TONIGHT

Seattle can be a hard place to make friends. People smile politely, but to actually break into their social circle takes serious chit-chat jiujitsu. I suck at this kind of stuff, which is why I write. For those with the same dilemma, there’s a lecture by renowned film analyst and writer Warren Etheredge tonight that you’ll probably find interesting, called “Listen Up! The Art of the Interview and Everyday Conversation.” Only problem is, it’s very pricey. (Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 6:00 p.m., tickets selling for another hour here)

TUESDAY

Bill Shore, the head of Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit aiming to end childhood hunger in America, will be lecturing on the Sisyphean struggle to end malaria and the people who, in spite of the radically inopportune odds, continue to fight to eradicate the disease. (Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seneca St entrance, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., $5)

WEDNESDAY

“Like a lightning bolt to the head” and “direct, honest, and truly scary” are how two reviewers have described The Art of Non-Comformity, a book by Chris Guillebeau about how to break away from your socially constructed roles and, well, supposedly do your own thing. But can we ever really escape our own socialization? And should we want to? The author will be giving a reading at the University Bookstore today. And I plan to cross-question the shit out of him. (University Bookstore, 4326 University Way NE, 7 p.m., free)