Waldman, known for her sharp prose and willingness to wade into controversial territory (her earlier A Really Good Day chronicled microdosing LSD, because of course it did), has built a loyal following that stretches well beyond the Bay Area. But SF has always been home turf for her brand of brainy, boundary-pushing storytelling.

The operative word here? Free. In a city where a mediocre cocktail runs you $19 and a one-bedroom apartment costs more than a mortgage in most of America, a quality cultural event that doesn't charge admission is something worth flagging. This is how arts and culture should work — accessible, community-driven, and not dependent on a government grant or a taxpayer-funded arts commission to make it happen.

Details on the exact venue and date are still circulating, so keep your eyes on local bookstore listings if you want to snag a spot. These events tend to fill up fast, especially when the price of entry is exactly zero dollars.

Whether you're a longtime Waldman fan or just looking for something to do that doesn't involve doomscrolling or spending half your paycheck, this is a solid bet. Free markets, free events, free minds — we love to see it.

Grab a copy, get it signed, and support an author directly. That's how the literary economy is supposed to work.