An Evening of Conversation with Ben Mezrich

Tickets on sale now for an interview with Ben Mezrich at the JCC of Greater Boston. He will discuss his recent bestselling release ‘Checkmate,’ about shocking 2022 cheating scandal that rocked the chess world.

This event will include a 30-minute moderated conversation followed by an audience Q+A.

The JCC of Greater Boston is located at 333 Nahanton St., Newton, MA 02459.

Tickets:

Tickets: $17 (admission only), $30 (admission w/ book)

NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred, if you are unable to attend.

About Checkmate:

In September 2022, the unthinkable happened: nineteen-year-old American chess prodigy Hans Niemann defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen in a stunning face-to-face match. Within days, Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating—a bombshell allegation that rocked the chess world. As the scandal spiraled, Chess.com—the dominant force in online chess—launched a high-stakes investigation igniting a global media firestorm.

But Checkmate is about more than a cheating scandal. It’s the story of a teenager willing to risk everything to rise to the top; a reclusive genius suddenly fighting to protect his legacy; and a centuries-old game transforming into a billion-dollar industry fueled by streaming, sponsorships, and Silicon Valley power players.

With exclusive access to the central figures, Ben Mezrich takes readers deep inside the weird, wild, and cutthroat world of competitive chess—where genius meets ambition, and every move could be your last.

About Ben Mezrich:

Ben Mezrich is the New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires, Bringing Down the House, and Sex on the Moon in addition to thirteen other books. The film 21, starring Kevin Spacey, was based on Bringing Down the House. The Social Network, which won an Oscar for best adaptation, was based on The Accidental Billionaires.

About Hummingbird Books:

An independent, local bookstore, Hummingbird Books is a community destination known for its extensive collection of adult and children’s books. The store features a thoughtfully curated mix of local favorites and widely loved titles, making it a magical place for readers of all ages to discover their next great book.

At Hummingbird Books, reading is more than a pastime—it’s a way to connect with new ideas, perspectives, and worlds beyond our own. In addition to its book selection, the store offers a variety of gifts, games, candy, and stationery. Hummingbird Books also hosts a range of in-store programs, including story times, author events, and book signings.