October 10, 2024: Tim O’Brien, Author of “America Fantastica” and Chronicler of the Vietnam War

Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Links to assorted local theater & book venues (kpfa.org/episo...)
Tim O’Brien
Tim O’Brien, whose latest novel, a contemporary satire, is “America Fantastica,” just out this month in trade paperback, in coversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded at Book Passage on November 6, 2023.
The author of ten previous novels, winner of the National Book Award in 1978 for Going After Cacciato, and acclaimed for his linked collection of stories about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien took a 20-year break from writing to help raise his late-in-life children. He returned with a non-fiction book about those years, Dad’s Maybe Years, and has now come out with a satirical novel, America Fantastica.
This new book, written before and during the Covid pandemic, focuses on the nature of lying, and how America has fallen into a pandemic of lying. A satire set in California, Texas and Minnesota, and focuses on a former journalist who made a career of lying, and on other assorted liars.
In the interview, Tim O’Brien discusses this new book, and also discusses his feelings about war, about Vietnam, and about being a writer. Complete Interview (kpfa.org/area9...)
Review of “Choir Boy” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage, extended to October 26, 2024.
(kpfa.org/area9...)
Book Interview/Events and Theatre Links
Note: Shows may unexpectedly close early or be postponed due to actors’ positive COVID tests. Check the venue for closures, ticket refunds, and vaccination and mask requirements before arrival. Dates are in-theater performances unless otherwise noted. Some venues operate Tuesday - Sunday; others Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday. All times Pacific Time. Closing dates are sometimes extended.
Book Stores
Bay Area Book Festival (www.baybookfes...) See website for highlights from the 10th Annual Bay Area Book Festival, June 1-2, 2024.
Book Passage. (www.bookpassag...) Monthly Calendar. (www.bookpassag...) Mix of on-line and in-store events.
Books Inc. (www.booksinc.net/) Mix of on-line and in-store events.
The Booksmith. (www.booksmith....) Monthly Event Calendar. (www.booksmith....)
BookShop West Portal. (www.bookshopwe...) Monthly Event Calendar.
Center for Literary Arts, San Jose. (www.clasanjose...) See website for Book Club guests in upcoming months.
Green Apple Books (www.greenapple...) . Events calendar.
Kepler’s Books (www.keplers.com/) On-line Refresh the Page program listings. (www.keplers.or...)
Live Theater Companies
Actors Ensemble of Berkeley. (www.aeofberkel...) See website for specific days and times, and for staged readings at LaVal’s Subterranean Theater.
Actor’s Reading Collective (ARC). (www.arcstream....) See website for upcoming readings.
African American Art & Culture Complex. (aaacc.org/) See website for calendar.
Alter Theatre. (www.altertheat...) See website for upcoming productions.
American Conservatory Theatre (www.act-sf.org/) A Whynot Christmas Carol, November 26-December 24, Toni Rembe Theatre.
Aurora Theatre (auroratheatre....) Fallen Angels by Noel Coward, October 19 - November 17.
Awesome Theatre Company (awesometheatre...) . Por La Noche (By Night), October 11 - 26, 2024. See website for information.
Berkeley Rep. (berkeleyrep.org/) Mexodus, September 13 - October 20, Peets Theatre. The Matchbox Magic Flute, October 18 - December 9, Roda Theatre.
Berkeley Shakespeare Company (berkeleyshakes...) . See website for upcoming shows.
Boxcar Theatre. (www.boxcartheat...) Nightmare House on Franklin Street, (nightmaresf.co...) October 18 - November 1. New Years Eve at the Speakeasy, Jan. 1, 2025. Magic Man, Jan 3 - June 2, Palace Theatre.
Brava Theatre Center: (www.brava.org/...) New Roots Theatre Festival, November 14-17. See calendar for current and upcoming productions.
BroadwaySF: (broadwaysf.com...) Wicked, August 28 - October 13, Orpheum. See website for events at the Orpheum, Curran and Golden Gate. Peter Pan, October 29 - November 3, Golden Gate. Kimberley Akimbo, November 6 - December 1, Golden Gate. See website for special events.
Broadway San Jose: (broadwaysanjos...) Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse in Concert, October 9-10. 2024. Clue, O...