April Meetup at Liz’s Book Bar: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
Lit City Book Club: April Meetup at Liz’s Book Bar
Lit City Book Club: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
Date & Time
Wednesday, April 15th
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Discussion Begins at 7PM
Location
Liz’s Book Bar
Brooklyn, NY
Event Description
Join Lit City Book Club for our April discussion of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw.
This month’s selection "explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprise from being good."
We’ll gather in community to discuss the book, share reflections, and listen to one another. You do not need to finish the book to attend. Come as you are.
Book Purchase Info
Copies of the book are available at Liz’s Book Bar. Mention Lit City Book Club in store and receive 10% off your purchase. You can also order the book online directly from Liz’s Book Bar.
Who This Is For
Readers
People getting back into reading
People who enjoy thoughtful conversation and community
Accessibility / Notes
This discussion may include themes related to violence and incarceration.
Hosted by
Lit City Book Club
Location: Liz’s Book Bar
Come ready to discuss, listen, and build community through books!
About Lit City Book Club
Lit City Book Club is a welcoming community created by and for people of the African Diaspora. Whether you're an avid reader, rediscovering your love for books, or just starting your reading journey, our club offers a space for everyone. Rooted in the rich traditions and experiences of the African Diaspora, we are dedicated to celebrating literature, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting Black-owned bookstores.
Our Mission
Celebrate Literature: We are passionate about the power of books to inspire, educate, and empower. Our mission is to cultivate a deep love for literature, with a focus on works by Black authors and stories from the African Diaspora.
Build Community: Through book discussions, events, and gatherings, we create spaces where members can connect, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations with one another.
Support Black-Owned Bookstores: We are committed to supporting and promoting Black-owned bookstores as essential hubs for literary culture, fostering economic empowerment, and ensuring that these businesses thrive.
Who We Are Lit City Book Club is a space for those who want to engage with literature in a community that values the experiences and voices of the African Diaspora. Whether you're a lifelong reader or someone newly embracing books, our club offers a supportive and empowering environment for all.
Join Lit City Book Club and be part of a growing movement that celebrates literature, fosters personal growth, and strengthens connections within our community. Together, we are creating a space where the voices and stories of the African Diaspora are heard, valued, and celebrated.
Brains & Brawn — A Boxing & Book Swap Event 🥊📚
Introductory boxing class and book swap!
Brains & Brawn — A Boxing & Book Swap Event 🥊📚
Who says you can’t do both? Join Lit City on March 28th at 3PM for an afternoon of boxing and book mingling. We’ll start with a book swap to get our minds right (bring any book you'd recommend), then move into an introductory boxing workout to get our bodies right (summer is calling 👀).
Whether you’re a seasoned boxer, a casual reader, or just looking for a fun way to meet new people, this one’s for you.
🎟️ Space is limited — tickets include boxing gear and introductory class. Additional gear available for purchase from the venue on site.
The Bard Tree - A D&D One Shot
Get drawn into the world of Dungeons & Dragons through a uniquely Black lens through Tale of the Bardtree. Prior D&D experience is not required. The Bardtree is designed as a one-shot, or one day story, with a run time of approximately 3 hours.
The game will be moderated by Justin El (@Ourlittleauthor) and played by 3 participants.
Audience members will become part of the story via a unique game mechanic that allows them to influence outcomes of game decisions as Ancestors of the players.
The experience for players and attendees will be part role play game, part journaling activity, to reflect on Black History, Black Present and Black Future.
February Book Discussion - Chain-Gang All-Stars
Join us for our February Book Club gathering on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the beautiful Liz’s Book Bar.
Lit City Book Club: February Meetup at Liz’s Book Bar
Lit City Book Club: Chain-Gang All-Stars
Date & Time
Wednesday, February 25
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Discussion Begins at 7PM
Location
Liz’s Book Bar
Brooklyn, NY
Event Description
Join Lit City Book Club for our February discussion of Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah.
This month’s selection takes a hard look at incarceration, punishment, power, and survival in America. It’s a challenging read that raises important questions and invites honest conversation.
We’ll gather in community to discuss the book, share reflections, and listen to one another. You do not need to finish the book to attend. Come as you are.
Book Purchase Info
Copies of the book are available at Liz’s Book Bar. Mention Lit City Book Club in store and receive 10 percent off your purchase. You can also order the book online directly from Liz’s Book Bar.
Lit City Holiday Mixer
Join us for holiday gathering at Liz’s Book Bar on December 10, 7–9 PM. The book Zeal by Morgan Jenkins is optional.
Event Description:
Close out the year with Lit City Book Club at Liz’s Book Bar for a relaxed evening of community and connection.
This month’s pick, Zeal by Morgan Jenkins, is completely optional. Come whether you’ve finished it, started it, or just need a good vibe and good company.
Details
📅 Tuesday, December 10
🕖 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Liz’s Book Bar, Brooklyn, NY
📘 Optional read: Zeal by Morgan Jenkins
Who’s it for:
Readers, new and returning members, and anyone seeking a joyful, affirming space to end the year on a high note.
RSVP — space is limited. Books and beverages available for purchase from Liz’s Book Bar.
A Night at the (Manga) Museum
Join us for a night of art, wine and creative discussions with Black manga and comic book authors.
Come visit our showcase of Black manga and comic authors! The night will feature a panel discussion of Black creators as they share their journeys as artists and authors in the manga and comic book space and a small exhibition of local Black comic creators' artwork. Come grab a glass of wine and connect with other Black manga and comic lovers!
Early bird tickets include a complimentary glass of wine. Wine available for purchase at the venue. Hosted by Lit City Book Club (@litcitybookclubb) & The Blerd Spot (@theblerdspot).
Details
📅 Wednesday, December 3
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Saint James Libations, Brooklyn, NY (269 Stanhope St, Brooklyn, NY 11237)
Who’s it for:
Book and manga/comic lovers who want to connect in a beautiful, artistic space.
RSVP — space is limited.
Lit City Underground Part III
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, talent, and community at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine. From spoken word and poetry to music and comedy, all forms of expression are welcome.
We’re back at our original space!
Located in the lower level of a Crown Heights apartment, expect an authentic old-school 90s house party vibe—open mic style! (Exact apartment number will be sent the day before the event.)
📅 Date: Saturday, November 1st
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn (details provided upon RSVP)
Featuring:
🎤 Host: Motion
🎧 Live DJ
🌟 Special Guests:
Bassplayaplaya
Selecta RaRa
✨ What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming space to share your art or enjoy the show.
A vibrant community of creatives and lovers of the arts.
Drinks, vibes, and an unforgettable night of raw talent.
Sign up to perform or just come to soak in the energy and enjoy the performances. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let’s celebrate the art of expression together.
👉 Don’t wait—RSVP now to secure your spot!
This is a community-powered event, and space is limited. Early registration is highly encouraged.
We can’t wait to see you at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night!
Canceled - Books, Bagels and Bubbles: A Sunday Celebration
Lit City Book Club Presents: The Wonderful Life of Mr. Silverlinning — Book Launch with Michael E. Wilson Jr.
Canceled - Books, Bagels and Bubbles: A Sunday Celebration
Come spend a Sunday morning with fellow book lovers and celebrate the launch of The Wonderful Life of Mr. Silverlinning, by Michael E. Wilson Jr.
Join us at ArtfullWalls Gallery, a vibrant hub of art and culture located in the heart of Harlem at 246 Malcolm X Blvd. Since its establishment in 2019, ArtfullWalls has been dedicated to celebrating the power of creativity to tell stories of home, identity, and the beauty in everyday life. The gallery offers a dynamic space where art and community converge, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Visitors can explore captivating visuals, thought-provoking sculptures, and immersive installations that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Harlem.
At this intimate book launch, Mike will introduce key characters from his story and share insights into his journey of bringing The Wonderful Life of Mr. Silverlinning to life. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Enjoy small bites and a complimentary glass of mimosa as we raise a toast to Mike’s milestone and the joy of storytelling.
Book description:
Andrew is a twenty-something dreamer navigating romance and brotherhood in two riveting tales. Thespians And Love and The Wonderful Life Of Mr. Silverlinning invite the reader to follow a would-be ubermensch as he navigates his fractured life. Filled with colorful (but questionable) characters that reveal New York's muted working class, the author implores you to savor the time you share with others - whether charlatans, saints, or, like Andrew, incomplete.
Books will be available for purchase.
📅 Sunday, October 26 | 11 AM
📍 ArtfullWalls Gallery, 246 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem, NY
Presented by Lit City Book Club
Lit City Book Club: October Meetup at Liz’s Book Bar - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
Lit City Book Club: October Meetup at Liz’s Book Bar
This month, we’ll be diving into James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store — a rich and unforgettable novel about community, love, and survival in a small Pennsylvania town. McBride weaves together humor, history, and humanity to explore what it means to find belonging in America.
Whether you’re a longtime Lit City member or new to the club, this is a welcoming space to share your thoughts, connect with fellow readers, and enjoy meaningful conversation over a powerful story.
📖 Book: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM📍
Location: Liz’s Book Bar
July edition of Lit City Book Club
July edition of Lit City Book Club on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 PM in Prospect Park.
Book: James by Percival Everett Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Prospect Park - We will meet up in front of the Grand Army Park Entrance @2pm sharp! If you have any questions or need help finding us, reply to this email or message us on Instagram.
We’ll gather under the trees to discuss James—a sharp, imaginative retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s point of view. Whether you’ve read every page or just started, come ready to share, listen, and vibe.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair or whatever you need to be comfortable.
RSVP here: https://James-JulyLCBC.eventbrite.com
Lit City Book Club May Meeting - Luster by Raven Leilani
Lit City Book Club’s May Selection is the captivating novel Luster by Raven Leilani. Join us for a fun, in-person discussion at Long Meadow in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Don't forget to bring your copy of the book and a blanket (or chair) to sit on. Let's dive into the world of this thought-provoking story together. See you there!
Sinners - A Private Movie Screening
Join us for an exclusive private screening of Sinners, the latest film by acclaimed director Ryan Coogler. Known for powerful, thought-provoking storytelling, Coogler delivers again with a film that explores faith, fallibility, and the fine line between judgment and justice.
This is an intimate gathering curated by Lit City, a space for community, conversation, and connection through culture
This is a private event with limited seating. $20 RSVP is required.
In-Person Book Club Meeting
The Lit City Book Club March Selection is the critically acclaimed novel The Nickel Boys by Colston Whitehead. The Nickel Boys is a powerful, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel inspired by the real-life horrors of a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. It follows the story of Elwood Curtis, an idealistic Black teenager whose life takes a devastating turn when he's unjustly sent to the Nickel Academy. As Elwood forms a bond with fellow inmate Turner, their contrasting perspectives on survival shape a gripping tale of friendship, resilience, and the haunting legacy of systemic racism.
In-Person Meeting:
Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Liz’s Book Bar
✨ What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming environment to discuss literature and life
A chance to connect with the Lit City community
Support for a local Black-owned bookstore
📚 How to Prepare:
Read The Lit City Book Club March Selection is the critically acclaimed novel The Nickel Boys by Colston Whitehead. (optional but encouraged).
Bring your insights, favorite quotes, or questions for discussion.
💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy a drink or treat from Liz's Book Bar as we gather in this unique literary space.
🎟 Tickets: Free, but RSVP is required as space is limited.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Lit City Underground Open Mic
Welcome to Lit City Underground Open Mic Night!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, talent, and community at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine. From spoken word and poetry to music and comedy, all forms of expression are welcome.
We’re back at our original space!
Located in the lower level of a Crown Heights apartment, expect an authentic old-school 90s house party vibe—open mic style! (Exact apartment number will be sent the day before the event.)
📅 Date: Thursday, November 30th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn (details provided upon RSVP)
Featuring:
🎤 Host: Motion
🎧 Live DJ
🌟 Special Guests:
Bassplayaplaya
Selecta RaRa
✨ What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming space to share your art or enjoy the show.
A vibrant community of creatives and lovers of the arts.
Drinks, vibes, and an unforgettable night of raw talent.
Sign up to perform or just come to soak in the energy and enjoy the performances. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let’s celebrate the art of expression together.
👉 RSVP’s open on Feb 1
This is a community-powered event, and space is limited. Early registration is highly encouraged.
We can’t wait to see you at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night!
ROOTS, HEART & SOUL IN CONVERSATION WITH CELEBRITY CHEF TODD RICHARDS
Join us at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, for a one-of-a-kind in-person event. Chef Todd Richards, celebrated for his innovative take on Afro cuisine, will share his passion for the rich history and flavors of the African Diaspora during the highly anticipated book tour for his latest masterpiece, Roots, Heart, Soul: The Story, Celebration, and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America.
Virtual Book Club Meeting
Join us for our next Virtual Book Club Meeting! Whether you’re an avid reader or just getting into the habit of reading, our book club is a welcoming space for all. For this upcoming meeting, we will be discussing Homegoing by Yaya Gyasi. T
What to Expect:
Engaging Conversations: Share your opinions, ask questions, and hear different perspectives.
Fun Community: Meet new friends and fellow book enthusiasts from all around.
Reading Insights: Whether you’ve read the book or just want to listen in, you’ll get valuable insights from others.
How to Participate:
RSVP: Click the link to register for the event. It’s quick and easy!
Read the Book: If you haven’t read the book yet, don’t worry! You’re welcome to join the discussion whether you’ve finished it or not.
Join the Meeting: On the day of the event, simply log in to the virtual meeting at the designated time. A link will be sent to you upon registration.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a community of book lovers. Sign up today, and let’s read, discuss, and discover new stories together!
We look forward to seeing you at our next Virtual Book Club Meeting!
In-Person Book Club Meeting
Join us for our bi-monthly in-person book club meetup as we explore stories that celebrate Black culture, history, and identity.
Lit City Underground Open Mic
Welcome to Lit City Underground Open Mic Night!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, talent, and community at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine. From spoken word and poetry to music and comedy, all forms of expression are welcome.
We’re back at our original space!
Located in the lower level of a Crown Heights apartment, expect an authentic old-school 90s house party vibe—open mic style! (Exact apartment number will be sent the day before the event.)
📅 Date: Thursday, November 30th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn (details provided upon RSVP)
Featuring:
🎤 Host: Motion
🎧 Live DJ
🌟 Special Guests:
Bassplayaplaya
Selecta RaRa
✨ What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming space to share your art or enjoy the show.
A vibrant community of creatives and lovers of the arts.
Drinks, vibes, and an unforgettable night of raw talent.
Sign up to perform or just come to soak in the energy and enjoy the performances. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let’s celebrate the art of expression together.
👉 Don’t wait—RSVP now to secure your spot!
This is a community-powered event, and space is limited. Early registration is highly encouraged.
We can’t wait to see you at Lit City Underground Open Mic Night!
