Writers Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt and Alice Albinia both write about their journeys and, appropriately enough, met in India while travelling. A mutual acquaintance suggested that Sharifa contact Alice and one day, despite not being in the habit of contacting strangers, she called Alice. They’ve been friends ever since, and joined together to read from their respective works at True Story: The KGB Bar's Nonfiction Reading Series. 

In keeping with the spirit of their friendship, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves to a stranger sitting near them before she began reading from her upcoming book, Harlem is Nowhere (2011; Little, Brown & Company).  The second half of the reading features Alice Albinia, reading from her book Empire of the Indus.

Stream the reading for free here.

Bon Mots

Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt on the power of conversation: “The rhythm of speech is a password. Shared laughter sweeps you across the threshold.”

Alice Albinia on the Indus: “In a land where it seldom rains, a river is as precious as gold. Water is potent. It trickles through human dreams, permeates lives, dictates agriculture, religion and warfare.’

True Story: The KGB Bar's Nonfiction Reading Series is on hiatus through September. Check out their Facebook page for more information.