Critic’s Choice

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus

Thursday, November 9, 2023, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Jump back to the 1960s to spend some time with Elizabeth Zott — a quirky, whip-smart chemist who lives in Southern California and makes history when she joins an all-male research team. Full of romance, laughs and poignant observation, Lessons in Chemistry is sure to charm its way into your heart.

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Yellowface

by R.F. Kuang

Thursday, December 14, 2023, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Two young, promising authors graduate from Yale the same year and publish their books at the same time — but only one becomes a star. New York Times bestselling author R.F. Kuang presents this stirring, suspenseful novel that chillingly explores questions of diversity, racism and cultural appropriation through the lens of the competitive publishing industry.

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Wellness

by Nathan Hill

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Nathan Hill, author
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Jack and Elizabeth meet as college students in the ’90s, drawn together by Chicago’s thriving underground art scene. Two decades later, married and parenting, the two encounter a variety of challenges and trials. Join Elaine Newton and author Nathan Hill, a Naples resident, as they discuss Hill’s latest novel.

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Tom Lake

by Ann Patchett

Thursday, February 1, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Beloved literary fiction author Ann Patchett returns with Tom Lake, a book that has already been picked as part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club list. With Patchett’s expert authorship, this compelling narrative explores the nuances of family dynamics and meditates on all forms of love: young, married and familial.

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The Covenant of Water

by Abraham Verghese

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala, South India, Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water presents a sweeping and profound narrative that unfolds across generations. With his trademark brilliance, Verghese artfully weaves fantastic moments of humor, poignant stories and lifelike characters to create a story brimming with authenticity.

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Hello Beautiful

by Ann Napolitano

Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10am, Daniels Pavilion
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10am, Hayes Hall
Elaine Newton, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

From New York Times bestselling author Ann Napolitano, Hello Beautiful is a poignant narrative that unravels as a shattered family navigates the power of love’s ability to mend broken spirits. This stirring tale showcases the resilience of love and family — and the beauty that emerges when acceptance and devotion prevail over adversity.

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David Sedaris

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 8pm, Hayes Hall
David Sedaris, author

American treasure David Sedaris comes to Artis—Naples for an evening of biting comedic gold. Full of wit, wry observation and sneaky emotion, Sedaris is a master of satire and the humorist of a generation. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of exceptional humor as Sedaris reads from both published and unpublished works.

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