Brian Castleberry and Laura Warrell will bring California’s multifaceted narrative to life at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Friday, March 28, during a literary happening that promises a fascinating exploration of the state’s cultural complexities.
“California is, to my mind, our greatest state. But it can be a dangerous place,” Castleberry explained, capturing the nuanced perspective at the heart of the discussion. “It’s always at the forefront of things, but of course, some of those things—corporate approaches to art, reactionary policing, the most devastating effects of climate change—aren’t great. Still the California dream persists.”
The event will feature two critically acclaimed authors with deep connections to the state’s literary tradition.
Castleberry, whose debut novel “Nine Shiny Objects” was a New York Times Editor’s Choice. He teaches at William & Mary. Laura Warrell, whose debut “Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm” was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, brings her own distinctive voice to the conversation.
“The Californians” offers a sweeping narrative that spans over a century, exploring the lives of diverse characters including a film director, a Chinese-American artist, a mysterious tech oligarch, and various Hollywood personalities.
The book traverses multiple historical periods—from silent-era Hollywood and the tensions preceding the Rodney King riots to present-day wildfires—presenting a rich tapestry of California experience.
The authors view their work as a profound examination of American opportunity and creative struggle.
“I definitely look at the book as being about America at large,” Castleberry noted, “especially the changes in opportunity over the course of a century—from a time when you really could ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ to a time marked by economic slipperiness and grift.”
Philosophically, the discussion will explore how literature can confront ecological degradation, cultural tensions, and societal anxieties, drawing nuanced parallels between fiction and reality. The event aims to invite critical reflection on present-day issues, offering audiences a deeper appreciation for literature’s role in social discourse.
Vroman’s Bookstore, established in 1894 and Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore, provides the perfect backdrop for this literary exploration. The venue has long been central to Pasadena’s cultural scene, supporting local literary engagement through author events and discussions.
The event starts at 7 p.m. Vroman’s is located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. For more information, call (626) 449-5320.
