Booksmith is thrilled to host local treasure Toni Mirosevich for the launch of her wonderful collection of stories, Spell Heaven. She'll be joined by Aimee Phan (The Reeducation of Cherry Truong) for what promises to be a memorable evening.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is SOLD OUT. Based on our recent in-person events we expect a few more seats to become available, and suspect some walk-ups will be able to attend on a first-come, first-served basis, but this is not guaranteed. If you would like a signed, personalized copy of Spell Heaven order here (and/or for any of Toni's other books, here) and we will hold them for pickup at the shop or send them directly to you.

Please note:

• Safety: ID and proof of full vaccination, including booster, will be required at the door. Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event, capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing, and we'll have extra ventilation in place. 
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order the Book + Seat ticket through this link; you can also RSVP for a free standing room spot right here.
• We are happy to offer *signed copies* of Forbidden City: order a Book + Seat ticket bundle if you'd like to pick up a signed copy at the event, or order here if you just want a signed copy.
• This is a free, all-ages event, but RSVP is required.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Questions? Write events@booksmith.com.

We'll ship all orders directly to you or hold for pickup at our San Francisco shop. We are happy to fulfill orders anywhere in the world – international postage will be invoiced separately.

About the book

In Spell Heaven, a linked story collection, a gay couple moves to a coast town and unexpectedly finds a sense of belonging with a group of outsiders.

Stories include the tale of an undocumented boy's drowning when a wave pulls him out to sea, an ex–FBI agent’s surveillance of a man who leaves chocolate bars at a tree in a weekly ritual, a mother on meth who teaches a lesson on mercy, and Kite Man, who flies kites from a fishing pole and sells drugs on the side. His motto: When the kites fly, you can buy.

The narrator of these stories, raised in a working-class Croatian American fishing family and immigrant community, chooses an early career in labor-oriented jobs. Years later, she finds herself in an academic position in a white-collar world “where the clothes are clean but the politics are dirty.” She questions her own stereotypes about her neighbors and gradually begins to question her life path. Spell Heaven celebrates those who are looking for a human connection in an increasingly isolated world.

About the authors

Toni Mirosevich was raised in a Croatian American fishing family in Everett, Washington. She is the author of a book of nonfiction stories, Pink Harvest, winner of the First Series Award for Creative Nonfiction, and five books of poetry. A professor of creative writing at San Francisco State University for many years, she currently resides with her wife in Pacifica, California. For more information see tonimirosevich.com. Author photo by Shotsy Faust.

Aimee Phan is the author of We Should Never Meet and The Reeducation of Cherry Truong. She teaches writing and literature at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Author photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno.

This event is free and all ages, but RSVP is required.