The Bay Area Driving Tour featuring Tommy Orange & Kaveh Akbar

Welcome to The Bay Area Driving Tour featuring Tommy Orange & Kaveh Akbar! Join us for an exciting in-person event at Underground Books

Tommy and Kaveh’s friendship began when Kaveh hosted Tommy for a reading at his school. A misheard book title—Space Struck mistaken for Space Truck—sparked a playful creative exchange, leading to a tradition of swapping work every Friday with enthusiastic “cheernotes.” Over time, their poetry turned into prose, shaping their respective novels.

Bonded by a “same brain” connection, they share a love for basketball, running, dogs, and frozen mangoes. Tommy, a longtime admirer of Kaveh’s poetry, credits him with inspiring his own journey into the form. Their friendship continues to grow, rooted in mutual admiration and creativity.

Host or Publisher Underground Books