be released in the UK and Europe on May 17th. Regardless of where you are in the world, you can pre-order the book from the retailer of your choice right this instant by visting dictionarystories.com.
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II. Events
I'm doing three (free!) events in April—two here in San Francisco, and one in New York. I will be equally terrified and ecstatic at each one, so please come and say hello!
Dictionary Stories Release Party
Tuesday April 10th, 7:30–9pm
The Booksmith, 1644 Haight St, San Francisco
This night will be incredibly special, and it'll have almost nothing to do with me. Not only do we get to spend time in one of the best indie bookstores in the city, Robin Sloan (olive oil magnate and author of Sourdough and Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore) will be running the show, and I'll be accompanied for the reading by Minna Choi and the Magik*Magik Orchestra, which will be a literal dream.
→ Facebook event
→ Booksmith event page
MetroLex: Jez Burrows and Lynne Murphy
Friday April 13th, 4–6pm
Columbia University (Hamilton Hall, Room 703), New York
I'll be talking about the book at this gathering of lexicography-minded folks alongside author and linguist Lynne Murphy (who'll be talking about her new book The Prodigal Tongue).
→ Eventbrite RSVP
→ Facebook event
Litquake's Comfort Lit Series: Dictionary Stories
Tuesday April 17th, 12–1pm
The Mechanic's Institute, 57 Post Street, San Francisco
A lunchtime conversation at San Francisco's wonderful Mechanic's Institute—I'll be talking to lexicographer and friend Jane Solomon.
→ Eventbrite RSVP
→ Facebook event
→ Litquake event page
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III. Reviews
I made a half-hearted promise to myself that I wouldn't read any reviews of the book, or at least not without having a stiff drink nearby. Luckily the book received some astoundingly flattering pre-release reviews. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called the book "uproarious and ingenious," and "a joyful celebration of idiosyncrasy and invention," while Kirkus Reviews said the stories are "wickedly short but exquisitely rendered," and called the collection "a fabulist remix of the English language and a tribute to clever lexicographers everywhere."