This weekend, Greenpoint played host to the first ever Brooklyn Dirty Book Fair. The event, presented by MATTE Magazine, lasted all day Saturday and Sunday at Point Green Studio (260 Java St), and featured not only titillating books, zines and gifts for sale, but also cheeky performance art (including a cake sitting performance by Lindsay Dye), music and more.
It’s mid-July and hopefully by now you’ve had the chance to get some proper summer lovin’. If not, then Greenpoint’s first ever erotic book fair and sexy afterparty this weekend might be the perfect place for you to get your summertime jollies. MATTE Magazine is presenting the Brooklyn Dirty Book Fair Saturday and Sunday July 15th and 16th, from 12pm-9pm at Point Green Studio (260 Java Street). You can find out more details and RSVP on Facebook.
From the organizers:
Crushed, the first annual Brooklyn Dirty Book Fair, is a platform for independent publishers of erotic and pornographic material and artists working with sex. Curated by former VICE Photo Editor Matthew Leifheit, the fair will feature two small-scale exhibitions, a selection of publications and prints for sale, a program of performances and readings, live nude classical and jazz musicians, smutty film screenings, and an orgy afterparty.
Perhaps you just heard of The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker – either randomly browsing the shelves at Word Bookstore (126 Franklin St.) or you stopped by the author’s reading at the cozy shop. What happens when you meet your best friend at university? Meet Mel and Sharon in The Animators, two women who forge a kinship and friendship in art school and endure the trials and tribulations of living and working in Brooklyn while making a path for themselves as animators. They’re on the brink of success with their first full-length feature film while living in a fragile world full of urgency, love, sex, and drugs.
Want some Summer reading about our neighborhood? Here’s a list of books related to Greenpoint. People ask me how I researched my account of local history Greenpoint Brooklyn’s Forgotten Past. The answer partially is that I read the books in the list below.
1) Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, Joe Pistone
The amazing story of how an Italian American F.B.I agent got into the Greenpoint Mafia, risking his life, but also taking down more than a hundred mobsters.
2) Historic Greenpoint, William Felter
The first book on local history, Felter published his remarkable book about a century ago. It tells the area’s history, but omits the dark chapters of Greenpoint’s Past—well worth a read though. And since it’s out of copyright, it’s free to download. Continue reading →
Archestratus, the food bookstore and cafe on Huron Street, has been open for a few months now. We last updated you upon its opening in October 2015, so we thought it was time to pop into the store for a chat with owner Paige Lipari, who has exciting new plans for Greenpoint.
It’s the summer time–the weather is fine, and you could reach right up and touch the sky–or you could simply reach for a good book and hit the park. Last weekend we canvassed McGolrick Park and McCarren Park, approaching total strangers and interrupting their afternoons to ask them questions about their reading material. Join us now as we discover what the young and the restless and the literary of Greenpoint are burying their noses in this July.
So what’s this novel about?
I think it’s about how so much of American anxiety is created by pop culture. Wow, that was good. You really cut to the heart of that, a lot of people just recite plot points.
[Mike’s Girlfriend: That was a great summary, babe.] Continue reading →
Libby VanderPloeg’s ‘Recipes Gone Wild’ at last year’s Foodieodicals event
Foodie book lover? Bookish food lover? If this sounds like you then take note! The fourth annual Food Book Fair is taking place at Wythe Hotel this weekend and it’s probably right up your alley. The fabulous three day event is packed with literary events, panel discussions, delicious meals, and flavorful gatherings that the discerning foodie will not want to miss.
The weekend also plays host to the magnificent Foodieodicalsfestival, which shines a spotlight on some of the best independent food magazines from around the globe. The Saturday afternoon fair also puts a strong emphasis on local publications and includes stalls from Bakeri Zine, Edible Brooklyn, Diner Journal and Put a Egg on It. Tickets are only $5 and the amount of edible freebies we got at last year’s event more than covered the entrance price.
Food Book Fair runs Friday 10th-Sunday 12th April at the Wythe Hotel and you can see a complete schedule of events here. Tickets for specific events can be booked here.
Illustration by Libby VanderPloeg - herself on the right, and Adina Grigore on the left
Greenpointers is excited to present a joint interview with two Greenpoint residents and business owners who recently collaborated on, and published, a book – a partnership they told us originated from this very website. We had to find out more.
The book is called Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy Skin. Adina Grigore, founder of skincare brand S.W. Basics, wrote it, and asked local illustrator Libby VanderPloeg to illustrate it. It was published last week, just ahead of S.W. Basics’ March 1st launch in 500 Target locations nationwide – a huge accomplishment for a small business with a commitment to natural ingredients.
If you’re looking for some new reads this year, why not start with a novel that centralizes around Greenpoint? Or Williamsburg. Bushwick, even! These eight novels focus on the lens of human experience while living in Brooklyn. Continue reading →
One of my favorite things about Greenpoint is its neighborhood vibe. I can walk around and find myself in any cafe or bar and feel at ease. There’s so many great places to explore, drinks to drink, and marvelous books the read — so why not a few recommendations? Read on to find out the favorite drinks and libations in our editors’s favorite spots. Continue reading →
