Final Thursday Press & Final Thursday Reading Series

08/19/2025

Congrats to Fall 23 FTRS featured reader Darcie Little Badger! Her new novel, "Sheine Lende," won the Lodestar Award for best Young Adult Book at the 2025 Hugo Awards.

Our heartfelt congratulations to this year's Hugo, Lodestar, and Astounding award winners! The winners are listed here, along with links to this year's administrator's report and voting statistics.

06/21/2025

06/09/2025

Book release by a past FTRS reader. Congrats, Anesa!

📣 Official Book Launch Announcement

I’m filled with emotion and gratitude to finally share that my book Anesa, No Škola Today will be released on June 24, 2025.

For years, I couldn’t find the words to describe what it was like to live through war as a child. This book gave me those words, and now I'm sharing them with you. Anesa No Škola Today is a deeply personal story about how one ordinary childhood—filled with birthdays, school days, and a new puppy—was turned upside down when war came to her doorstep. It’s the story of how I became a refugee.

But this isn’t just my story. This is the story of millions—children and families who never expected to leave their homes, yet had no choice.

I’d love for you to join me in spreading this message of compassion, peace, and freedom. 🌍💙

🕊️ Pre-Order your copy now on Amazon: https://loom.ly/IEaTkcs

🌍 Want to support this journey?
* Pre-order the book
* Share this post
* Fill out the form in the comments if you’d like to join my pre-launch team

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Anesa

My book, Anesa No Skola Today is available on Amazon now:
https://www.amazon.com/Anesa-%C5%A0kola-Today-hardcover-Kajtazovic/dp/B0F7TFGPJK




UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

05/01/2025

This Friday, May 2nd, is our first of many Poetry Evenings at The Cup! All are welcome to share or listen. AND we are honored to have one of our very own past baristas, Amy Woschek Schmidt .sew.it.grow.it. here to share her amazing work. We cannot wait to see you!

Friday, May 2nd 7:00-8:00pm:)

04/21/2025

The video introduction that was played for Eddie Bowles's induction into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame is now available online.

On April 30, 3025, Eddie Bowles was posthumously inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. This video introduction played at the ceremony. Find out more at:...

03/13/2025

Kristi Hemmer, author of Quit Being So Good: Stories of an Unapologetic Woman, will be the March 27 FTRS featured reader. Check out an interview with her at http://finalthursdaypress.com/