ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Matthew Quick, author of the bestselling novel "The Silver Linings Playbook," will discuss his new memoir from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
The talk is free and open to the public, but registration is required at VaBook.org/events. Virginia Humanities, the state humanities council, is hosting it with the Alexandria Festival of the Book and Old Town Books.
"Dad, Love, Me: A Memoir" is Quick's first work of nonfiction. He wrote it as a long letter to his father after his father was diagnosed with dementia. According to Virginia Humanities, the book recounts memories of abuse in Quick's childhood home alongside his path toward understanding and reconciliation, and it explores family, memory, forgiveness, mental illness and generational trauma. It also examines the harm of some traditional models of masculinity.
His novel inspired an Academy Award-winning film.
Kalela Williams, director of the Virginia Center for the Book, a Virginia Humanities program, will moderate the conversation.
"It's a voice in the conversations that people of all generations are having about models of masculinity and fatherhood, as well as the ways our parents raised us and the chain-breaking and chain-making we can effect," Williams said in the announcement.
A book signing will follow, with books sold by Old Town Books.
Letter-writing workshop
Earlier that day, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Virginia Center for the Book will hold "Rekindling a Lost Art," a letter-writing workshop at the Lyceum. The workshop is free, open to all ages and also requires registration.
Participants will handwrite letters to people they care about and decorate them with art and craft supplies. Organizers will provide stamps, supplies, writing prompts and snacks, and they ask participants to bring the addresses of the people they plan to write to.
"Really, the whole day is about connection with the people we hope to hold close," Williams said.
Both events are part of Virginia Humanities' annual regional events initiative, which brings humanities programs to communities across the state.
Carolyn Fuller, coordinator of the Alexandria Festival of the Book, said the partnership gives residents a chance "to connect with noted authors, discuss books and explore our history and culture." The festival returns March 13, 2027.
Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria resident and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
