Story Is the Thing

• Venue: Kepler's Books
• Address: 1010 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA, 94025 United States
• Date and Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Host: Kepler's Literary Foundation
• Authors:
  • Keith Haddock: Author of Imagine My Surprise!, a novel about a reincarnated drug addict seeking revenge. Haddock is a novelist, playwright, theater director, musician, and three-time winner of the San Francisco Fringe Festival. He resides in San Francisco and works for Industrial Light & Magic.
  • Chad Harbach: Bestselling author of The Brightness, a story about friendship, and The Art of Fielding. He is a cofounder of n+1.
  • Vanessa Hua: Author of Coyoteland, a funny, heartfelt novel set in an affluent Bay Area suburb. She is also the author of national bestsellers A River of Stars and Forbidden City, and Deceit and Other Possibilities. She has received numerous literary awards and fellowships and was a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle.
  • Omar Hussain: Author of A Thousand Natural Shocks, a thriller that meditates on trauma, memory, and identity. His debut novel was shortlisted for the Cabell First Novelist Award and named a "best of" pick by several publications.
• Activity Description: This signature reading series features four Northern California fiction authors reading from their debut and latest titles. The program includes a reception with the authors, readings, a discussion, a Q&A session, and a book signing.
• Accessibility: To request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email [email protected] at least one week prior to the event.
• Suitability: Attendees who are feeling unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms, are asked to stay home.