"Sorry, Bro" Book Celebration with Taleen Voskuni

GALAS, Abril Books and the Poetic Research Bureau are hosting a celebration event for Sorry, Bro - a romantic comedy novel published by Penguin Random House (Berkley imprint), written by Taleen Voskuni.

In Sorry Bro, an Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni. Since its release in January 2023, the book has stolen the hearts of readers worldwide, with its celebration of Armenian culture and a story of authenticity and courage.

The event will feature:

• A reading from the book by Taleen Voskuni
• A discussion about the book's themes and inspirations plus Q&A from the audience
• A book signing
• Copies of Sorry Bro available for sale through Abril Books
• Interactive elements from the book, celebrating Armenian culture
• Light refreshments of traditional Armenian desserts

RSVP is required for attendance. The exact location will be sent to those who RSVP, 24 hours before the event.

This is a family friendly event and attendees of all ages are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Official book synopsis:

When Nareh Bedrossian’s non-Armenian boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes to her in front of a room full of drunk San Francisco tech boys, she realizes it’s time to find someone who shares her idea of romance.

Enter her mother: armed with plenty of mom-guilt and a spreadsheet of Facebook-stalked Armenian men, she convinces Nar to attend Explore Armenia, a month-long series of events in the city. But it’s not the mom-approved playboy doctor or the wealthy engineer who catch Nar’s eye—it’s Erebuni, a woman as immersed in the witchy arts as she is in preserving Armenian identity. Suddenly, with Erebuni as her wingwoman, the events feel like far less of a chore, and much more of an adventure. Who knew cooking up kuftes together could be so . . . sexy?

Erebuni helps Nar see the beauty of their shared culture and makes her feel understood in a way she never has before. But there’s one teeny problem: Nar’s not exactly out as bisexual. The clock is ticking on her double life—the Explore Armenia closing banquet is coming up, and her entire extended family will be there, along with Erebuni. Her worlds will inevitably collide, but Nar is determined to be brave and to claim her happiness.

Trade reviews:

“Here, since Explore Armenia was so central to the plot, Voskuni fills the book with details about food, history, dances, songs, etiquette, stereotypes, politics and even artistic motifs…The overall effect is celebratory and defiant, and it pairs beautifully with Nar’s journey to fully accept who she is.”—The New York Times Book Review

“With this radiantly ravishing debut, Voskuni beautifully illustrates the courage it can take to be your own true self and risk everything for love.”—Booklist, starred review

"Voskuni debuts with a bighearted queer rom-com uniquely inflected with Armenian American culture...This is a treat."—Publishers Weekly

"Featuring a slow-burn, chemistry-driven relationship, this book also beautifully depicts and celebrates Armenian culture and traditions throughout the story."—Library Journal

About the author:

Taleen Voskuni is an Armenian-American writer who grew up in the Bay Area diaspora surrounded by a rich Armenian community and her ebullient family. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in English and currently lives in San Francisco, working in tech. Other than a newfound obsession with writing romcoms, she spends her free time cultivating her kids, her garden, and her dark chocolate addiction. Sorry, Bro is her first published novel.