Book Launch: Sin Against the Race, a novel

Come celebrate the publication of Sin Against the Race, a new novel by Oakland-based writer Gar McVey-Russell.

Sin Against the Race follows the coming out journey of Alfonso Rutherford Berry III, son of a city councilman and grandson of the state’s first African American legislator. During his journey, Alfonso makes new friends, finds love, and discovers his own voice. Written in taut prose steeped in history and current events–and seasoned with the blues–Sin Against the Race follows the coming-of-age journey of a young black gay man as he progresses from an invisible councilman’s son to a formidable presence in his community.

The author will read from the book, take questions, and sign copies. Come and mingle in a haze of jazz and the delicious wine, beer, and food offered by Octopus Literary Salon.

About the author: Gar began writing early in life, but thought he wanted to be an astronomer. (He also thought he was straight. Go figure.)

At UCLA, he co-created a left-leaning paper called Free Association. He also wrote commentaries for The Daily Bruin and feature articles for the LGBTQ newsmagazine Ten Percent, for which he received an award.

He began fiction writing in the early 90s. His work has appeared in Sojourner: Black Gay Voices in the Age of AIDS (1993), and other publications.

Gar is married and lives in Oakland, California.