The Wiwi Jam may have sold out earlier this year, but there’s still a lot of Eurovision love to be had in Liverpool. On May 10 — from 18:30 until 20:00 — Waterstones Liverpool is hosting a very special book event with our very own William Lee Adams and fellow Eurovision author Chris West. They’ll be in conversation and you can be in the audience.
Their books approach Eurovision from two totally different angles, but both authors share a love of the contest and an interest in the social, political and cultural cleavages it reflects.
Tickets are £5 for general admission and £4 for Waterstones members. We’ll have copies of our books on hand. You can also order the titles from Waterstones.
You can get your tickets here.
“Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision” (out May 9)
“Eurovision! A History of Modern Europe Through the World’s Greatest Song Contest”
“Do you think the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, with its crazy props, even crazier dancers, and crazier still songs has nothing to do with serious European politics? Think again. The contest has been a mirror for cultural, social, and political developments in Europe ever since its inauguration, when an audience in dinner jackets and ball gowns politely applauded each song. It has been a voice of rebellion across the Iron Curtain, an inspiration for new European nations in the 1990s and 2000s, the voice of liberation for both sexual and regional minorities. It even once triggered a national revolution.
“Eurovision! charts both the history of Europe and the history of the Eurovision Song Contest over the last six decades, and shows how seamlessly they interlink — and what an amazing journey it has been.”
Would it be possible to order both books to Australia? Your story is very empowering and inspiring William, Eurovision has been such a beacon of hope for many over the years! Wish I could be at the event
Thank you so much, Claude, and well said about hope! Blackwells ships to Australia FREE OF CHARGE, which is incredible. Wishing you a fantastic Eurovision!
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Wild-Dances-by-William-Lee-Adams/9781662601576
Watching one of William’s YouTube videos definitely helped to get me through a very dark time in my life 10 years ago, and I have been commenting on Wiwibloggs ever since then. I really want to be at this event, though the logistics of that day might be too difficult. If I were to miss this one, will there be another such event? Thank you. x
Thank you, Purple Mask! There is at least one other book event scheduled for Liverpool and I’ll hopefully be able to confirm the date soon. Would be great to see you in person after reading your many insightful comments over the years 🙂
Wow
Your story seems very moving William. I had no idea about the difficulties you faced growing up. I have a lot of respect for you not only for what you’ve achieved but that you seem to be a really nice and happy person. I hope your book becomes a bestseller!
Thank you so much, Trocatroc! I feel like I’ve been through an entire 10 years of therapy in one year hahaha. Wishing you a happy Eurovision 2023 season!
Thank you so much. It was only while writing this that I fully understood the factors that led me here. Our passions and interests shape us, but our circumstances often lead us to those passions and interests in the first place!
#WiwiBookClub
Let’s do this!
Have already ordered William’s book a while ago and I can’t wait to get it soon!
I didn’t know there were even more Eurovision books – might as well purchase Chris’ book!
Have a great time there guys!
That’s really kind of you, Roy! Thank you very much. And it’s great you can support Chris too. After all, reading is fundamental!