Susi Q Center Launches First-Ever 'Evening With An Author' Series In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A new event will launch at the Susi Q Center in Laguna Beach, and residents are urged to join in on the discussion as the center announced its inaugural "Evening with an Author" series on Thursday.

Southern California native and award-winning novelist Susan Straight will speak at the event. Straight, a Riverside County native, has published more than eight books to worldwide acclaim.

“As a voracious reader, like so many of the people who attend the Susi Q’s many creative and educational programs, it’s long been a dream of mine to host an author series in Laguna Beach,” Nadia Babayi, executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors at the Susi Q, told Patch. “We’re a town known for our appreciation of the arts and I believe our ‘Evening with an Author’ series has the potential to become a fixture in our annual literary calendar.”

According to a news release, Straight will discuss her new novel, "Mecca," published last year and named by The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times as one of the Best Ten Books of 2022, as well as a best book of the year by NPR.

Straight is known for her "incisive and insightful fictional forays into the life and times of her ethnically mixed community," the news release said.

Co-host of the podcast "Writers on Writing" and arts columnist Marrie Stone will MC the event, and questions will be encouraged.

"An Evening with an Author" featuring Susan Straight takes place Wednesday, March 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third Street.

Tickets are $25 apiece, and a copy of "Mecca" will be gifted to every ticket-holding attendee. The gathering will include refreshments, as well as wine available for a token donation.

Residents can register online by visiting the Susi Q's website and clicking "classes." To RSVP by phone, residents can call 949-715-8105 or email christineb@thesusiq.org.