Cassie Kifer's new book "Secret San Jose" explores what she calls Northern California’s most misunderstood city.

Cassie Kifer's new book "Secret San Jose" explores what she calls Northern California’s most misunderstood city.

San Francisco-based author Valeria Luu and Berkeley-based photographer Andria Lo co-authored a book called Chinatown Pretty. It celebrates the street style and wisdom of senior citizens they met in Chinatowns across North America.

San Francisco-based author Valeria Luu and Berkeley-based photographer Andria Lo co-authored a book called Chinatown Pretty. It celebrates the street style and wisdom of senior citizens they met in Chinatowns across North America.

San Francisco-based author Zara Stone reads from her book, " The Future of Science is Female ." It's about projects that women in STEM are working on.

Oakland-based author Meg Elison reads from her book "Find Layla." It's about a girl named Layla who is having a hard time growing up.

Oakland-based author Meg Elison reads from her book " Find Layla ." It's about a girl named Layla who is having a hard time growing up.

San Francisco-based author Bridget Quinn reads from her new illustrated book, "She Votes: How US Women Won Suffrage and What Happened Next." It's about the ways women have fought to make their voices heard and it's illustrated by 100 different artists.

San Francisco-based author Bridget Quinn reads from her new illustrated book, " She Votes: How US Women Won Suffrage and What Happened Next ." It's about the ways women have fought to make their voices heard and it's illustrated by 100 different artists.

San Francisco-based author Shruti Swamy reads from her new short story collection, "A House Is A Body." It's about finding joy and meaning in times of turmoil.