“We Were the Universe” with Hermitage Fellow Kimberly King Parsons, Friday, June 28, 6pm: From the author of the short story collection Black Light (National Book Award longlist) comes the highly anticipated debut novel We Were the Universe. Set in Texas and through the stream-of-consciousness narration from Kit, Hermitage Fellow Kimberly King Parsons “has created a character so appealing in her cheerful brokenness that you won’t want to leave her side for a minute.” (Kirkus Review) From trips to Oregon to acid trips, life, death, and rock ’n roll, Parsons’ remarkable style has readers turning pages and discovering entirely new frames of mind. Hear selections of the novel read by this Hermitage author and dive into conversation about the writing process in Bookstore1’s intimate loft space. Presented in partnership with Bookstore1. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org ($5/person registration fee). Bookstore1, 117 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236