Cupertino Library hosts ‘Unlikely Animals’ author for book discussion

‘Unlikely’ author

Annie Hartnett, author of “Unlikely Animals,” will discuss her inspiration for the novel, one of this year’s Silicon Valley Reads selections, on Jan. 17, 4-5 p.m., at the Cupertino Library.

The novel follows Emma Starling as she returns to her New Hampshire hometown to care for her dying father and is drawn into a community grappling with crisis, loss and disconnection. Through her search for a missing friend and reconnection with family, Emma finds unexpected connections between generations.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4jvBBzF.

‘Psychology Tonight’ concert

Saratoga Symphony is playing a free concert on Jan. 17 at the West Valley Presbyterian Church in Cupertino.

The symphony is led by music director Jason Klein. The program for “Psychology Tonight” features “Valse Chevaleresque” and Symphony No. 4 by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and Piano Concerto No. 2 by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Tamami Honma is the guest pianist.

Although the concert is free, the symphony is accepting donations. West Valley Presbyterian Church is at 6191 Bollinger Road, Cupertino.

Virtual author talk

Silicon Valley Reads is hosting two virtual author talks on Jan. 22 with Kelly Yang, who wrote “Front Desk,” this year’s selection for middle grade readers.

Based on the author’s real-life experience, Yang’s award-winning novel illustrates this year’s Silicon Valley Reads theme “Bridges to Belonging.” “Front Desk” follows 10-year-old Mia Tang, a recent Chinese immigrant whose family manages a rundown motel in California. While facing poverty, racism and the unfairness of the American Dream, Mia takes on the role of front desk manager, but her real job is building a community.

To register for Yang’s 9 a.m. virtual talk, visit https://bit.ly/4qGy2sS. Registration for the 4 p.m. event is to https://bit.ly/44ZpwwR

For a complete schedule of Silicon Valley Reads events, visit siliconvalleyreads.org.