The Common Press is absolutely delighted to be hosting the (re)launch of two books from one of our favourite authors (and customers, and people in general).
Kestral is a transgender activist, an author, a technologist, a musician, and a poet, who has been published in Magnate magazine and the Guardian, amongst others. Her talents are manifold; she has produced content for UK Radio Pride, written choral music for the Melbourne Women's Choir, released two EPs, and been published in multiple poetry anthologies.
In 2020, in response to the Covid crisis and rising isolation amongst trans people, she created the Validation Station, a text service which sent over 11,000 people as SMS message daily or weekly affirming their name and pronouns and helping people feel less alone. She also used her extensive digital skills to help organisations deliver online events for LGBTQ+ people, including Digitfest, Diva Pride, and Disabled Here and Queer.
Most recently she has been working on revising and updating her first two books, the young adult thriller Hidden Lives and the poetry collection Counterweights, which we invite you to come and celebrate with us on the 17th of September from 6.30pm.
From the publisher:
"I can’t trust my own mind, or my memory, so I’m writing all of this down… There’s been a murder in this town and I’m determined to get to the bottom of it." Aaron Grayling hates summer. It’s a time of heat and humidity in the dreary town of Meriville. It’s also the time when the bad dreams come, which have been intensifying since the death of his father. He hardly seems to find the space to breathe… Until the fateful day he finds a diary in the woods. Penned by the mysterious X, it hints at a shadowy world of murder that seems too true for the boy to ignore. Torn between school and a murder investigation, Aaron finds himself an unlikely companion in X. Can they stop the crimewave from hitting Meriville before it's too late? And will it help Aaron understand the turbulent goings-on in his head? Hidden Lives is a powerful novel of friendship and loss, and staying true to who you are against the odds.
Who to expect:
Kestral Gaian; activist, technologist, musician, polymath, and the author of the wonderful books being republished! Follow her @KestralWrites on both twitter and instagram.
George Parker; our non-binary compere for the evening, who was awarded Disabled Queer Artist of 2022 at DQH. Follow them at @a_g_parker on instagram, and @a_george_parker on twitter.
Actor Noah Silverstone, who will be reading from Hidden Lives; follow him on instagram at @noah_silverstone, and on twitter at @notmadeofsilver
Actor and performer Jeanie Barnsley, who will be singing one of the poems from Counterweights that was adapted intoa choral piece for Melbourne Women's Choir. Follow them on instagram at @barnsleyjean, on twitter at @Jeaniebarnsley1
Please arrive at the bar from 6.30pm; the bookshop will close from 7.00pm to 7.30pm to get chairs and mics set up, and then guests will be admitted.
Kestral's books will be available to purchase on the night, as well as plenty of Chamomile Peach iced tea.