Join us to celebrate the launch of Tom McAllister’s new book, How to Be Safe: A Novel. Described as a cross between We Need to Talk about Kevin and Dept. of Speculation, the novel contends with sexism and gun violence as it explores one woman’s furious grappling with the repercussions of small-town tragedy. Kirkus Reviews notes that “McAllister is a brave and stylish writer, and Anna is a singular creation... Intensely smart. Sharply written.”

The program will feature Tom in conversation with fellow Temple University Associate Professor and Book Fight! podcast co-host Mike Ingram, and a reading from How to Be Safe.

Tom McAllister is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the First Year Writing Program at Temple University. His memoir, Bury Me in My Jersey, was published by Villard in 2010 and his first novel, The Young Widower’s Handbook, was published in 2017 by Algonquin. Tom’s shorter work has appeared in numerous publications, including The Best American Nonrequired Reading, Hobart, and Black Warrior Review. He also co-hosts the weekly Book Fight! podcast, and lives in New Jersey.

This program is part of the Libraries' Beyond the Page public programming series. More at library.temple.edu/beyondthepage.