This Monday, Firestorm is teaming up with scholar Zane McNeill for a conversation on the terrifying new wave of anti-transgender rhetoric and political persecution. Speaking with activists Eric King and Josh Davidson, co-editors of "Rattling the Cages: Oral Histories of North American Political Prisoners," we'll put this federal attack on trans rights in historical perspective—connecting it to repression during the Red Scare, the Lavender Scare, Black Liberation and Gay Rights Movements, the Green Scare, and solidarity with Palestine.

We'll also explore what we can learn from past struggles—how organizers not only survived but built movements under constant FBI surveillance—highlighting harm and risk reduction strategies that remain relevant today.

Find more and register to join this free event at https://firestorm.coop/events/3478-gender-terrorism-surviving-magas-war-on-trans-people.html. The recorded conversation will also be shared via our YouTube channel for folks who cannot join live!

#TransLiberation #TransRights #LavenderScare #NoTrumpNoKKKNoFascistUSA #WeKeepUsSafe #QueerSouth #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

This Monday, Firestorm is teaming up with scholar Zane McNeill for a conversation on the terrifying new wave of anti-transgender rhetoric and political persecution. Speaking with activists Eric King and Josh Davidson, co-editors of "Rattling the Cages: Oral Histories of North American Political Prisoners," we'll put this federal attack on trans rights in historical perspective—connecting it to repression during the Red Scare, the Lavender Scare, Black Liberation and Gay Rights Movements, the Green Scare, and solidarity with Palestine.

We'll also explore what we can learn from past struggles—how organizers not only survived but built movements under constant FBI surveillance—highlighting harm and risk reduction strategies that remain relevant today.

Find more and register to join this free event at https://firestorm.coop/events/3478-gender-terrorism-surviving-magas-war-on-trans-people.html. The recorded conversation will also be shared via our YouTube channel for folks who cannot join live!

#TransLiberation #TransRights #LavenderScare #NoTrumpNoKKKNoFascistUSA #WeKeepUsSafe #QueerSouth #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

After Hurricane Helene, we promised ourselves that we wouldn't go through another disaster without a battery backup for our rooftop solar. Thanks to the folks at Footprint Project, we're on track to install 20kWh of battery capacity for our building this month!

So now want to pay it forward. On Thursday, October 9th, we'll be donating net proceeds from all sales in-store and online to the Feral Crust Infoshop in Davao, Philippines. This longstanding eco-anarchist project is a living experiment based on principles of mutual aid, cooperation and ecology. So buy a book (or two) and the donated sale will help to fund upgrades to Feral Crust's off-grid electrical infrastructure and rainwater harvesting systems!

https://firestorm.coop/catalog/new.html

#HurricaneHelene #MutualAidDisasterRelief #FeministBookstore #EcoAnarchism #Infoshop #FirestormCoop (- L)

After Hurricane Helene, we promised ourselves that we wouldn't go through another disaster without a battery backup for our rooftop solar. Thanks to the folks at Footprint Project, we're on track to install 20kWh of battery capacity for our building this month!

So now want to pay it forward. On Thursday, October 9th, we'll be donating net proceeds from all sales in-store and online to the Feral Crust Infoshop in Davao, Philippines. This longstanding eco-anarchist project is a living experiment based on principles of mutual aid, cooperation and ecology. So buy a book (or two) and the donated sale will help to fund upgrades to Feral Crust's off-grid electrical infrastructure and rainwater harvesting systems!

https://firestorm.coop/catalog/new.html

#HurricaneHelene #MutualAidDisasterRelief #FeministBookstore #EcoAnarchism #Infoshop #FirestormCoop (- L)

For #BannedBooksWeek we're doing a limited run of shirts with one of our favorite designs of all time! The "Trash Fascism, Not Books" possum was created by artist Des Revol for our 2023/24 campaign to send thousands of banned books back to Florida kids. Since then, we've had so many people reach out asking for the image on stickers and apparel.

We hope that these shirts will also help to raise awareness for Des, who is facing years in prison and possible deportation over allegedly transporting "subversive" literature in his car. The fact that zines exactly like those you can can find at Firestorm (and countless other radical bookstores) are being used as evidence of criminality is a reminder that fascism isn't just coming for your TBR pile—it's coming for us all, unless we trash it! http://freedes.net

We're only taking shirt orders through Bonfire until Saturday, October 18th, so check out the full details at https://www.bonfire.com/store/firestorm 🔥

#TrashFascismNotBooks #ZinesAreNotACrime #FreeDesRevol #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

On Wednesday of next week, we're hosting a virtual conversation on the history of rebellion explored in the new book "Anarchy in the Big Easy." Author Max Cafard and illustrator Vulpes will be joined by artists Liz Lessner and Mat Keel to share their graphic account of the quest for freedom in radical and revolutionary New Orleans!

From maroon communities and labor militancy to jazz music and armed community defense, "Anarchy in the Big Easy" pairs the storytelling of a lifelong New Orleanian with the striking images of a comix artist based in the Gulf South.

Register for this free event and find your copy of "Anarchy in the Big Easy" at https://firestorm.coop/events/3460-revolutionary-new-orleans-a-conversation-with-max-cafard-and-vulpes.html. Not able to make the 7pm ET conversation? Sign up anyway and we'll send you a recording to enjoy at your leisure!

#GraphicHistory #NewOrleansHistory #NewOrleansBooks #AnarchistHistory #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

Next Tuesday, our collective will be hosting local forager and ethnobotanist Rebecca Beyer for the launch of her newest book, "The Complete Folk Herbal." Rebecca, who has been a longtime friend and collaborator of Firestorm, will offer a presentation on how plants can be used for medicine and the unique histories of these herbs!

"The Complete Folk Herbal" is a comprehensive guide to Western folk herbalism designed to help you work with the natural medicinal and healing powers of wild plants. With easy-to-implement practices that are grounded in sustainability, Rebecca demonstrates how to work with plants to soothe everyday pains, including headaches, burns, backaches, menstrual pain, itching, insomnia, fatigue, and dozens of other minor ailments and maladies.

No registration is required for this free event, which can be joined in-person or online via our YouTube channel. Copies of the book can be purchased at https://firestorm.coop/products/23219-the-complete-folk-herbal.html.

#FolkHerbalism #WildPlants #MedicinalForaging #AppalachianFolkMedicine #FeministBookstore #RebeccaBeyer #FirestormCoop (- L)

The anarchist bookfair is kicking off next week! 🏴 And while Firestorm isn't a primary venue this year, we are hosting a welcome table and the first session with local author Blu Buchanan!

Blu, who recently co-edited "Be Gay, Do Crime," an anthology from PM Press, will provide a short talk about the history of radical queer resistance and what it means for us in this particular historical moment. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of the communities boldly rising to challenge capitalism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism. This opening session will be followed by the bookfair's opening night potluck, so bring a dish if you're able (vegan and gluten-free preferred).

More information about our event with Blu and copies of the book can be found at https://firestorm.coop/events/3436-be-gay-do-crime-book-launch.html. Can't make the session in person? We'll be streaming it live on our YouTube channel (no registration required).

Additionally, don't miss PM Press's booth on Saturday alongside 30 other radical publishers and grassroots projects! Bookfair sessions, including numerous presentations related to mutual aid disaster relief and the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, will be running in other locations throughout the day and into Sunday. If you're looking for a chill activity, swing back by Firestorm on Sunday between 11am and 5pm for prison books packaging and political prisoner letter writing.

#BeGayDoCrime #QueerSouth #QueerLiberation #AnotherCarolinaAnarchistBookfair #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

The anarchist bookfair is kicking off next week! 🏴 And while Firestorm isn't a primary venue this year, we are hosting a welcome table and the first session with local author Blu Buchanan!

Blu, who recently co-edited "Be Gay, Do Crime," an anthology from PM Press, will provide a short talk about the history of radical queer resistance and what it means for us in this particular historical moment. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of the communities boldly rising to challenge capitalism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism. This opening session will be followed by the bookfair's opening night potluck, so bring a dish if you're able (vegan and gluten-free preferred).

More information about our event with Blu and copies of the book can be found at https://firestorm.coop/events/3436-be-gay-do-crime-book-launch.html. Can't make the session in person? We'll be streaming it live on our YouTube channel (no registration required).

Additionally, don't miss PM Press's booth on Saturday alongside 30 other radical publishers and grassroots projects! Bookfair sessions, including numerous presentations related to mutual aid disaster relief and the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, will be running in other locations throughout the day and into Sunday. If you're looking for a chill activity, swing back by Firestorm on Sunday between 11am and 5pm for prison books packaging and political prisoner letter writing.

#BeGayDoCrime #QueerSouth #QueerLiberation #AnotherCarolinaAnarchistBookfair #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

At the end of the month Firestorm Books will be hosting journalist and former Black Panther JoNina Abron-Ervin for a virtual conversation with author Robyn Maynard! Together they'll be discussing the new and revised edition of JoNina's "Driven By the Movement," recently released by AK Press.

"Driven by the Movement: Reports from the Black Power Era" collects the stories of twenty ordinary people who did extraordinary things for the Black liberation struggle during the pivotal decade of 1965-1975. These activists came from across the US and all walks of life—single working mothers, clergy, students, teachers, military veterans—to organize against police brutality, poverty, hunger, substandard schools, and colonialism in Africa.

Register for free and find your copy of "Driven by the Movement" at https://firestorm.coop/events/3442-reports-from-the-black-power-era.html. Can't make the event live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording to enjoy at your convenience.

#PeoplesHistory#BlackHistory#BlackPower#BlackPantherParty#FeministBookstore#JoNinaAbronErvin#FirestormCoop (- L)

Is the all-encompassing quest to become a self-sustaining artist worth the sacrifices it often requires? Is art enough?

At the end of the month, we'll wrestle with these questions alongside author and UNC-CH professor of creative nonfiction Stephanie Elizondo Griest, who will be sharing her latest book "Art Above Everything: One Woman's Global Exploration of the Joys and Torments of a Creative Life."

Stephanie, whose books and journalistic writings have taken many awards, is a globetrotting author/activist originally from South Texas. In "Art Above Everything," she draws on interviews with over a hundred artists to offer a a sweeping exploration of the sacrifices women make to pursue their work across borders, disciplines, and decades.

Learn more and find copies of the book on our website at https://firestorm.coop/events/3410-art-above-everything.html

#WomenArtists#ProfessionalArtists#TheCreativeLife#ArtistsAroundTheWorld#FeministBookstore#AvlArt#ArtAboveEverything#FirestormCoop (- L)

On Wednesday, August 13th, Firestorm Books is teaming up with AK Press to host an online event with multidisciplinary artist Rasheedah Phillips, author of a radical new treatise on time, "Dismantling the Master's Clock." Rasheedah will be joined in conversation by geographer and Scalawag founding editor Danielle Purifoy!

In "Dismantling the Master's Clock: On Race, Space, and Time," Rasheedah Phillips unfolds the history of time and its legacy of racial oppression, from colonial exploration and the plantation system to the establishment of Daylight Savings. Yet Black communities have long subverted space-time through such tools of resistance as Juneteenth, tenant organizing, ritual, and time travel. What could Black liberation look like if the past were as changeable as the future?

Register for this free event and find your copy of the book at https://firestorm.coop/events/3429-dismantling-the-masters-clock.html. Can't make the conversation live? Sign up and we'll send you a recording to enjoy at your convenience!

#BlackQuantumFuturism#TemporalJustice#BlackSpeculativeFiction #Temporality#FeministBookstore#DismantlingTheMastersClock#FirestormCoop (- L)

Last year, the book club read & loved Lindsay King-Miller's zombie novel "The Z Word" which is what possessed us jump on this new work of queer exorcism horror. Gretchen Felker-Martin, author of "Manhunt" calls it "a brutal, brilliant story of motherhood, memory, and religion, deviously simple and terribly clever. King-Miller has become one of my must-read authors."

Each meeting of this book club is structured to encourage deep engagement with the themes of the text, as well as facilitate connection among the participants. If you are looking to meet other queer people and/or horror lovers this is the book club for you! This month, we will also be welcoming Lindsay King-Miller for a virtual Q&A for the second half of the book club discussion! So bring all of your questions, your musings, and your religious trauma 🙏

Use promo code YIKES to save 10% at checkout.

https://firestorm.coop/events/3446-skeletons-in-the-closet-queer-horror-book-club.html

#BookClub#QueerHorror#QueerBookstore#FeministBookstore#FirestormCoop (-Esmé)

On Wednesday, August 13th, Firestorm Books is teaming up with AK Press to host an online event with multidisciplinary artist Rasheedah Phillips, author of a radical new treatise on time, "Dismantling the Master's Clock." Rasheedah will be joined in conversation by geographer and Scalawag founding editor Danielle Purifoy!

In "Dismantling the Master's Clock: On Race, Space, and Time," Rasheedah Phillips unfolds the history of time and its legacy of racial oppression, from colonial exploration and the plantation system to the establishment of Daylight Savings. Yet Black communities have long subverted space-time through such tools of resistance as Juneteenth, tenant organizing, ritual, and time travel. What could Black liberation look like if the past were as changeable as the future?

Register for this free event and find your copy of the book at https://firestorm.coop/events/3429-dismantling-the-masters-clock.html. Can't make the conversation live? Sign up and we'll send you a recording to enjoy at your convenience!

#BlackQuantumFuturism#TemporalJustice#BlackSpeculativeFiction #Temporality#FeministBookstore#DismantlingTheMastersClock#FirestormCoop (- L)

Four years ago our co-op had the honor of hosting the launch of AK Press' Black Dawn Series with author adrienne maree brown and series editor Sanina Clark. Now these two incredible dreamers are returning to discuss the powerful conclusion of adrienne's Grievers Trilogy!

In the Grievers books, adrienne tells us the story of how, amidst a mysterious pandemic, the survivors of a ravaged and isolated Detroit find one another a begin to build a future inside the network of deserted skyscrapers. Please join us on Sunday, August 10th to discuss "Ancestors," the third installment in this incredible story of how life blooms amid tragedy and hate! 🌱

You can register for free and find your copy of the books at https://firestorm.coop/events/3444-grievers-maroons-and-ancestors.html. Can't make the event live? Sign up and we'll share a recording of the conversation to enjoy at your convenience!

#GrieversTrilogy#BlackFutures#FeministBookstore#AdrienneMareeBrown#FirestormCoop (- L)

On Monday, August 11th, Firestorm Books will be hosting author Matt Broomfield for an online conversation with scholar Azize Aslan! Together they'll explore Rojava's tireless fight against oppression and how the militant Kurdish movement can help the Western Left relearn its commitment to hope in hopeless times.

Matt's new book published by AK Press, "Hope Without Hope," carries on the long tradition of history, absurdist philosophy, and radical thought that has studied how anti-fascist and anti-colonial movements answer defeat and repression with a revolutionary faith in transformation. Only by understanding this history can we pursue the steadfast work of organizing for long-term revolutionary change in our seemingly hopeless age.

Sign up for this free event and grab a copy of the book at https://firestorm.coop/events/3440-rojava-and-revolutionary-commitment.html. Can't make the event live? We'll send you a video recording to watch at your convenience!

#RojavaRevolution #ypj_💚 #Riseup4Rojava#JinJiyanAzadî#FeministBookstore#FirestormCoop (- L)

On Monday, August 11th, Firestorm Books will be hosting author Matt Broomfield for an online conversation with scholar Azize Aslan! Together they'll explore Rojava's tireless fight against oppression and how the militant Kurdish movement can help the Western Left relearn its commitment to hope in hopeless times.

Matt's new book published by AK Press, "Hope Without Hope," carries on the long tradition of history, absurdist philosophy, and radical thought that has studied how anti-fascist and anti-colonial movements answer defeat and repression with a revolutionary faith in transformation. Only by understanding this history can we pursue the steadfast work of organizing for long-term revolutionary change in our seemingly hopeless age.

Sign up for this free event and grab a copy of the book at https://firestorm.coop/events/3440-rojava-and-revolutionary-commitment.html. Can't make the event live? We'll send you a video recording to watch at your convenience!

#RojavaRevolution #ypj_💚 #Riseup4Rojava#JinJiyanAzadî#FeministBookstore#FirestormCoop (- L)