*BRUCE BAGEMIHL--Two dogs humping may not always be what they seem, as biologist Bagemihl shows in his exhaustively researched book, Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity. It's a scholarly study that refutes the belief that same-sex sex is unique to humans, and addresses what that means in light of evolutionary theory. Bailey/Coy, 414 Broadway E, 323-8842, 7 pm, free.
FLOATING BRIDGE PRESS--Poets featured in Pontoon: Number Two, an anthology of Washington writers, read from their work. This reading features E. Hank Buchmann, Susan Carroll, Michael G. Hickey, and Becka Mara McKay. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
LARRY KARP--A new murder mystery from a Seattle writer, Karp's Music Box Murders delves into the world of musical antiques and mechanisms. Borders, 1501 Fourth Ave, 622-4599, 6 pm, free.
BHARTI KIRCHNER--Sharmila Sen, a "thoroughly modern, 32-year-old Chicago-style woman," who wears a power suit and goes to aerobics, has agreed to an arranged marriage in the tradition of her Indian culture, but when she arrives at her husband's house all sorts of mysteries await. Seattle writer Kirchner reads from her multicultural page-turner, Sharmila's Book (this talk includes a mini fiction workshop). Barnes & Noble, University Village, 517-4107, 7 pm, free.
GINA B. NAHAI--Moonlight on the Avenue of Faith brings magical realism to the streets of L.A. In the wake of the Iranian Revolution, a family reunites with their sad, fat mother. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
LUCIA PERILLO--The Oldest Map with the Name America sketches an off-road world in poetry, full of beautiful conspiracies that incorporate sex, culture, and sadness. Perillo, an award-winning poet who divides her time between Illinois and Washington, reads from her latest work. Open Books, 2414 N 45th St, 633-0811, 7:30 pm, free.
VOICES OF COLOR--Writers/activists read from this anthology exploring the meaning of racial identity. A discussion will follow. Sponsored by Campus Radical Women. Ethnic Cultural Center, 3931 Brooklyn Ave NE, 722-6057, 6:30 pm, free.
FRI-9
CHRISTOPHER MOORE--Kirkus says that if Steve Martin wrote a novel, it might come close to Christopher Moore's The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove. A stoned constable, a cleaning freak, and a lovelorn sea monster ply the countryside with alcohol. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
SAT-10
CRAB CREEK REVIEW--Contributors to this fine local literary magazine read from recent work. Featuring Greg Hischak, Mercedes Lawry, and Kimball Mackay-Brook. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
SUSAN EWING & ELIZABETH GROSSMAN--Ewing & Grossman read from their literary anthology Shadow Cat: Encountering the American Mountain Lion. Includes stories by Terry Tempest Williams, Pam Houston, and Rick Bass. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 2 pm, free.
*REAL TO REEL--The very last of Eleventh Hour Production's popular "poetry and cinema" explorations that have been shaking up words and images for several years, featuring performers Cristien Storm, Todd Stephen Davis, Nico Vassilakis, and video work by Steven Jessie Bernstein. Don't miss the wrap-up and a look forward to the Seattle Poetry Festival. Speakeasy, 2304 Second Ave, 346-0180, 8 pm, donation.
SUN-11
FLOATING BRIDGE PRESS--Three poets featured in Pontoon: Number Two, an anthology of Washington writers, read from their work. This reading features Kevin Coyne, Derek Sheffield, and John Wilson. Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3333, 4:30 pm, free.
*CHUCK PIRTLE, STEVE CRESON, DARRIN DANIEL-- Book release party for Think of the Self-Speaking: Harry Smith Selected Interviews. See Book Review Revue this issue. Pistil Books, 1013 E Pike, 860-4312, 7 pm, free.
MON-12
*JULIAN BARNES--The very British Julian Barnes, author of the Booker-nominated Flaubert's Parrot and scores of criticism and essays, speaks as part of the Seattle Arts & Lectures series. Barnes is known for working clever literary and political criticism into his fiction. He has also written mystery novels under a pen name (Dan Kavanagh). Fifth Ave Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave, 621-2230, 7:30 pm, $7.50-$18.
RICHARD SALOMON--Twenty-nine Buddhist scrolls recently obtained by the British Library provide Salomon a wealth of material to decipher and interpret in Ancient Buddhist Scrolls from Gandhara. Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room, UW Campus, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
TUES-13
CHRISTOPHER BUCKLEY--Buckley (Thank You for Smoking) spins more political hilarity in his new novel, Little Green Men, in which those responsible for national defense decide a fear of aliens is the best motivation towards spending. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 5 pm, free.
TIM FLANNERY--Two decades of research in New Guinea culminate in Flannery's thrilling tale of the indigenous people and nature, Throwim' Way Leg. Although Flannery's scholarship has resulted in the cataloguing of nearly 20 new species of mammals, his account reads with the verve of real adventure. Kane Hall 120, UW Campus, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
LOIDA MARITZA PEREZ--A dark religiosity pervades Perez's debut novel, Geographies of Home, a merciless investigation of a family besieged by insanity and culture, written in powerful, terse language that has been greeted with praise by critics. Publisher's Weekly says, "the powerful message is of the redeeming power of family love that contributes to individual courage and self-fulfillment." Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
*JOSEPH SKIBELL & JAN WALLACE--See Calendar Box. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave E, 323-4723, 8 pm, $5.
WED-14
TODD GITLIN--Culture critic Gitlin reads from his second novel, Sacrifice, in which a son rediscovers his alienated father through posthumously discovered diaries. A smart, slow-paced tale of familial insight. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 8 pm, free.
BEN NEIHART--See Book Review Revue this issue. Bailey/Coy, 414 Broadway E, 323-8842, 7 pm, free.
EVAN ZIMROTH--Zimroth's account of her sexually charged childhood relationship with her ballet master is the stuff of Collusion, a controversial memoir from an award-winning poet. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
OPEN MIKE
Note to regularly programmed open mikes: The Stranger will list events only if we receive an announcement--regular listings will be dropped unless we are notified that the events are in fact ongoing.
THURS-8
665--Words and music add up to this evening venue, tonight presenting the ever-popular Open Mic o' Rama. Four Angels, 1400 14th Ave (at Union), 689-8661, 7:30 pm, free.
SUN-11
RED SKY POETRY THEATER--Continuing its 18th season of readings, spotlighting local writers plus an open mike. Tonight featuring Robin Rutherford and friends from The Pearl. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave (at Pine), 633-5647, 7 pm, free.
MON-12
LIVINGROOM--Every Monday about this time, people read and rant and play music. Tonight, make room for Jeremy Schneyer. Habitat Espresso, 222 Broadway E, 689-8661, 7:30 pm, free.
TUES-13
HOMELAND--The homiest of open mikes, tonight featuring King County Transportation Bus Poets, along with espresso chocolate chip cookies. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave (at Pine), 324-8815, 7:30 pm, free.
WED-14
STAGE FRIGHT--The hippest scare for artists age 14-24. Bring your fiction, your instrument, and your fright. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave E, 526-2992 ext 23, 7 pm, free.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS:
WORDSCAPE--The Stranger recommends that you pick up Wordscape, Seattle's free monthly guide to literary events, to find a complete listing of opportunities for writers. Wordscape has an outstanding listing of contests, grants, and calls for writing, which we can only envy. Available at most local bookstores and libraries!
