CL columnist Thomas Hallock releases book and signature beer with free Monday night reading

For Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, Dr. Thomas Hallock is one-half of a columnist duo that invites readers to explore the Bay area’s “City Wilds,” and while the author and professor at University of South Florida’s St. Pete campus is a rock star in my eyes, his new book of essays and poems is a reminder that even our brilliant friends struggle.

Juxtaposed to its title, “Happy Neighborhood” is built around challenges Hallock faces as a father, spouse and son. Inside, he grapples with the political pitfalls of loving Florida, breaking cycles in parenthood, and infidelity, but also the thoughts that run through someone’s head while cooking and walking the dog around St. Pete.

Where Hallock lands at the end of it all is a simple place: gratitude.

That sentiment will be the hallmark of this intimate book release featuring not just a slew of talented poets and spoken word artists—including Gregory Byrd, Miesha Brunridge, JoEllen Schilke and more—but “Hoppy Neighborhood,” a special signature tangerine IPA from Big Storm Brewing Co.

And yes, the evening will be hosted by me, because I admire Hallock, but also because it’s the least I could do to repay him and Dr. Amanda Hagood for all the brilliant work they’ve given to CL readers.

There’s no cover for ‘Hoppy Neighborhood’: ‘Happy Neighborhood’ book release happening Monday, Oct. 23 inside Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg, located at  2153 1st Ave. S.  Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

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This article appears in Oct 12-18, 2023.