Wednesday July 27: Xinjiang and the Modern Chinese State Reading

To hear Donald Trump tell it, China is supposedly that weird blob on the other side of the world that keeps screwing us with trade. For a more nuanced view, perhaps you should turn to Seattle native Justin Jacobs, who will debut his new book about the rise of China as a “national empire.”University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.

Thursday July 28: Margin Shift

Seattle’s Margin Shift poetry collective presents a night of young poets. Georgia writers Ginger Ko and Lindsay Tigue will read new work, but the real reason to turn out is to see Seattle writer Bernard Grant give one of his last readings in town before he pursues his PhD in literature at the University of Cincinnati. Common AREA Maintenance, 2125 2nd Ave, (253) 224-0746. http://commonartspace.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.

Friday July 29: Arcane Comics Grand Re-Opening

Until a few months ago, Arcane Comics was arguably the best comics shop in Seattle. Now that it’s moved to Aurora, it’s definitely the best comics shop in Shoreline. Arcane celebrates its relocation with a weekend long sale, appearances by guest artists, and a big art party Saturday night starting at 8 pm. Arcane Comics, 15202 Aurora Ave North Suite A, 781-4875, arcanecomics.net. Free. All ages. 10 a.m.

Saturday July 30: A Reading of Indigenous Writers

Memoirist and Fremont Bridge Writer-in-Residence Elissa Washuta headlines an afternoon of poetry from indigenous writers. She’ll be joined by Portland poet Demian DinéYazhi’ and Brooklyn author Tommy Pico, who has written an epic poem titled IRL. Expect a lot of dark humor and more than a little manipulation of genre and form. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, hugohouse.org. Free. All ages. 4 p.m.

Sunday July 31: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Midnight Release

See our Event of the Week column for more details.

Monday August 1: Landscapes for the People Reading

National parks are an essential part of the American character. Tonight, outdoor photographers Ren and Helen Davis celebrate the centennial of America’s wondrous national parks program with a new book titled Landscapes for the People: George Alexander Grant, First Chief Photographer of the National Park Service.

Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m

Tuesday August 2: Salon of Shame

Why the hell do people hold onto their embarrassing teenage writing? That’s a mystery for the ages, but Salon of Shame will make you so glad that they do. In this perennially popular event, people read their most embarrassing journal entries and school assignments for the edification of a delighted audience.

Cornish Playhouse At Seattle Center, 201 Mercer St., 726-5113, http://salonofshame.com. $20. 21+. 8 p.m.