Mysterious Galaxy Birthday Bash

As of May 8, Mysterious Galaxy has achieved 25 years of Martians, murder, magic, mayhem and more through curation and community. When we opened our doors to readers in 1993, it was to a different world. We opened in a building in Clairemont Square that no longer exists. No one was on the internet per se (except for futurecasters like Vernor Vinge). There was no Harry Potter. The Los Angeles Times had not held an annual Festival of Books. Approximately 22,000 people attended Comic-Con the previous summer (at which Vernor was a guest of honor). Mobile phones existed, but not smartphones. Urban fantasy had yet to establish itself as a significant subgenre. Looking back from 2018, that time seems simultaneously both unfathomably distant, and just moments ago. This adventure has been marked along the way by the thousands of books inscribed by authors, passionate recommendations to readers, and support from family, friends, and publishing partners, near and far, but especially the Mysterious Galaxy booksellers who share the magic of books every day with our loyal readers. We wouldn’t be here without you. – Maryelizabeth

Maryelizabeth and I have been business partners for over 25 years. It has been an amazing journey for the two of us ... We have journeyed our way through events, staff changes, book festivals, personal moves, industry events, meetings, book piles, website building, cons, store moves, marriages, book reviews, and many, many new friends. We have loved most of the moments and have a hard time believing that they have added up to 25 years in this business. Although we have guided much of the activity and growth of Mysterious Galaxy, the real work is done every day by dedicated staff, supported by customers who are devoted to our mission and love books as much as we do. We are truly blessed to be in this business and we thank you for the honor of being your favorite book- store for 25 years. – Terry

We both hope that you will join us for a day of celebration that includes: Dozens of authors – both authors with new works, and legacy authors who have been a part of our continuing story (Note: There are sure to be many more Legacy Authors sharing this day with us than were confirmed at our publication deadline), multiple cakes, commemorative 25 year pins and t-shirts, and much much more as we head into our second quarter century!

The schedule for the day:

10:00 AM: Coffee Cake
The first cake of the day! Join us for a morning treat, and photo opportunities, as Terry and Maryelizabeth reflect on the journey that began on May 8, 1993, our first customers, and what the future holds.

10:30 AM: Kids Authors

11:30 AM : Middle Grade & Young Adult Authors 

12:30 PM: Cake #1
Enjoy a slice of cake while viewing electronic birthday greetings from Legacy Authors who are not able to attend the Birthday Bash in person.

1:00 PM: Mystery Authors, Volume I

2:00 PM: SFF Authors, Volume I

3:00 PM: Cake #2 and Mystery Authors, Volume II

4:00 PM: SFF Authors, Volume II

Please note, the following signings are ticketed:

• Sylvain Neuvel