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Four authors engaged in a heartfelt conversation at Vroman's Bookstore, discussing their new releases while reflecting on friendship, wildfire displacement, and the significance of independent bookstores.
An engaging author event took place at Vroman's Books tore in Pasadena on June 16, 2026, featuring four writers: Chuck Tingle, Liz Kerin, Kyle Kouri, and CJ Leede.
The evening centered on a conversation between Tingle and Kerin, who questioned Kouri and Leede about their recently released novels, "The Problem Drinker" and "Headlights.
" The atmosphere was warmly familiar, as Tingle noted, "The four of us are actually very close, we're, like, actually friends," explaining he had witnessed the creation of both books firsthand. The discussion, filled with banter, addressed questions from both the moderators and the audience. A poignant undercurrent to the event was the personal backdrop: Kouri and Leede had lost their home in the Palisades fire and processed that grief through writing their respective books.
They revealed that Tingle and Kerin were their first houseguests just before the wildfires started, making the gathering feel like a meaningful homecoming. Kouri reflected, "And funnily enough, we're staying in the hotel we were evacuated from. Life really works in such strange ways. It was a beautiful experience coming back.
" Leede added that the two books were written during the same turbulent life period, creating a deep connection between the works. Following their displacement, Kouri and Leede embarked on a cross-country journey while completing their manuscripts, visiting countless roadside attractions, dive bars, and local bookstores. This experience informed their perspective on independent bookstores, which they praised during the event.
When asked by Tingle what makes a good bookstore, Kouri emphasized "a lived-in quality" and "a perspective," describing a space that feels like a book with something to say. Leede agreed, noting that independent bookstores reflect their communities and expressing her long-held desire to host an event at Vroman's, a store she clearly admires. She also hyped Tingle's upcoming "Fabulous Bodies" and Kerin's "How to Disappear Completely.
" The event was richly immersive, with attendees receiving complimentary themed T-shirts featuring artwork by Dylan Garrett Smith that promoted both novels, and a map by Abby Armistead highlighting Colorado locations from "Headlights. " Vroman's in-house wine bar, 1984, crafted specialty cocktails named after the books-Tongue Tied and The Problem-along with The Drip, adding a festive, literary touch.
Books by all four authors were available for purchase, and the evening blended literary discussion with personal storytelling, community celebration, and the unique charm of a beloved independent bookstore
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Author Event Vroman's Bookstore Pasadena Wildfire Independent Bookstores Chuck Tingle Liz Kerin Kyle Kouri CJ Leede The Problem Drinker Headlights
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