Archives of Your Week in Readings
Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from May 31st - June 6th
Wednesday May 31st: One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter Reading
Scaachi Koul writes about culture for BuzzFeed. Her new, much-chatted-about collection of comic essays is about growing up in an Indian-Canadian family. Tonight, she’ll be in conversation with Seattle’s own Lindy West, who, as you may have heard, knows a thing or two about comedic essays. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, http://spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Thursday June 1st: Interrupting Whiteness
The whole idea of PechaKucha is that speakers simultaneously talk and show twenty slides for twenty seconds each. It’s a fun high-wire act of a public speaking spectacle. Tonight’s event is all about investigating the question of being white as it pertains to privilege, injustice, outreach, and responsibility. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, http://spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday June 2nd: Volcano Reading
Neil Matheson will discuss how geography affects the way we puny humans live our lives. We celebrate when we can see Mount Rainier on sunny days, for example, but beneath that celebration, there’s also an understanding that the mountain could, in theory, kill us all at any moment. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday June 3rd: The Inheritance of Shame Reading
As a child, Peter Gajdics lived through six long years of a psychiatrist’s attempts to “convert” him from gay to straight. His memoir is about coming through so-called conversion therapy and learning how to love yourself after being exposed to so much rigorous, institutionalized hatred. (Reminder: Mike Pence still thinks conversion therapy is a good idea.) Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Sunday June 4th: Memoir Class Dismissed
Memoirist Theo Pauline Nestor regularly teaches a yearlong memoir manuscript-writing class at Hugo House. This afternoon, her 2016–17 class will discuss what they’ve learned and share some writing they composed over the course of the class. If you’ve ever considered writing a memoir, you should check this out. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, http://hugohouse.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Monday June 5th: Upstream Reading
Northwest author Langdon Cook has written at length about mushrooms. Now he’s turning his eye to another regional staple: salmon. (Press materials call salmon “perhaps the last great wild food.”) His new book is about the history of humanity’s relationship to salmon and the environmental impact that the salmon industry has had on the land. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Tuesday June 6th: Life’s Work Reading
See our Literary Event of the Week column for more details. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $15. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from May 24th - May 30th
Wednesday May 24th: Displaced: Refugee Voices in Conversation
The Northwest Immigrant and Refugee Health Coalition is assembling a panel of refugees to discuss what it’s like to become a refugee in this country, and what life in America for refugees is like right now. These are conversations that everyone should hear — a reminder that Trump’s policies have real repercussions for real people. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday May 25th: Broken River Reading
J. Robert Lennon’s newest novel, Broken River, is about a husband and wife who try to find a new start in a house with a history of violence. Lennon is sharing the stage with Seattle author Elissa Washuta in her last local appearance before she takes a position at Ohio State University. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday May 26th: Lashley/Lilley
You already know that Robert Lashley is a force of nature. He’s one of the most vibrant readers to come out of the Pacific Northwest. You might not know poet Gary Copeland Lilley, a Cave Canem fellow whose latest book is The Bushman’s Medicine Show. Together, the two of them are a bicoastal poetry assassin squad. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday May 27th: Ghosts of Seattle Past at Folklife
Hard to believe that Folklife is happening already — possibly because it’s been a rainy dismal hellscape for the last six months. But we finally made it! And why not celebrate the death of dismal winter with a special group reading by contributors to Ghosts of Seattle Past, the book which celebrates lost local landmarks? Seattle Center, http://www.nwfolklife.org/festival-schedule/. Free. All ages. 1:15 p.mSunday May 28th: Girl on the Road Reading
Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture gives out grants to artists of all kinds. One of those grants went to local cartoonist Noel Franklin, for the completion of her memoir, Girl on the Road. This afternoon, Franklin presents a reading from the book, which is about friendship and loss and grief. She’ll also have printed samples of the book available for the audience. Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar, 1508 11th Ave., 709-9797, http://vermillionseattle.com. Free. All ages. 5 p.m.Monday May 29th: Lost in Translation
Look, you’ve always wanted to read onstage, but maybe you’ve been afraid of embarrassing yourself at your favorite reading? This is your chance to participate in a once-yearly reading. Sign up 30 minutes before the reading, and participants will be selected at random. If selected, you’ll have five minutes onstage, and if you screw — you won’t — you’ll never see these people again. Go live your dream. Seattle Center, http://www.nwfolklife.org/festival-schedule/. Free. All ages. 3 p.mTuesday May 30th: Loud Mouth Lit
See our Event of the Week column for more details. St. Andrews Bar & Grill, 7406 Aurora Ave N., 523-1193, http://standrewsbarandgrill.com/. Free. All ages. 8 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from May 17th - May 23rd
Wednesday May 17th: SAL Presents: The Moth
The Moth has become a preeminent name in storytelling, and Seattle Arts and Lectures brings some of the best storytellers to town. Regular Moth host Dan Kennedy presents musician Andy Fischer-Price, veteran and state department employee Laurence Kerr, artist Jessica Lee Williamson, and Seattle’s own Ijeoma Oluo, who is quickly (and rightfully) achieving national prominence. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, https://www.lectures.org. $35. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Thursday May 18th: Everfair Exhibit Opening
Sci-fi novelist Nisi Shawl’s Everfair was one of the best books to be published by a Seattle author last year. Tonight, it inspires a whole new generation of Seattle art. Push/Pull gallery presents new work by Seattle artists inspired by Shawl’s steampunk alternate history of the Congo. Shawl will be in attendance. Push/Pull, 5484 Shilshole Ave N.W., 789-1710, http://pushpullseattle.weebly.com/. Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Friday May 19th: Jack Straw Writing Fellows
Every year, a curator chooses a group of Seattle writers to learn how to do a better job of reading their work, both live and in audio recordings. This year a handful of authors selected by Jourdan Imani Keith will present their latest work and show off what they’ve learned. Readers tonight include Ellie Belew, Hera McLeod, Ashlan Runyan, and the fabulous Quenton Baker. Jack Straw Gallery, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 634-0919, http://jackstraw.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday May 20th: Mancini/Nufer
Vancouver poet Donato Mancini is reading twice in Seattle to celebrate his new book, Same Diff. He’ll be joined by irrepressible Seattle poet Doug Nufer, who will soon be releasing a new poetry collection of his own, titled The Me Theme. Why not spend your afternoon with two very fine Cascadian poets? Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 2 p.m.
Sunday May 21st: Apollo 8 Reading
Apollo 8: The Thrilling Story of the First Mission to the Moon is about a horrendous year in American history (almost exactly 50 years ago now) when we decided to send human beings to the goddamned moon. Maybe the problem with this horrendous year in American history is we’re not shooting enough people into space. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 3 p.m.Monday May 22nd: SCALE Reading
Now more than ever in these Trumpy times, it’s important to give scientists your attention. Tonight, according to press materials, a theoretical physicist named Geoffrey West “explores the hidden laws that govern the lifecycle of everything from plants and animals to our cities in his new book.” Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday May 23rd: King County Libraries Fundraiser
Spokane author Jess Walter is one of the most charming and funny authors you’ll ever see in person. Tonight, he’ll share the stage with Lark chef John Sundstrom for a fancy meal and a conversation moderated by yours truly as a fundraiser for King County Libraries. It’s for a great cause, and it will be great fun. Lark, 952 E. Seneca St., 323-5275, http://kclsfoundation.org. $200. All ages. 6 p.m.Alternate Tuesday May 23rd: The Biographies of Ordinary People Reading
Since the Seattle Review of Books is affiliated with the previous event (and since it’s a very expensive fundraiser), allow me to suggest an alternate reading. Seattle author Nicole Dieker, whose excellent writing you can find almost every day at The Billfold, debuts her first novel at this launch party. Dieker has been very open about the process of self-publishing the book, and anyone looking to learn how to get their writing out there should be paying attention. Phinney Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N., 297-2665, http://phinneybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from May 10th to May 16th
Wednesday May 10th: Sacred Breath Reading Series
The UW's Department of American Indian Studies presents three indigenous writers as part of a quarterly reading series. The readers are poet Cedar Sigo, poet Trevino L. Brings Plenty, and Seattle memoirist Elissa Washuta, who recently announced she’s leaving town for a teaching opportunity. UW Intellectual House, 4249 Whitman Ct, 634-3400, http://ubookstores.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday May 11th: Borough Body
Tennessee painter Douglas Degges teams up with Seattle writer Chelsea Werner-Jatzke to create two maps of the New York City subway system: one told visually and one told with words. Maybe one day, Seattle’s subway system will be large and complicated enough to inspire works of art like this. The Factory, 1216 10th Ave, http://thefactoryseattle.com . Free. All ages. 6 p.m.
Friday May 12th: Love and Trouble Reading
Bainbridge memoirist Claire Dederer debuts her much-anticipated new book. Subtitled A Midlife Reckoning, Love and Trouble is about what happens when Dederer finds herself in an unexpected state of sexual reawakening. The book juxtaposes Dederer’s youth and her midlife into a single narrative, tied together through eroticism. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Saturday May 13th: Eartha Reading
Fantagraphics cartoonist Cathy Malkasian’s latest book, Eartha, is a splendidly illustrated graphic novel about a brave young woman in a strange world where people read news printed on biscuits and then very publicly cry. It’s about the internet. Here's my interview with her, which we published on Monday. At this event, Malkasian will appear in conversation with Fantagraphics co-founder Gary Groth, who knows a thing or two about interviewing. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, 925 E. Pike St., 658-0110, http://fantagraphics.com/flog/bookstore. Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Monday May 15th: Keller Family Lecture with Jeffrey Toobin
This year’s annual Keller Family Lecture is delivered by Jeffrey Toobin, who is the New Yorker’s Supreme Court expert, which makes him one of the world’s leading Supreme Court experts. But Toobin has also written books about the Obama administration and, most recently, Patty Hearst. So it’s anyone’s guess as to what this talk will be about Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1511 E. Pike St. 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday May 16th: Joan Swift Memorial Reading and Celebration
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from May 3rd - May 9th
Wednesday May 3rd: Reading Through It: The Righteous Mind
I hope you’ll join us for our book club examining the causes and effects of Donald Trump’s presidency. It’s been a total delight so far, full of brainy, passionate discussion. Tonight, we’ll discuss The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. No purchase necessary; just come ready to talk and listen. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, 474-2200, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Alternate Wednesday May 3rd: Priestdaddy Reading
Since the Seattle Review of Books is a co-sponsor of the book club, allow us to suggest another event so you don’t accuse us of favoritism. Poet Patricia Lockwood reads from her delightful memoir Priestdaddy tonight, and it's a big damn deal. As I said in my review, the prose is gorgeous and the story will leave you laughing and crying — sometimes both at the same time. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Thursday May 4th: Unwarranted Reading
In his new book, Barry Friedman, a law professor at New York University, examines the crisis in modern policing. Why do cops now dress like they’re SEAL Team 6 and drive around in tanks? How did the balance of power between police and the people they’re sworn to protect get so…well…unbalanced? UW Law School, Room 133, 634-3400, http://ubookstore.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday May 5th: Writers on Writers Release Party
The editors behind Seattle’s own PageBoy Magazine debuts their brand-new book, an anthology of writing about writers. Local writers Sarah Koenig, Jeanine Walker, Amber Nelson, and Paul Nelson will read their writer-centric pieces in what should be a fun celebration of the art of putting words on paper in some sort of order.Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar, 1508 11th Ave., 709-9797, vermillionseattle.com. Free. 21+. 7 p.m.
Saturday May 6th: Free Comic Book Day
Every comic shop in the region will be giving away free comics all day today (while supplies last.) Your friendly neighborhood comics shop will likely be celebrating with sales, appearances by local comics creators, and more. If you haven’t yet been, this is also a great opportunity to visit Fremont’s Outsider Comics & Geek Boutique, Seattle’s newest comic shop. Various locations, https://www.freecomicbookday.com. Free. All ages. 10 a.m.Sunday May 7th: Lines of Flight Reading
Julie Salverson’s book, subtitled An Atomic Memoir, is about a group of indigenous peoples in Ontario who sent a delegation to Japan to apologize for their complicity in war. Seems the uranium to build the first two American atomic bombs was mined from their land, and they felt honor-bound to go make amends.Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Monday May 8th: Mozart’s Starling Reading
This is a bizarre story: one day when Mozart was out shopping, he came across a little starling who was singing one of his concertos. He took the bird on as a pet and then kinda collaborated with it for the next three years. Birdwatcher Lyanda Lynn Haupt will discuss her belief that starlings are seriously underrated creatures. Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday May 9th: Seattle Reads The Turner House
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Ballard Library, 5614, 22nd Ave NW. 684-4089. spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from April 26th - May 2nd
Wednesday April 26th: Edible City Reading
Edible City is an art book designed as a showcase for the MOHAI exhibit of the same name. It profiles the food-based traditions of the Pacific Northwest with photographs, recipes, and stories about Pike Place Market, Rainier cherries, and more. Exhibit curator Rebekah Denn will host the reading and discussion. Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m
Thursday April 27th: Void Star Reading
Novelist Zachary Mason is also a computer scientist who specializes in artificial intelligence. So while he works in a field that will eventually destroy all of humanity — Terminator 2 was a documentary, people! — he explores the idea of what it means to be human in his new novel, Void Star. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday April 28th: New Beginnings
Anastacia-Renee Tolbert, the current Hugo House poet-in-residence, headlines a reading exploring the ideas of “new beginnings, non-gender conformity, ‘safety,’ and womanism,” Readers include Hawaiian fiction writer Kristiana Kahakauwila, poet Lauren K. Alleyne, and Seattle poetry phenomenon Jamaica Baldwin, who burst onto the scene a year ago and has been wowing audiences ever since. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, hugohouse.org. $10. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday April 29th: Seattle Bookstore Day
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Various locations, https://www.facebook.com/SEABookstoreDay/. Free. All ages. 10 a.m.Sunday April 30th: 2017 Grand Slam
Did you know that Seattle is home to a lively open mic scene? It’s true. The viral poet behind “Revenge,” Elisa Chavez, is just one of the incredible talents to burst out of this scene in recent years. Tonight, the greatest readers at Seattle Poetry Slam compete for the right to represent Seattle at the 2017 National Poetry Slam in Denver. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $15. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Monday May 1st: Last Day on Mars Reading
Prolific Seattle novelist Kevin Emerson’s latest book Last Day on Mars is a sci-fi novel about a young human who must struggle to survive when humanity flees the destruction of Mars. Tonight, Emerson will give an all-ages lecture on the latest scientific understanding of Mars. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday May 2nd: Two Paths: America Divided or United Reading
Okay, look: Ohio Goveror John Kasich is a Republican. And he’s not one of those mythical cuddly Republicans: he’s anti-abortion and he’s very weak on income inequality. But! He’s one of the few Republicans with the guts to refute Trump to his face. So maybe come figure out if common ground is a possibility? Theatre at Meydenbauer Center,11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue. (206) 366-3333, http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/. $36. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from April 19th - April 25th
Wednesday April 19th: The Book of Joan Reading
Portland novelist Lidia Yuknavitch is a Northwest superstar. Her prickly, gorgeous fiction is at recognizable and more than a little bit scary. (It’s scary in part because it is so recognizable.) Yuknavitch’s latest, The Book of Joan, is a sci-fi novel that retells the story of Joan of Arc in a blasted-out dystopic wasteland. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday April 20th: Dock Street Salon
Phinney Books’s Dock Street Salon series is always a fun time. Authors talk in a fairly up close and intimate setting with an engaged and excited audience. Today’s readers are Anne Liu Kellor, Jennifer D. Munro, and Ann Teplick. Expect a reading, a lively Q&A, and maybe some booze (not in that order.) Phinney Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N., 297-2665, http://phinneybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Friday April 21st: The Histories Reading
A few local writers have told me that Seattle poet Jason Whitmarsh’s second book, The Histories, is their favorite poetry collection this year. It’s a book of absurdist, deeply funny prose poems that constructs an alternate history for the world, with singing Kafkas and MacGyver references galore. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday April 22nd: Water & Salt Reading
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Sunday April 23rd: Caucasians Anonymous Reading
You might know Marcus Harrison Green best for his excellent news site, the South Seattle Emerald. But tonight, he’s showing off a new side: he’s debuting a reading of his work-in progress play titled Caucasians Anonymous, which investigates “the social construction known as Whiteness.” This event also features a Q&A on race and privilege. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Monday April 24th: Breaking the Bond Reading
The very fine Texas playwright Rupert Reyes brings a staged reading from his latest work-in-progress play, Breaking the Bond, to the U District’s own Jack Straw Gallery. Featuring local Spanish-speaking readers, this play discusses topics of deportation, anchor babies, and national identity. (Reyes has also acted in the film Office Space.) Jack Straw Gallery, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 634-0919, http://jackstraw.org . Free. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Tuesday April 25th: Till Tonight
New local writing residency Till brings a little bit of a writing residency to you with this special writers’ night out. Show up with your favored writing implement (although please recall that typewriters are really annoying in public places) and share some space with other people trying to get words down on paper. Speckled & Drake, 1355 E. Olive Way., (917) 476-932, http://tillwriters.org/. Free. 21+. 6 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from April 12th - April 18th
Wednesday April 12th: Krazy Reading
George Herriman was America’s very first cartooning genius. His strip Krazy Kat depicted more than just a love triangle between a cat, a brick-throwing mouse, and a canine police officer — it laid out the cartooning language that we still see in modern comics. Michael Tisserand’s biography of Herriman finally gives the genius his due. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday April 13th: White Tears Reading
See our Event of the Week column for more details.
Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Friday April 14th: Panel Jumper Live
This is basically an entire horny comicon crowbarred into a single evening. You’ll find comics-themed music, trivia, and short films. But that’s not all: there’s also a short play about the actors who play giant monsters in movies, a conversation with Seattle cartoonist Tatiana Gill, and some nerdy burlesque involving Tribbles. West of Lenin, 203 N 36th St., https://www.facebook.com/thepaneljumper/. $10. 18+. 8 p.m.Saturday April 15th: Write Our Democracy
Seattle poets Quenton Baker, Karen Finneyfrock, EJ Koh, and Natasha Moni read at this write-in intended to promote “free speech and the value of arts in our democracy.” Write Our Democracy is the organization that was launched waaaaaaaay back in January of this year as Writers Resist, a nationwide anti-Trump, pro-democracy writing group. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, hugohouse.org.. Free. All ages. 10 a.m.Monday April 17th: Moving Mountains
Local newsletter The Evergrey brought 20 Clinton voters from Seattle to a pro-Trump county in Oregon in order to facilitate conversation between decent human beings. Tonight, Evergrey founders Anika Anand and Monica Guzman will discuss what they learned from the project, along with the heads of other organizations trying to promote discussion in a divided America Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Tuesday April 18th: Word Works: Terence Hayes
Brilliant poet Terence Hayes examines the work of deceased poet Lynda Hull by studying three of her poems written over the span of a decade, in an effort to explore “how a poet can both accept and challenge his or her obsessions.” What a terrific way to celebrate National Poetry Month. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, http://washingtonhall.org. $12. All ages. 7 p.mYour Week in Readings: The best literary events from April 5th - April 11th
Wednesday April 5th: Reading Through It: What We Do Now
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, 474-2200, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday April 6th: American Junkie Reading
Tom Hansen’s grunge-era Seattle memoir American Junkie is finally being reissued. It’s a story about drugs and punk rock and a city on the precipice of something bigger. To celebrate his book’s second chance on life, Hansen’s being joined by Seattle authors Sean Beaudoin and Joshua Mohr for a group reading and a moderated discussion. Third Place Books Ravenna, 6504 20th Ave NE, 525-2347 thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.mFriday April 7th: Hugo Literary Series: Betrayal
The Hugo House brings three writers and a musician together to produce new work on a theme. The final event of the 2016-2017 season is “Betrayal.” Readers include poet Anis Mojgani, celebrated slam poet Kaitlyn Greenidge, and poet Rick Barot, along with musician Maiah Manser. Fred Wildlife Refuge, 128 Belmont Ave. E., 322-7030. http://www.hugohouse.org. $10-25. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Saturday April 8th: The Songs of Trees Reading
So it turns out that trees are a lot weirder than we ever guessed. They communicate using bizarre fungus webs and they cultivate “bacterial communities” that serve all kinds of functions that we’re only just now learning about. In his newest book, David Haskell discusses the cutting edge of tree research, which should probably be known as “treesearch.” Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Sunday April 9th: Truth Be Bold Reading
Julene Tripp Weaver is a Seattle poet who worked in AIDS services for over two decades. Subtitled Serenading Life & Death in the Age of AIDS, her latest collection continues the themes of her work. This afternoon, she debuts her book with nine local poets and AIDS educators in a reading hosted by local writer David Schmader. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, hugohouse.org. Free. All ages. 4 p.m.Monday April 10th: Ask the Oracle
Suzanne Morrison joins Seattle experimental writer Doug Nufer and prolific Seattle poet Megan Snyder-Camp as part of Hugo House’s divination-based reading series. Authors will answer audience questions using answers pulled from their texts. All three writers are great, but Nufer in particular could be a standout; he does lots of performance-based routines and should be especially devoted to the schtick. Sorrento Hotel, 900 Madison St., 622-6400, http://hotelsorrento.com. Free. 21 and over. 7 p.m
Tuesday April 11th: Ghosts of Seattle Past Reading
The long-awaited atlas of lost Seattle places debuts with a reading featuring Hollis Wong-Wear, Sara Brickman, Chuck Wolfe, Anisa Jackson, and Davey Oil. After this reading/signing session, the whole party rolls downhill to Belltown for a big afterparty at the Rendezvous with more readings from Kibibi Monie, Elissa Washuta, Kathy Fennessy, and Kate Lebo. There'll also be a musical performance from Aaron Seme. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from March 29th - April 4th
Wednesday March 29th: The State of Arts Criticism in Seattle
Doug McLennan, the founder of Arts Journal, talks with a panel of local critics including theater critic Misha Berson, the Seattle Times’s Brendan Kiley, former Seattle Weekly editor David Brewster, and, uh, me. We’ll be discussing why art criticism is being cut from local papers and why it’s currently in the hands of mostly middle aged white people. Folio: The Seattle Athenaem, 324 Marion St., 402-4612, http://folioseattle.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Alternate Wednesday March 29th: Burning Bright Reading
Thriller author Nick Petrie continues his series starring “damaged war veteran Peter Ash.” Petrie lives in Milwaukee, but he is a graduate of the University of Washington MFA fiction program, making this reading something of a homecoming. “Peter Ash” is a pretty great name for a thriller star — right up there with “Remo Williams” or “Lincoln Rhyme.” Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday March 30th: Up South Launch Party
Robert Lashley is one of the most powerful poets in the region. If you haven’t seen him read, you owe it to yourself to attend this debut for his second collection of poems: when the man reads, you have to pay attention. And when you pay attention, you’re rewarded with something new and beautiful. Jack Straw Gallery, 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 634-0919, http://jackstraw.org . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday March 31st: Kimberly Burwick and Kevin Goodan
Under the guidance of new owner Billie Swift, Open Books has really accelerated their reading series schedule, bringing both locally known and unknown poets to their stage. It would be a mistake to call Burwick and Goodan “unknown,” though. Burwick is an eastern Washingtonian and Goodan is from Montana, and they’re both widely read. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday April 1st: APRIL
See our event of the week column for more details. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, http://hugohouse.org. Free. All ages. Noon.
Sunday April 2nd: Punk Rock Prose
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, which shares space with a record store, hosts a rare prose-book event. A trio of authors who did time as punk rockers in Seattle — Danny Bland, Tom Hansen, and Jonathan Evison — welcome author Brian Jabas Smith, who’ll read from his new short story collection Spent Saints & Other Stories.Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, 925 E. Pike St., 658-0110, http://fantagraphics.com/flog/bookstore. Free. All ages. 3 p.m.
Monday April 3rd: The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley Reading
Fiction author Hannah Tinti’s new novel, The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley, is partially based on Whidbey Island. It in part references the Hercules myth. Tinti will be joined by Seattle novelist Laurie Frankel, whose This Is How It Always Is has been one of the most enjoyable reading experiences of my year so far. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Tuesday April 4th: The Stone Heart Reading
Vancouver cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks celebrates the second book in her comic book fantasy trilogy for young readers, The Stone Heart, with a Seattle audience. Tonight, she’ll be interviewed onstage by Seattle writer G. Willow Wilson, who is possibly best known as the creator of breakout superhero sensation Ms. Marvel. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from March 22nd - March 28th
Wednesday March 22nd: Lit Fix 4th Anniversary
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005, http://chopsuey.com. Free. 21+. 7 p.m.
Alternate Wednesday March 22nd: A Constitution for Economic Equality Reading
Law professor Ganesh Sitaraman has long advised Senator Elizabeth Warren on economic matters, making him a leading voice in the battle against economic inequality. Tonight, I’ll be in conversation with Sitaraman about his book, which could very well contain the key for Democratic victory in 2018. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Thursday March 23rd: The Poetry Brothel
The Poetry Brothel is a touring cabaret featuring musical acts combined with so-called “poetry whores” who will present work onstage and, for a price, join you in a one-on-one private poetry session. Tonight’s performers include burlesque performer Jesse Belle-Jones, magician Josh Lamb, an aerialist named Holly Bordeaux, and house band Good Company. Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave., 441-5823, http://thepoetrybrothel.com . $25. 21+. 8:30 p.m.
Friday March 24th: The Idiot Reading
New Yorker writer Elif Batuman has only one other book to her name: a non-fiction account of people who are obsessed with Russian novelists. But her debut novel, The Idiot—about a Harvard freshman in the mid-1990s who falls in with some questionable Eastern European types—is earning praise from all quarters. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday March 25th: Growing Up in Public Reading
Georgetown’s Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery continues its recent trend of bringing international comics greats to Seattle with a rare appearance from Argentinian cartoonist Ezequiel Garcia. Garcia’s memoir, Growing Up in Public, is about life as a cartoonist in a society that continually devalues the importance of the arts. (Take notes, American cartoonists.) Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, 925 E. Pike St., 658-0110, http://fantagraphics.com/flog/bookstore. Free. All ages. 1 p.m.
Sunday March 26th: Fire Girl and When Songbirds Returned to Paris Reading
Sayantani DasGupta’s debut essay collection, Fire Girl: Essays on India, America, and the In-Between, is from Port Townsend publisher Two Sylvias Press. E.M. Sloan’s When Songbirds Returned to Paris is a novelistic account of what happened when Sloan, spurred on by an old photograph, investigates a real-life slice of World War II history. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 3 p.m.Monday March 27th: Man Overboard Reading
Seattle author J.A. Jance is a total workhorse, putting out one or two mysteries every year. Jance’s fan base is rabid for her work—many are completists who have read all the dozens of books she’s written. Her latest pits two tech geniuses against each other after a cruise ship mishap starts to look like murder. University Book Store Mill Creek, 15311 Main St., 425-385-3530. http://ubookstore.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday March 28th: Who Built Seattle? Reading
Seattle civil engineer Bob Ortblad will discuss Seattle history between 1853 and 1953, when our water, sewer, power, and transit systems all began and grew to take on the shapes that we see today. Ortblad will discuss the decisions we didn’t make as a city and the repercussions of the choices we did make. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.mYour Week in Readings: The best literary events from Wednesday March 15th - March 21st
Wednesday March 15th: WordsWest: Resistance and Immigration
The West Seattle reading series celebrates the Ides of March with a very timely theme. Seattle short story author Donna Miscolta (author of When the de La Cruz Family Danced) and West Seattle poet Shankar Narayan will read new work and talk about life in an America that seems to have rolled up the welcome mat. C&P Coffee Co., 5612 California Ave. SW, http://wordswestliterary.weebly.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday March 16th: Beyond $15 Book Launch Party
Jonathan Rosenblum debuts his new book Beyond $15: Immigrant Workers, Faith Activists, and the Revival of the Labor Movement, an account of the fight for a $15 minimum wage in SeaTac. Rosenblum will be joined by Councilmember Kshama Sawant and other leaders of the movement to reflect and discuss the future. Washington State Labor Council, 321 16th Ave S., 281-8901, http://www.wslc.org/ . Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Friday March 17th: Ugly Time Book Launch Party
See our event of the week column for more details. Canvas Events Space, 3412 4th Ave. S., , http://gramma.press. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday March 18th: Exit West Reading
Mohsin Hamid writes novels about the world as it is now. His books are structurally adventurous and tuned to provocative issues like immigration, racism, and the War on Terror. His latest novel is about a young couple finding love in a world overrun with homeless refugees and fearful xenophobes. Piggott Auditorium, 901 12th Ave., 624-6600, http://www.elliottbaybookcompany.com All ages. 2 p.m.
Sunday March 19th: The Rules Do Not Apply Reading
New Yorker author Ariel Levy’s new memoir is about losing everything—a child, a husband, a successful career—and finding out what happens next. This book has received praise from all corners for its stark portrayal of grief and survival. She’ll be in conversation with Seattle memoirist Claire Dederer. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Monday March 20th: Free Women, Free Men Reading
In the 1990s, Camille Paglia was kind of a big deal: she was a controversial feminist who seemingly never turned down an opportunity to speak publicly. She fell out of favor after the turn of the millennium, but as the ancient Chinese proverb goes, if you live long enough, you get to see yourself critically reappraised. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, http://spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday March 21st: Lovecraft Country and Everfair Reading
The Seattle-based authors of two of last year’s best novels—not just sci-fi novels, mind you, but novels in general—share a stage at Elliott Bay tonight. Matt Ruff celebrates the recent paperback release of his novel-in-stories, Lovecraft Country. Nisi Shawl’s steampunk alternate history Everfair is still in hardcover, but it is worth every penny. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from March 8 - March 14
Wednesday March 8th: Native Seattle Reading
Coll Thrush, a professor at the University of British Columbia, has two new books out. The first, Indigenous London, looks pretty neat. But we’re most interested in the new edition of Native Seattle, his history of Seattle’s native peoples. Today, Crosscut’s Knute Berger will interview Thrush about both books. Folio: The Seattle Athenaem, 324 Marion St., 402-4612, http://folioseattle.org. $10. 7 p.m.
Thursday March 9th: Tough Girl Reading
When she was 14 years old, Portland athlete Carolyn Wood won a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. Her new memoir Tough Girl tells that story, but it also delves into her experiences growing up as a lesbian in the unforgiving public eye. This is a personal account of a remarkable life. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday March 10th: Vagrants & Accidentals Reading
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday March 11th: The Immortal Irishman Reading
Tim Egan is one of our greatest literary exports. Hundreds of thousands read him in the New York Times every week, and his books are celebrated around the world. Today, he reads from his two most recent books about remarkable historical figures, The Immortal Irishman and Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher. Upper Level Center House, Seattle Center, 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. All ages. 3 p.m.
Sunday March 12th: Short Stories Live: McSweeney’s
Short Stories Live presents celebrated short stories read live by talented local performers. Today, the series plucks its three stories from postmodern literary journal McSweeney’s. Seattle actors will read McSweeney’s pieces by Spokane author Jess Walter, the world-famous Zadie Smith, and up-and-comer Nyuol Lueth Tong. Expect a lot of comedy and some dazzling sentences. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 2 p.m.Monday March 13th: The Way of the Writer Reading
Retired UW professor Charles Johnson reads from his latest book, The Way of the Writer, which absorbs writing lessons Johnson learned from his more than five-decade-long career in literature and synthesizes them into easy-to-understand essays for aspiring writers of all ages. Part memoir, part how-to, and part spiritual guide, this book took Johnson a lifetime to write. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, 474-2200, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday March 14th: Ask the Oracle
The Hugo House’s ongoing divination/reading series, in which authors find answers to audience questions in randomly selected passages from their books, features memoirists Melissa Febos and Elissa Washuta and poet Quenton Baker. Washuta recently announced that she’s leaving Seattle this summer for a teaching position in Ohio, so go bask in her presence while you can. Sorrento Hotel, 900 Madison St., 622-6400, hotelsorrento.com. Free. 21 and over. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from March 1st - March 7th
Wednesday March 1st: Reading Through It: Strangers in Their Own Land
The Seattle Review of Books and the Seattle Weekly present our monthly current-events book club. This edition focuses on Arlie Russell Hochschild’s Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right. Hoschchild, a sociologist from Berkeley, reports on what happened when she went to deep-red America to figure out what makes Republicans tick. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, 474-2200, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Alternate Wednesday March 1st: Ben Fountain
Okay, so Ang Lee’s film adaptation of Ben Fountain’s novel Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk was a total bust. But that doesn’t detract from the book: with his debut novel, Fountain stabbed into the heart of American self-regard. Come celebrate one of the brightest young talents to appear on the scene in the past decade. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 215-4747, lectures.org. $2o. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Thursday March 2nd: Finding Common Ground in America
On the long list of journalists who screwed up during the 2016 presidential election, you won’t find Matt Taibbi’s name. Unlike most pundits, the Rolling Stone writer never discounted the rise of Bernie Sanders or the victory of Donald Trump. Tonight, Taibbi joins progressive activist Joel Berg in conversation. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m. PAUL CONSTANTFriday March 3rd: First Second Comics Panel
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday March 4th: Saturday on Mars!
Seattle author Kevin Emerson launches (haw-haw) his new sci-fi middle-reader novel Last Day on Mars, about a young man who lives on Mars after the destruction of Earth. The Bureau of Fearless Ideas celebrates with a fun party including a reading, cake, science experiments, and readings from young BFI writers. Bureau of Fearless Ideas, 8414 Greenwood Ave N., 725-2625, http://fearlessideas.org. All ages. 1 p.m.
Sunday March 5th: Words from the Cafe
Washington state’s poet laureate, Tod Marshall, helps celebrate a new book/cd compilation from local publisher Raven Chronicles Press. Edited by Anna Balint, Words from the Café allows Seattleites suffering from addiction, mental illness, and/or homelessness tell their own stories in their own words. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 2 p.m.Monday March 6th: Paul Havas Reading
Art critic Matthew Kangas’s newest book, Paul Havas, focuses on the life, letters, and work of an underrated Seattle-area artist Paul Havas. Havas focused primarily on rural landscapes that were unmistakably Northwestern: gray skies over lush landscapes, mountains, calm waters reflecting tranquil scenes. Come learn about an important figure in the Northwest art tradition. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday March 7th: Artificial Emotional Intelligence
Richard Yonck has done a lot of thinking about what will happen when our machines think faster and more deeply than we do. His latest book, Heart of the Machine: Our Future in a World of Artificial Emotional Intelligence, investigates what might happen when we get out-thought by our own creations. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from February 22nd - February 28th
Wednesday February 22nd: The Burning World Reading
Hardcore zombie purists may not love Isaac Marion's young adult novel Warm Bodies — zombies who can talk? Sacrilege! — but everyone else seems to have fallen pretty hard. In the new sequel, the semi-alive protagonist learns how to reconnect with the human race and come to terms with his past. Bellevue Library, 1111, 110th Ave, 425-450-1765, http://kcls.org. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday February 23rd: Faggots in the Stacks
Likely due to its controversial name, the listing for this book group warns that “this event is not officially sponsored or endorsed by the Seattle Public Library.” Officially endorsed or not, it’s a must-attend discussion of Martin Duberman’s Hold Tight Gently, a true story of two artists during the AIDS epidemic. Capitol Hill Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E., 684-4715, http://wwwspl.org/. Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Friday February 24th: It Was Written: Poetry Inspired by Hip-Hop Launch Party
See our Event of the Week column for more details. Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar, 1508 11th Ave., 709-9797, http://vermillionseattle.com. Free. 21+. 7 p.m.Saturday February 25th: Adventures in Property Management Book Launch Party
Seattle author Chelsea Werner-Jatzke’s new book, Adventures in Property Management, is a chapbook from Sibling Rivalry Press. It’s a collection of (somewhat true) micro-fiction about a single apartment building. Tonight’s party features a reading from Werner-Jatzke along with guest appearances by local writers and a multimedia artist. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, http://hugohouse.org.. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Sunday February 26th: Laughing All the Way to the Mosque Reading
Zarqa Nawaz created a Canadian sitcom called Little Mosque on the Prairie. This afternoon, she debuts her new comedic memoir about being a Pakistani-Canadian experience, Laughing All the Way to the Mosque: The Misadventures of a Muslim Woman.Nawaz is in town for the Search for Meaning festival at Seattle University. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 3 p.m.Monday February 27th: Gaslighting in Government
Two UW professors (David Domke, a communications expert, and Christopher Sebastian Parker, who specializes in political science) will talk with a mental health professional to discuss the idea of gaslighting — the imposing of a false reality upon an innocent victim who gradually accepts the fiction as real— and how that relates to the Trump administration. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, http://townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Tuesday February 28th: Bridges Not Walls
Many Seattleites will be attending the reading from George Saunders for his debut novel Lincoln in the Bardo at Town Hall tonight. But this event, which features Seattle authors like Donna Miscola and Kathleen Alcalá, deserves your attention as well. This event is designed to examine who deserves a platform, and who you’re silencing when you speak. Seems appropriate for the time. Juan Alonso-Rodriguez Gallery, 206 S. Washington St. #104, 390-4882, http://www.ravenchronicles.org/bridges-not-walls. Free. All ages. 7 p.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from February 8th - February 14th
Wednesday February 8th: Life in a Fishbowl and Nowhere Near You Reading
Your week in readings kicks off with two young adult writers debuting their newest books. The latest book in Leah Thomas’s “Blunderkids” series featuring super-powered teenagers involves “an eyeless boy who prefers to be alone.” Len Vlahos’s novel is about a reality show featuring a family whose father who is dying of brain cancer. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday February 9th: 4 3 2 1 Reading
See our Literary Event of the Week column for more details. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $38. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Friday February 10th: Bushwick Book Club: Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah is one of the greatest novels to be published in the last five years. Actually, probably the last decade. Maybe the last 25 years? Seems likely. Tonight, Seattle musicians present new work based on the most recent Greatest American Novel. If they rise to the material, this will be a night to remember.Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . $10. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday February 11th: Mason Bee Revolution Reading
Remember in the days before Trump when we were all worried about the rampant death of bees? Well, even though we’re distracted by a different kind of apocalypse, bees are still dying in great numbers. Washington authors Dave Hunter and Jill Lightner explain how and why you should set up your own home bee colony Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 6:30 p.m.
Sunday February 12th: Born in Seattle Reading
Two Seattle authors who have written books about America’s need to redress our shameful history of Japanese internment read here tonight. Bob Shimabukuro wrote Born in Seattle: The Campaign for Japanese American Redress. Mira Shimabukuro wrote Relocating Authority: Japanese Americans Writing to Redress Mass Incarceration. They are father and daughter. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 3 p.m.Monday February 13th: Ask the Oracle
The Sorrento Hotel and Hugo House’s whimsical series continues tonight with Claudia Rowe, author of the great, creepy book The Spider and the Fly, environmental poet JM Miller, and novelist Randy Sue Coburn. They will divine answers to audience questions from their own books Sorrento Hotel, 900 Madison St., 622-6400, hotelsorrento.com. Free. 21 and over. 7 p.m.Tuesday February 14th: What Is Love? Reading
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, philosopher Carrie Jenkins brings her book What Is Love? to Town Hall. She investigates the idea of romantic love in modern society. Jenkins applies her own polyamorous perspective to the concept of love, which will likely make this reading one of the most interesting Valentine’s Day dates you’ve ever attended. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from January 25th - January 30th
Wednesday January 25th: You’re the Most Beautiful Thing That Happened Reading
Arisa White’s latest book “takes its titles from words used internationally as hate speech against gays and lesbians.” She’s the visiting author who highlights a night of poetry written and read by powerful women of color — White is joined by Seattle authors Natasha Marin and Naa Akua. Fred Wildlife Refuge, 128 Belmont Ave. E., 322-7030. http://www.hugohouse.org. $10. 21+. 7 p.m.
Thursday January 26th: In the Cold
As Seattle prepares for the annual homeless survey — at the beginning of a year that will be dominated with discussion for how to deal with Seattle’s booming homeless population — our Civic Poet, Claudia Castro Luna hosts a reading and screening of a film to remind us of the human side behind the numbers. City Hall Plaza, 600 4th Ave. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Friday January 27th: The Undoing Project Reading
Ever since The Big Short and Moneyball became runaway sensations, every new Michael Lewis book has become an event. His newest book documents the unconventional team of two Nobel Prize-winning Israeli psychologists. Lewis appears in conversation with Steve Scher to discuss how our understanding of decision-making was changed forever in their work. University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd Ave. http://ubookstore.com. $32.78. 7 p.m.
Saturday January 28th: The Poet Is In
After speaking out for homeless Seattleites on Thursday, Civic Poet Claudia Castro Luna makes herself available to Seattleites who’d like to make “poetic explorations” into their city. Castro Luna has been a ferocious advocate for poetry in Seattle; if you have any embarrassing questions that you’d like answered in a nonjudgmental fashion, this is your big chance. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, spl.org. Free. All ages. 2 p.m.
Sunday January 29th: Residencies Revealed
Residencies are one of the best parts of being a writer: you get a roof over your head and time (and permission) to do nothing but sit there and write. Today, representatives from Northwest residencies and local writers will talk about what they’re like, how to get them, and which residencies are right for you. Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, spl.org. Free. All ages. 2 p.m.
Monday January 30th: Freebird Reading
See our Literary Event of the Week Column for more details. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m. PAUL CONSTANT
Tuesday January 31st: Loud Mouth Lit
Playwright and memoirist Paul Mullin has been thinking a lot about what makes readings special. His brand-new reading series looks to combine the smarts of a literary reading with the energy of a theatrical production. Tonight’s debut Loud Mouth Lit features Mullin alongside Scot Augustson, who’ll tell a story about time travel and corpses. St. Andrews Bar & Grill, 7406 Aurora Ave N, 523-1193, https://www.facebook.com/LoudMouthLit/. Free. 21+. 8 p.m.
Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from January 18th - January 24th
Wednesday January 18th: WordsWest 22
West Seattle’s liveliest reading series begins 2017 with Hugo House Writer-in-Residence Anastacia Renee Tolbert and Seattle Times reporter Claudia Rowe, whose brand-new true crime book The Spider and the Fly tells the true story of her correspondence with a serial killer. The two writers will read on the theme of “dreams deferred.” C&P Coffee Co., 5612 California Ave. SW, http://wordswestliterary.weebly.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday January 19th: A Word for Love Reading
Visiting author Emily Robbins’s debut novelA Word for Love is about an exchange student who travels to Syria, falls in love with the language, and then falls in love with a Syrian. Robbins, who studied in Syria on a Fulbright Fellowship, will likely have some things to say about the intersection of fiction and nonfiction. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday January 20th: Occupy Inauguration
Technically this isn’t a reading, but the truth is, the We Defy event with Sherman Alexie and Ijeoma Oluo at Town Hall tonight is already sold out (though they do often have standby tickets at the door if you feel like waiting in line) and tonight is a night for political action. Go be heard. Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/westlake-park Free. 5 p.m.Saturday January 21st: Bushwick Book Club
See our Event of the Week Column for more details. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages 8 p.m.
Sunday January 22nd: Looking for Betty MacDonald Reading
Betty MacDonald’s 1945 memoir about life on the Olympic Peninsula, The Egg and I, is an underappreciated Northwest classic. Seattle-area historian Paula Becker celebrates the UW Press’s republication of three long out-of-print books by MacDonald with a reading from her book which celebrates MacDonald’s history and legacy. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Monday January 23rd: The Revolution Where You Live Reading
Author Sarah van Gelder is a co-founder of the Bainbridge Island-based Yes! Magazine. Today, she debuts her new book, The Revolution Where You Live: Stories from a 12,000 Mile Journey Through a New America. Hopefully, she has some ideas for a new form of activism. Lord knows we need it. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Tuesday January 24th: This Is How It Always Is Reading
No less a towering talent than the Northwest’s own Ruth Ozeki praises Seattle author Laurie Frankel’s third novel, This Is How It Always Is, for charging us “to look beyond the traditional binary oppositions of boy vs. girl, right vs. wrong, real vs. make-believe, and to find courage and beauty in the in-between.” Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from January 11th - January 17th
Wednesday January 11th: Cat Rambo and Margaret Chiavetta
Two Seattle-based fantasy authors debut new work at Seattle’s best sci-fi bookstore. If you’ve been involved in our sci-fi community, you likely know Rambo’s name. Her newest book, Neither Here Nor There, is a collection of fantasy stories. You can see a tiny version of the nifty flip-cover format of the book right above this calendar entry. Chiavetta’s Sir Duffy’s Promise is the first in a new middle-reader fantasy series University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., 634-3400, http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday January 12th: Leaving the Planet Opening Reception
Greg Stump’s deceptively simple comics are Seattle’s best-kept secret. From his early-2000s comic contributions to The Stranger to his magnum opus Disillusioned Illusions, Stump has been gradually stripping away all artifice to discover a kind of cartooning nirvana. Tonight, Stump kicks off his first non-comics art show with Leaving the Planet, an ink-and-watercolor extravaganza showcase. Joe Bar, 810 E. Roy St., 324-0407. Free. All ages. 6 p.m.Friday January 13th: Indigenous London Reading
Canadian history professor Coll Thrush, who wrote a terrific history of indigenous Seattle, returns with a book about the history of native peoples from America and New Zealand who traveled to the very center of the British Empire from the 16th century onward. This is a fascinating new twist on the study of colonialism. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Saturday January 14th: Bring on 2017!
Open Books, under the guidance of new owner Billie Swift, has been kicking ass with its reading series lately. The store kicks off a new year of literary events with a reading from four Seattle-area poets: Samar Abulhassan, Natasha Marin, Imani Sims, and Anastacia Renee Tolbert. Come join the party. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 633-0811, http://www.openpoetrybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Sunday January 15th: Writers Resist: A Celebration of Free Speech
It seems impossible that this week will bring both the annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Donald Trump’s inauguration. But here we are. To mentally prepare for the discord to come, why not attend this freedom-minded reading by writers from Bellingham (Robert Lashley) and Spokane (novelist Jess Walter, poet Tod Marshall) and Seattle (Elissa Washuta, Jane Wong, G. Willow Wilson)? Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m.Monday January 16th: Something Special
The Egyptian Theatre is so beautiful and so welcoming that I’ve always thought it was kind of a shame that nobody ever hosted a reading there. Tonight, my dream comes true: Something Special is a multimedia celebration of short films, music (from Cosmos the Band) and spoken word (from Nikkita Oliver, Troy Osaki, and Leija Farr.) Egyptian Theatre, 805 E. Pine St., 324-9996, http://www.siff.net. $10. All ages. 9 p.m.Tuesday January 17th: Conflict Is Not Abuse Reading
See our event of the week column for more details.Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., 386-4636, http://www.spl.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Your Week in Readings: The best literary events from January 4th - January 10th
Wednesday January 4th: Reading Through It: A Post-Election Book Club
See our Event of the Week column for details. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, 474-2200, http://thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.
Alternate Wednesday January 4th: Contagious Exchanges
If you’re not attending a book club with the Seattle Review of Books and the Seattle Weekly, you should be at Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s queer literary salon series, which this month features two of the funniest writers in Seattle: poet/essayist Sarah Galvin and essayist/monologuist David Schmader. Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St., 322-7030, http://hugohouse.org. Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Thursday January 5th: The Expense of a View Reading
Polly Buckingham has long been a literary force out of eastern Washington — she helped found StringTown Press and she edits at Willow Springs Books. Tonight, she reads from her new story collection with the help of another eastern Washington gem — Spokane poet Nance Van Winckel, whose most recent collection is a “poetically altered encyclopedia,” which sounds fascinating. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.Friday January 6th: This Glittering Republic Reading
Seattle poet Quenton Baker hit it big late last year when he debuted his first collection, This Glittering Republic. His poems look at history and race and intergenerational burdens with a fresh eye. Baker is funny and brilliant and just about the closest thing to a voice of reason you can find in America, 2017. Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, http://elliottbaybook.com . Free. All ages. 7 p.m.