Local literary treasure Rebecca Brown writes like Braque used to paint—some historical footage here, a few fucked-up found objects there, some sensual and fractured memories over there—and conflates them all into work that is both urgent and surprising. Tonight she celebrates her new book, American Romances (published by City Lights), with wine and conversation. The essays dive into the muckiest, most beautiful crannies in and around Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Beach Boys, Gertrude Stein, Oscar Wilde, and fucking in the sand. But this isn't a reading, mind you—it's a party. Prepare yourself for brainy, sexy fun. (Bailey/Coy Books, 414 Broadway E, 323-8842. 7 pm, free.)