Matthew Quick, the bestselling author of "The Silver Linings Playbook," is coming to Old Town Alexandria to talk about the most personal book he has written.
Quick will discuss his new memoir, "Dad, Love, Me," at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. The free talk is hosted by Virginia Humanities, the state humanities council, in partnership with the Alexandria Festival of the Book and Old Town Books. A book signing will follow, with books available for purchase from Old Town Books.
Quick's 2008 novel, the story of a man rebuilding his life after a stay in a psychiatric hospital, became the Academy Award-winning film "Silver Linings Playbook." "Dad, Love, Me" is his first work of nonfiction.
Quick wrote the memoir as a long letter to his father after his father was diagnosed with dementia. In it, he recounts memories of abuse in his childhood home and traces his path toward understanding and reconciliation. According to Virginia Humanities, the book explores family, memory, forgiveness and mental illness, along with the harm done by some traditional models of masculinity and the lasting effects of generational trauma.
Quick will be in conversation with Kalela Williams, director of the Virginia Center for the Book, a program of Virginia Humanities.
"'Dad, Love, Me' is as resonant as it is relevant," Williams said. "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."
Virginia Humanities Executive Director Matthew Gibson said the council is proud to bring Quick to Northern Virginia.
"When we think of the humanities, we think of storytelling," Gibson said. "And an expert storyteller who can speak to what empathy truly means is an author who we, along with our Alexandria partners, are proud to host in Northern Virginia."
Start the day with a letter
Fittingly for a book written as a letter, the evening talk is paired with an afternoon workshop on the art of letter writing.
"Rekindling a Lost Art" runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lyceum. Participants will handwrite letters to people they care about and decorate them with art and craft supplies. The Virginia Center for the Book will provide stamps, supplies, writing prompts and snacks; participants should bring the mailing addresses of the people they plan to write to. The workshop is free and open to all ages.
"Really, the whole day is about connection with the people we hope to hold close," Williams said.
A preview of the spring book festival
The talk also offers a taste of what's ahead for local readers. The Alexandria Festival of the Book will return March 13, 2027.
"We are so fortunate to have Virginia Humanities and their collaborations in our area," said Carolyn Fuller, the festival's coordinator. "The opportunity to connect with noted authors, discuss books and explore our history and culture is a special one that the entire community can enjoy and benefit from."
If you go
What: Author talk and book signing with Matthew Quick, "Dad, Love, Me: A Memoir"
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Where: Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Cost: Free; registration required
Register: Author talk | Letter-writing workshop (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
