Angela Nissel | Good Grief, Pass The Bread Mom is Dead
Angela Nissel presents *Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead*, a candid, funny, and deeply moving memoir about becoming the caretaker of her terminally ill mother. In conversation with Tayyib Smith, Nissel discusses the complicated pursuit of her mother’s approval, the personal crises that shaped their relationship, and the grief and resilience that followed her mother’s death.
Nissel’s story spans her struggles with depression, her move to Los Angeles and success as a television writer, a painful divorce, and a period of financial hardship before learning that her mother had cancer. She brought her mother to Los Angeles and tried to help her survive, using approaches ranging from crystals to celebrity doctors while concealing problems in her own life. The memoir also reflects on Nissel’s earlier careers, including work as an IRS temp, stripper, and overnight “sleep apnea auditor,” as well as her television credits and bestselling books.
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.
Showtimes: The event begins at 7:00 P.M.
Tickets: $5.00. Registration is required, and tickets are non-refundable.
Lineup: Angela Nissel appears in conversation with Tayyib Smith.
Angela Nissel: Nissel is the author of the bestselling comedic memoirs *The Broke Diaries* and *Mixed*. Her television writing and producing credits include *The Other Black Girl*, *Mixed-ish*, and *Scrubs*. She lives in Los Angeles and is known for her love of video games.
Tayyib Smith: Smith is an entrepreneur whose work connects art, real estate, and economic development. He is a founding partner of The Growth Collective³ and leads Smith & Roller Holdings, where he supports inclusive urban development. His projects include Legacy Reclaimed—The 7th Ward Tribute and A Dream Deferred PHL. He also serves on the boards of organizations including Kensington Corridor Trust, Prizm Art Fair, and Black Star Projects.
Ages: Adult.
Books: Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the library on the night of the event.
Accessibility: ADA-accessible seating is available. Guests who need wheelchair seating or other accommodations should contact authorevents@freelibrary.org in advance.
Venue: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189.
Contact: 215-567-4341.
Note: Attendees are encouraged to make a donation during registration to support the Author Events Series. The views expressed by the authors and moderator are their own and do not represent the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees.