Classes-Calendar

BOOK PASSAGE CLASSES

Summer & Fall 2023 Classes

Book Passage is offering dozens of exciting classes in several categories.

Please click on any category below or scroll down to browse the catalog.
Any questions, email classes@bookpassage.com

To view the classes by date, please click here for a calendar view .

 

        

 


 

ARTS & CULTURE


AI for Amateurs
Instructor: Nina Schulyer 

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping nearly everything in our world, including business, medicine, creative work, and education? What does it all mean? Join writer Nina Schuyler as she leads this exploration into how we got here, where we are now, and where we might be headed. READ MORE


DATE: October 6
           1 Friday
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


The Female Brain through the Lifespan
Instructor: Louann Brizendine

Join bestselling author and neuropsychiatrist Dr. Louann Brizendine for a deep dive into the female brain. Discover the inner-working, possibilities, and opportunities that women are offered over their lifetimes. READ MORE
 


DATE: September 30
           1 Saturday

TIME: 10:30AM-1:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Race and the Constitution - COMING 2024
Instructor: Joel Richard Paul  

Join Joel Paul, a constitutional law professor and author, for a lively wide-ranging discussion of the legal struggle for racial justice in our country. READ MORE


DATES: Jan 20 - Feb 10, 2024
             4 Saturdays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


ART HISTORY


Impressionism: The International Movement
Instructor: Kerrin Meis   

We are familiar with Impressionism in France and how artists took up painting en plein-air to capture the fleeting moment. In this class, Kerrin Meis will show us how artists in other countries outside of France embraced the same idea with gorgeous results, reflecting the particular light, landscape and traditions of their country. READ MORE


DATES: September 22 & 29
             2 Fridays
TIME: 1PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Les Nabis - Prophets of Modernism
Instructor: Kerrin Meis   

In 1889 a group of artists calling themselves Nabis (the Hebrew word for Prophets) abandoned Impressionism and Academic painting calling for a new art. This class will study their works and learn of their supporters: poets, critics and journalists, and how their committment to Art as Decoration abolished the difference between Art and Craft and - we could say - returned painting to its origins on walls. READ MORE


DATES: October 6 & 13
             2 Fridays
TIME: 1PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

BOOK GROUPS


Contemporary Jewish American Fiction
Instructor: Alex Ullman   

What makes a novel "contemporary," "Jewish" or "American" today? Writer and educator Alex Ullman will guide this dive into the contemporary Jewish novel, exploring identity, assimilation, language, history, and also the ways all these themes are challenged by current literary voices. READ MORE
 

 

DATES: Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12
Second Tuesday of the Month
TIME: 5PM-6:30PM

LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


Contemporary Classics
Instructor: Jennifer Carson  

Writer and professional book group facilitator Jennifer Carson will lead this group in reading recent literary fiction with exceptional promise. With a diverse selection of inspiring of voices, Jennifer aims to facilitate stimulating, engaged, and elevated discussions that bring forth fresh insights about each month’s book. READ MORE
 

 

DATES: Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12
Second Tuesday of the Month
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera

 REGISTER HERE 


Mysteries Abroad
Instructor: Luisa Smith

There is no better way to learn about a country than to explore the parts that are hidden from most tourists - the hidden streets and alleyways where crimes occur, following the investigators unique to each locale. Join editor Luisa Smith on a thrilling tour of the world through crime fiction. READ MORE
 

 

DATES: Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 7
Second Thursday of the Month
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Travel Literature - COMING 2024
Instructor: Michael Shapiro (with appearances by the books' authors)

This book group will review modern classics from four titans of travel literature. The books' authors wil be joining the group discussions! Led by author and longtime Book Passage Travel Writers Conference faculty, Michael Shapiro, the group will explore best-sellers and lesser known but equally rewarding books from these masters of the genre. READ MORE
 

 

DATES:  Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9, Apr 13
Second Saturday of the Month
TIME: 10:15AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: 
Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

LANGUAGE CLASSES


Blossoming Into French
Instructor: Claude Convers

If the idea to explore the French language through conversation and creative writing is bringing sparks to your eyes, this workshop is for you. Join Claude Convers, a coach and teacher specializing in increasing joy, curiosity, and creativity through the French language and take your written and spoken French to the next level. READ MORE
 


DATES: October 21 & 28
             2 Saturdays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Hebrew: Modern Conversational 1 - COMING 2024
Instructor: Tikva Farber

In this conversational Hebrew course we will develop basic speaking skills through dialogues and vocabulary. Throughout the course students will develop fluency and accuracy in speaking, communicating and interacting at a beginner Hebrew level. READ MORE


DATES: Jan 16 - Mar 19, 2024
             10 Tuesdays

TIME: 1:00PM-2:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Hebrew: Reading 1 - COMING 2024
Instructor: Tikva Farber

Learn to decode the Hebrew alef-bet! Being able to read Hebrew fluently is the foundation for all successful Hebrew language learning. Students of all ages and levels will master reading Hebrew in Hebrew with regular daily practice in this comprehensive course. READ MORE


DATES: Jan 16 - Mar 19, 2024
             10 Tuesdays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Italian: Beginner 1
Instructor: Valentina Medda

Join Valentina for a fun and communicative introduction to the Italian language. You will start from the basics, learning and practicing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. READ MORE


DATES: Sep 7 - Oct 26
             8 Thursdays

TIME: 1:30PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Italian: Beginner 2
Instructor: Valentina Medda

For students continuing from Beginner 1. Join Valentina for a fun and communicative introduction to the Italian language. READ MORE


DATES: Sep 8 - Oct 27
             8 Fridays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Italian: Intermediate
Instructor: Wendy Walsh

Join teacher Wendy Walsh for a class for intermediate Italian students. Note: this class takes place online via Zoom. READ MORE


DATES: Sep 19 - Nov 7
             8 Tuesdays

TIME: 9:00AM-10:30PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


Italian: Advanced
Instructor: Wendy Walsh

Join teacher Wendy Walsh for a continuing class for advanced Italian students. Note: this class takes place online via Zoom. READ MORE


DATES: Sep 28 - Nov 16
             8 Thursdays

TIME: 9:00AM-10:30PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


Spanish: Beginner 1 
Instructor: Victoria Einhorn  

Join Victoria Einhorn for a continuing introduction to Spanish, for new and former students. You will learn the basics of the language through reading, writing, addressing grammar and responding to written text. READ MORE
 


DATES: Sep 13 - Nov 1
             8 Wednesays
TIME: 10:30AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Spanish: Beginner 2 
Instructor: Victoria Einhorn  

Join Victoria Einhorn for a continuing introduction to Spanish, for new and former students. You will learn the basics of the language through reading, writing, addressing grammar and responding to written text. READ MORE

 

DATES: Sep 11 - Oct 30
             8 Mondays
TIME: 10:30AM-12PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

LIFESTYLE


Organizing in October
Various Instructors

Register for all four organizing classes in our October series: Getting Organized 101, Declutter Your Camera Roll, Managing Paper in a Digital World, Rehoming Your Stuff. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: October 5, 12, 19, 26
             4 Thursdays
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Getting Organized 101
Instructor: Liza Algar

For the first in our Organizing in October series, join Liza Algar, Certified Professional Organizer, to learn more about the nuts and bolts of organization. READ MORE

 

DATES: October 5
             1 Thursday
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Declutter Your Camera Roll: How to Organize Photos on Your iPhone
Instructor: Laura Barker
Are you overwhelmed with the ever-increasing mass of photos on your iPhone? In this class, photographer and photo curator Laura Barker will show you how to declutter and organize the photos on your iPhone so you can easily find, enjoy and share them. READ MORE

 

DATES: October 12
             1 Thursday
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


A Deep Dive into iPhone Camera and Photography
Instructors: Susan & Neil Silverman
Want to become a pro with your smartphone camera? This hands-on workshop will set you on that path. Combining discussion and demonstration with the iPhone Camera, Susan and Neil Silverman will share their photography experience with you. READ MORE

 

DATES: October 14
             1 Saturday
TIME: 10:30AM-2:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Managing Paper in a Digital World
Instructor: Lucy Wald
Do you struggle with accumulating piles of paper that never seem to stop growing? This class is for you! Professional organizer Lucy Milligan Wahl will walk you, step-by-step, through the exact process she uses with her clients to create a system to stop you from drowning in paper. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: October 19
             1 Thursday
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Rehoming Your Stuff: Finding the Next Highest Good for Your Unwanted Items
Instructor: Lauren Winters West

Led by Lauren Winters West, founder and chief expert organizer of Next Highest Good Professional Organizing, this interactive class will offer creative ways to rethink, reframe and rehome your unwanted items. READ MORE

 

DATES: October 26
             1 Thursday

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Travel Photography with your iPhone
Instructor: Susan & Neil Silverman

Join us in discovering and mastering the potential of your iPhone Camera. Whether your trip is to an exotic location, a family gathering, a social event, or just to the local farmers’ market, you can fill your albums and memories with strong, vibrant images! READ MORE

 

DATES: December 9
             1 Saturday

TIME: 10:30AM-2:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

WRITING CLASSES

WRITING

 

From Moments to Memoir
Instructor: Judy Reeves

Our lives are filled with moments, large and small, from which we emerge a different person. The memoir is made up of such moments, one revealed and then another, as the memoirist seeks answers. In this workshop, we’ll embark on expeditions to discover, uncover, and recover those moments of change in our lives. READ MORE

 


DATES: December 2
            1 Saturday
TIME: 2PM-5:00PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

Humor Writing Workshop: The Truth is Often Funny
Instructor: Jenny Jedeikin

Discover your authentically humorous voice in this engaging workshop from master humor writer Jenny Jedeikin. The two-hour class will focus on personal narrative writing, aiming to explore and cultivate material for a comedic essay through a series of generative writing exercises. READ MORE

 


DATES: November 4
            1 Saturday
TIME: 2PM-4:00PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Interiority Complex: How to Create Authenticity on the Page
Instructor: Britta Stromeyer Esmail

Join author and our prompt-writing instructor, Britta Stromeyer-Esmail, in exploring the art of discovery and delving into the power of meaningful storytelling. Study various craft techniques and explore writing exercises as gateways to authenticity on the page, whether real, fictional, or poetic. READ MORE

DATES: October 7
            1 Saturday

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

The Memoir Series
Instructor: Connie Josefs

We all have life stories to tell. But how do we write about our lives in a way that will engage a reader? This series focuses on the craft of writing memoir. Each class provides concrete tools and strategies for transforming memory into compelling narrative. Format includes reading, discussion and writing exercises. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: Oct 7 - 28
             4 Saturdays
TIME: 10AM-1PM
LOCATION: O
nline via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

 

 

Time and Narration
Instructor: Nina Schulyer

Unlike other mediums, writing knows how to treat time. It lets it behave the way it is, allowing it to rush forward or backward, compress or elongate. Explore the dimension of time in published examples as well as your own writing with novelist Nina Schuyler. READ MORE

 


DATES: September 23
             1 Saturday
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store & Online via Zoom
 REGISTER HERE 
 

Time to Write! An Online Prompt Writing Workshop (October session: Online)
Instructor: Britta Stromeyer Esmail

Let's make time to write together! Instructor Britta Stromeyer Esmail leads you in a series of rapid fire writing prompts to connect you to your creative mind and get the words flowing. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: October 3
             1 Tuesday

TIME: 5:00PM-7:00PM
LOCATION: O
nline via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

 


Why Write, What to Write, and How to Write
Instructor: Anne Lamott

Join Anne Lamott in this archived workshop from May 2023. Whether it’s your first or you’ve never missed one, you will walk away with new information and inspiration. READ MORE

 

VIDEO ARCHIVE
LOCATION: Online via YouTube

 PURCHASE HERE 


Write About Your Life in a Comic Strip (No drawing involved!)
Instructor: Jenny Jedeikin

Discover your authentically funny voice in this engaging workshop, where you will be led through a series of generative writing exercises to create a personal comic strip, using words and pictures from your every day life. READ MORE


DATES: October 26 - November 16
             4 Thursdays
TIME: 5PM-7PM
LOCATION: 
Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


Writing Picture Books: The Rules (and How to Break Them) 
Instructor: Monica Wesolowska

In this class, you will learn some of the rules for writing a picture book for publication today. You will also be encouraged to play around with those rules, unleashing your own unique creativity.  READ MORE
 

DATES: November 5
             1 Sunday
TIME: 2:00PM-5:00PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Writing The Killer Crime Novel
or How to Increase Your Odds of Getting Published
Instructor: Joe Ide

Author of the award-winning and bestselling IQ series, Joe Ide, joins Book Passage for this one-night course covering all the fundamentals needed to write and publish the perfect crime novel. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: October 17
             1 Tuesday
TIME: 6:00PM-7:15PM

LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


Writing Your Family History
Instructor: Laurel Hilton

Writing about your family history is complex. Where do you begin? Do you need primary sources to write about your ancestors? When do you stop the research and start the writing? In this class you will learn how to think of your ancestors, living relatives or even yourself as characters in a fascinating narrative. Join author and genealogist Laurel Hilton to learn more. READ MORE

 


DATES: September 26 - November 14
             8 Tuesdays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


Your Story, Well ToldStorytelling Workshop with the Host of "The Moth" 
Instructor: Corey Rosen

Author and Storyteller Corey Rosen (host of The Moth, BATS Improv, Author of "Your Story, Well Told") helps you to uncover your best stories, develop them in a safe and supportive environment, and then perform them in a free LIVE showcase for friends and family. READ MORE
 

 

DATES: September 19 - October 17
             5 Tuesdays
TIME: 1:30PM-4:30PM

SHOWCASE: Saturday October 21 - 4PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


PUBLISHING


The Business of Kids' Publishing - COMING 2024
Instructor: Mat Heagerty

You have written a children’s book… now what? Join Mat Heagerty, children’s book writer, to guide you through the wild world of getting your book published. READ MORE

 

DATES: TBD
             1 session

TIME: TBD
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 


How to Get Your Book Published
Instructor: John J. Geoghegan

This workshop is designed to help aspiring authors improve their chance of getting their memoir, novel, or non-fiction book considered for publication by a reputable literary agent, acquisitions editor, or publisher. READ MORE

 

 

DATES: September 30
             1 Saturday
TIME: 12PM-3PM
LOCATION: Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


YOUTH CLASSES


Write On! Creative Writing for Middle-Schoolers - COMING 2024
Instructor: Laurel Hilton

Writing can be fun and inclusive for middle schoolers! Join Laurel in this afterschool class to explore the art of creative writing from a fresh perspective. READ MORE

 

DATES: January 2024
             8 sessions

TIME: TBD
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

Questions about Book Passage classes? Contact: classes@bookpassage.com