Christina Schwarz
Schwarz's book, Drowning Ruth, had the good fortune of being picked by Oprah's Book Club. As you can imagine, it's selling fabulously well. The story is about a Lutheran farmer's daughter with a secret past, and comments on the constraints put upon women in the 1920s. Elliott Bay Books, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 5 pm, free.
Brad Kessler
This author is known for his kids' books, but his recent book, Lick Creek, is a novel for grownups. It's a historical romance set in West Virginia, back when its hills were being wired for electricity. Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Matt Briggs, Trisha Ready, Ruth Brinton, Beth Bentley
As a part of the "It's About Time" Writers Reading Series, these excellent writers read from their latest works-in-progress. The series was created by Esther Altshul, and is for all those who aspire to write. Seattle Public Library, 5009 Roosevelt Way NE, 684-4063, free.
Sheldon Greene
Greene reads from Burnt Umber, his most recent novel about a group of artists living through the mid-20th century and its attendant turmoil. The book begins in WWI Europe and goes through civil-rights era Berkeley, California. Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, 6:30 pm, free.
Christina Schwarz
Right after her reading at Elliott Bay Books (see above), Schwarz will hightail it over to Lake Forest Park again to read, probably short of breath, from Drowning Ruth. Third Place Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Lois Mcmaster Bujold
This multiple Hugo-award-winning novelist reads from her latest book, The Curse of Chalion, a saga of "court intrigue, time travel, magic, and miracles." University Bookstore, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
Ethan Canin
Canin's latest book, Carry Me Across the Water, is about a young man who had to grow up fast in Europe on the eve of the Nazi ascent to power. Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Youth Poetry Slam
You have to be under 21 to perform, but all ages are encouraged to attend this exposition of youthful "slamming." There is a $25 prize for the winner, and evidently there will also be breakdancing and martial arts exhibitions. Fusion Cafe at the Downtown YMCA, 909 4th Ave, 382-7899, $5.
Tomas Gayton
This poet and civil rights attorney reads from Yazoo City Blues, a collection of poems about his trip to his grandfather's hometown, his travels to Morocco, his mixed African, Indian, and Irish roots, and more. Elliott Bay Books, 3 pm, free.
Alice Hoffman
Hoffman reads from her 14th book, Blue Diary, about a picture-perfect family who has to undergo abrupt changes. Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Carlos M. Martinez, Sarah Singer, Griffith Williams, Pieter Zilinsky
The four poets read, followed by an open mic. Barnes & Noble, 1530 11th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA, 3 pm; call 682-1268 for details.
Dale E. Soden
Soden's recent book, The Reverend Mark Matthews: An Activist in the Progressive Era, chronicles the history of Seattle through the life of this Presbyterian minister. Elliott Bay Books, 3 pm, free.
David Horowitz
Horowitz reads poetry, followed by this bookstore's weekly open mic. Wit's End Bookstore & Tea Shop, 770 N 34th St, 7 pm; call 682-1268 for more information.
E. Lynn Harris
See Stranger Suggests. Bailey/Coy Books, 414 Broadway East, 7 pm, free; call 323-8842 for more information.
E. Lynn Harris
See Stranger Suggests. Harris' newest book, Any Way the Wind Blows, is soapy, soapy, soapy. And fun as hell to read (or to be heard aloud). Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Robert Glatzer
You may have heard Glatzer's voice already, as he is the host of NPR's Movies 101. He wrote Beyond Popcorn: A Critic's Guide to Looking at Films, and shows film clips tonight. Third Place Books, 7 pm, free.
John Robbins
Robbins' breakthrough was with Diet for a New America, the book that generated much discussion about the state of American health. His latest book, The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and the World sounds like it raises the stakes. Elliott Bay Books, 5 pm, free.
Robert Glatzer
Two thumbs way, way down. He probably hates that joke. See preview above. University Bookstore, 7 pm, free.
Frederick D. Huebner
Bainbridge Island attorney-cum-mystery novelist will read from his latest thriller, Shades of Justice. Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
Jeff Shaara
Jeff is successfully working his way out of the shadow of his father, Michael Shaara, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Killer Angels. Jeff's latest book is Rise to Rebellion, about the Revolutionary War. Elliott Bay Books, 7:30 pm, free.
John Saul
Now at novel number 25, Saul has fine-tuned his mystery writing pen. This one is titled The Manhattan Club, about a college student wrongly convicted of a hideous crime. Third Place Books, 7 pm, free.
