The Inner Loop's June Reading

Whether you're a bookworm, an inspiring writer, or just enjoy listening to stories, The Inner Loop readings have something for everyone! Join us at Shaw's Tavern on June 23rd at 7pm for The Inner Loop's June Reading featuring Lauren Francis-Sharma alongside nine other local readers in poetry, nonfiction, and fiction! Our mission is to create an inclusive writing community in DC, so we encourage you to grab some food, a drink, and meet other literature lovers. We can't wait to see you there!

Learn more about our featured reader:

Lauren Francis-Sharma, a Pushcart nominated writer, is the author of , a 2020 finalist for the Hurston/Wright Award in Fiction. Her critically acclaimed first novel, was awarded the Honor Fiction Prize by the Black Caucus of the ALA. Her third novel, , a finalist for the 2025 Caricon Prize, has been named a 2025 “Books to Read” by NPR, and was inspired by her time at South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Amnesty Hearings. Lauren has also written the new introduction to the latest edition of the classic South African novel, Cry, the Beloved Country. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan Law School, and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. Lauren serves on the board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation and is the Assistant Director of Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.

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