An Evening With Danny Rensch

Join us for an evening with international master and Chess.com co-fouunder, Danny Rensch, to celebrate the release of his book, "Dark Squares". He will be interviewed by author Ben Mezrich. The program will include an interview with the author, audience Q+A, and book signing.

Tickets:

$35 - Includes a copy of "Dark Squares"

About Dark Squares:

In this heart-breaking memoir, International Master and Chess.com co-founder Danny Rensch describes his upbringing in an abusive cult – and how chess ended up saving his life

Born into the Church of Immortal Consciousness, Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch’s remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world.

With unflinching honesty, Rensch recounts his life, starting from the moment he discovered chess in the summer of 1995, all the way up to being at the center of the most explosive cheating scandal in chess history.

He chronicles the traumas of being “special” in a cult that forced separation from his mother. Mentored by an alcoholic, Russian chess master, he found solace alongside suffering in his obsession for an ancient game, and chess became his only escape. Rensch rose through the chess ranks until a medical emergency nearly took him out of the game forever. And it almost did, until Chess.com came along.

Deeply heartfelt, keenly reflective, and haunting, Dark Squares is the never-before-told story of Danny Rensch’s resilience, survival, and his enduring love for the game that saved him.

About Hummingbird Books:

An independent, local female-owned and operated store, Hummingbird Books is a community destination for an extensive collection of adult and children’s books and showcases a mix of local and widely beloved authors. Hummingbird Books is a magical place where children discover a love of reading. At Hummingbird Books, we believe reading connects us to others as we search for ideas, wisdom, and sometimes just provides a much-needed break from reality. In addition to its book selection, Hummingbird Books offers a variety of games, gift items, candy, and stationery, as well as in-store programming including story times, and book signings.

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