Community Read 2023

black background with teal border with picture of Arsenic and Adobo book and author, Mia P. Manansal


Join the San Leandro Public Library's 2023 Community Read! We will be reading Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. The first book in a new culinary cozy mystery series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer. 

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case. 

 Events will include book discussions, book inspired programming and an author discussion with Mia P. Manansala! 

We are now out of free copies of the book! Please check for digital copies on Libby or Overdrive or place a hold on one of our physical copies. All are welcome to join us for the Read and Weave events and author visit. 


Community Read 2023 Programs

  • Book Discussion
    Saturday, May 6, 10:30 AM
    Main Library
    Please register at the Main Library Info Desk or call 510-577-3971 
    Light refreshments will be provided. 

  • Read and Weave with Rachel LozadoPicture of event where people are weaving
    Wednesday, May 10 @ 6:00 pm
    Manor Library
    All are welcome, no registration necessary. 
    Enjoy a wonderful introduction to traditional Ilocano weaving with local first-generation, Filipina/Ilocana weaver Rachel Lozada. All ages/levels of experience are invited to learn about Filipino weaving. Try your hand at this traditional art, and also learn a bit about the cultural impact of the Filipino Diaspora. Join us at this special community program in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and The San Leandro Library's Community Read, "Arsenic and Adobo" by Mia P. Manansala. Guests will receive a free halo halo (loosely translated: mix mix), a colorfully sweet, icy, and traditional Filipino meryenda (translated: snack), while supplies last. 
  • Book Discussion
    Monday, May 15, 6:00 pm
    Fieldwork Brewery: 100A W Juana Ave, San Leandro
    Please register at the Main Library Info Desk or call 510-577-3971 

  • Read and Weave with Rachel Lozado
    Saturday, May 20 @ 2:00 pm
    Main Library     
    All are welcome, no registration necessary. 
    Enjoy a wonderful introduction to traditional Ilocano weaving with local first-generation, Filipina/Ilocana weaver Rachel Lozada. All ages/levels of experience are invited to learn about Filipino weaving. Try your hand at this traditional art, and also learn a bit about the cultural impact of the Filipino Diaspora. Join us at this special community program in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and The San Leandro Library's Community Read, "Arsenic and Adobo" by Mia P. Manansala. Guests will receive a free halo halo (loosely translated: mix mix), a colorfully sweet, icy, and traditional Filipino meryenda (translated: snack), while supplies last. 
  • Book Discussion with Prof.  Dr Lilyann Villaraza
    Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 pm
    Main Library
    Please register at the Main Library Info Desk or call 510-577-3971 
    Join us for this special book discussion led by Dr. Lilyann Villaraza, Chair of the Philippine Studies Department for City College of San Francisco and big fan of the book! She will lead the discussion and share her insights on themes of the book. Light refreshments will be provided. 

  • Meet the Author: Discussion with Mia P. ManansalaHeadshot of Mia P. Manansala with a blue dress looking at the camera
    Thursday, June 1st @ 6:30 PM
    Main Library, Karp Room
    No Registration Necessary
    Come meet the author of our community read book, Mia P. Manansala! Mia (she/her) is a writer and certified book coach from Chicago who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. She is the author of the multi-award-winning Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, and uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture. She will speak about her book series and her writing process and take questions from the audience. Mia will also be available to sign books.