Monday, August 20: The Art of the Wasted Day Reading

Patricia Hampl's book is a travelogue exploring the life and times of some of the best leisure-seekers in history. One of those rest-experts is credited as the inventor of the personal essay. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com, 7 pm, free.

Tuesday, August 21: Welcome to the Writer's Life Reading

Seattle author Paulette Perlach's new book is subtitled How to Design Your Writing Craft, Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice. The publisher describes it as "Like a freshman orientation for writers." Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, http://thirdplacebooks.com, 7 pm, free.

Wednesday, August 22: By the Shore Reading

Nancy Blakey's new book is a one-stop shop for those who are eager to explore the watery parts of the Pacific Northwest, from seafood recipes to kayaking instructions to travel tips to nature guides. Third Place Books Ravenna, 6504 20th Ave NE, 525-2347 http://thirdplacebooks.com, 7 pm, free.

Thursday, August 23: Next Exit

This is a celebration of indigenous artists including a number of exciting young bands, as well as the poetry of Sasha LaPointe, Sara Marie Ortiz, and DinéYazhi. Artists from Washington, Oregon, and New Mexico will appear at this event. Henry Art Gallery, UW Campus, 543-2280, http://www.henryart.org/, 6 pm, $12

Friday, August 24: A Girl's Guide to Missiles Reading

Karen Piper's memoir is about growing up a Navy brat on an outpost in the Mojave Desert. It's about nuclear terror, evangelical Christians, and Amway. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com, 7 pm, free.

Saturday, August 25: Seattle Urban Book Expo

See our Event of the Week column for more details. Centilia Cultural Center, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St,973-4298, 1 pm, free.

Sunday, August 26: Surreal Storytelling with Strange Women

This event features local artists including curator Kate Berwanger and artists Meredith Clark, Anastacia-Reneé, and Vivian Hua.

Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar, 1508 11th Ave., 709-9797, http://vermillionseattle.com, 7 pm, free.