BookPeople Presents: Chuck Klosterman - Rock*

Format:

• This event is free but requires a book purchase to join the signing line.
• Location: The 2nd floor of BookPeople.
• Run time: 45-60 minute discussion, followed by a signing line.
• Check-in time: 6:15 P.M. Please have a copy of your ticket available (either printed out or on your phone) for check in.
• Outside queuing may be required. Please check the weather forecast ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Signing/Event Guidelines:

• In order to get a book signed, you must have purchased a book-included ticket, a copy of the event book the night of the event, or something of equal value from BookPeople.
• The author will be personalizing copies of the book.
• For high volume events, post-talk signing lines can become very long. Signing line placement is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If you buy a ticket and are unable to attend, we will hold your book at BookPeople for 30 days after the event. We cannot guarantee that your book will be signed; priority is given to event attendees and any extra stock is dependent on the author’s availability.

General Info:

• Eventbrite is the only authorized ticket system. Tickets purchased through other sites/vendors cannot be honored.
• Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.
• If you have any accessibility concerns, please contact online@bookpeople.com

• If you have any other questions, please visit our Eventbrite FAQ. If your question isn't covered in the FAQ, feel free to email us at online@bookpeople.com.
• BookPeople reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event if necessary.
• There will not be a live stream or recording available.
• All event guidelines are subject to change.

About the book:

Kaleidoscopic culture critic Chuck Klosterman rewrites the history of reality in an “ingenious” (Kirkus Reviews) work of speculative fiction based on a question that has never been considered or (in all likelihood) even asked: What if The Beatles had only developed a cult following while the Velvet Underground emerged as the most popular band in the world?“This twisted, ironic tribute will delight, surprise, and provoke rock fans.” (Publishers Weekly starred review)

About the author:

Chuck Klosterman is the bestselling author of ten nonfiction books (including Football; The Nineties; But What If We’re Wrong?; and Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs), two novels (Downtown Owl and The Visible Man), and the short story collection Raised in Captivity. His debut book, Fargo Rock City, won the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award. He has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, GQ, Esquire, Spin, The Guardian, The Believer, and ESPN. Klosterman served as the Ethicist for The New York Times Magazine for three years and was a founder of the website Grantland with Bill Simmons. He was raised in North Dakota and now lives in Portland, Oregon.

About the moderator:

Mitch Baranowski is founder and editor-in-chief of Thunderhouse Media Group, an Austin-based independent publisher on a mission to share stories of true grit. A fourth-generation Texan who started his career as a journalist, Mitch traces his love of music to cotton-farming grandparents who once ran a dance hall in the Brazos River Valley.

Thunderhouse’s first title, “Austin’s Music Scene: Your Guide to the City’s Most Iconic Artists & Venues,” is the first comprehensive field guide to the Live Music Capital, featuring profiles of more than 160 established and emerging artists across seven genres. It earned top honors at the 2026 IBPA Book Awards, including Best Gift Book. Published in partnership with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, half of all net proceeds support HAAM’s mission to give working musicians access to affordable care.

By purchasing a book from BookPeople, you are not only supporting a local, independent business – you’re showing publishers that they should continue sending authors to BookPeople.

Thank you for supporting Chuck Klosterman, Mitch Baranowski, and your local independent bookstore!