About this Event
New York Times contributor Priyanka Mattoo joins us to discuss the refreshingly funny and sparklingly astute “How to Be Less Useful: The Joy of Inefficiency.” She’ll be joined in conversation by Godmothers co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh.
Think about what we choose to cut out or overlook as we approach the deep end of adulthood: Dessert. Naps. Pretty underwear. Sweaty dancing. “Pointless” hangs with the people we love most. And then, activities that used to be fun somehow lose their luster, usually in the decade between thirty and forty: summer vacation (exhaustion), stay-in-touch texting (bandwidth), finding the perfect restaurant (the algorithm).
When did our lives become entirely about efficiency and optimization?
Priyanka Mattoo shares her journey toward being less useful, delivering life lessons without an ounce of preachiness or pressure. She looks at where pleasure begins and what it serves. Did you know karaoke can cure a stomachache? Or that Paddington Bear is a stealth lifestyle guru? Or that nobody actually asked you to do that labor-intensive thing you begrudgingly did? With self-deprecating humor, devastating insight, and bracing honesty, Priyanka shows us how to step out of the grind as a friend, as a partner, even as a parent, and welcome joy back into our lives without burning it all down.
What if, instead of being useful, we could all learn how to be happier, lighter, more present, more engaged?
- - - - -
Please note: Out of respect for our authors and other guests—and to ensure everyone's safety—the front door will be locked 15 minutes after the event starts.
- - - - -
This is a ticketed event.
TICKET OPTIONS INCLUDE:
// TICKET + BOOK includes one entry + one copy of the book, which will be handed out at check-in the night of the event.
// TICKET ONLY includes one entry.
// OPENING ACT tickets are lower-priced spots for early birds. They’re limited in number, and when they’re gone, they’re gone, so get them while they last.
Additional copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
- - - - -
PUBLIC NOTICE & CONSENT By entering Godmothers, you agree to the following: You are entering an area where photography, audio and video livestreaming and/or recording may occur. | Your entry and presence on our premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed (including live-streamed), and/or otherwise recorded. | We may release, exhibit, or reproduce any and all recordings of your appearance, voice, biographical information and name for any purpose whatsoever in all media, whether now known or hereafter created, throughout the universe in all languages in perpetuity, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising and in the distribution, exploitation, advertising, promotion and publicity thereof. | You irrevocably waive and release any claims, rights or remedies you may have in connection with the use of such recordings of you, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, for invasion of privacy, any so-called “moral rights”, to equitable or injunctive relief, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such recordings. | You understand that all photography, filming (including live streaming) and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. | If you do not wish to be filmed or recorded, please refrain from entering the store. Thank you for your cooperation.
- - - - -
Event venue & nearby stays
Godmothers, 2280 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.