NICK BANTOCK
Friends: Bantock (who created the popular Griffin and Sabine trilogy), is in love with the lush possibilities of the book form, not as a vehicle for textual subtlety, but as a surface for graphic illumination of real and invented objects, in The Museum at Purgatory. He will read and show slides tonight. Kane Hall Walker Ames Room, UW Campus, 634-3400, 7 pm, free (tickets).
MARION MICHENER
Dear Friends: Seattle's talented Marion Michener will read tonight from her debut novel, Dreaming under a Ton of Lizards, the story of a metaphor-friendly woman who must decide between alcohol and romance. Full of wry humor and ambitious writing, it should be fun to listen to. University Bookstore, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
READING CIRCLES
Lovely Friends: Hugo House Writer-in-Residence Joan Fiset continues the conversation at this monthly themed discussion. The topic tonight is "Encounters." Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030, 3-5 pm, free.
CHARLES PETZOLD
Coded Friends: Again, a book about the mysterious language of computers, ostensibly made easy. Petzold's book is called CODE: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software. Kane Hall Walker Ames Room, UW Campus, 634-3400, 7 pm, free (tickets).
GAIL TSUKIYAMA
Dear Friends: From the language of computer hardware we come to The Language of Threads, the newest installment in the story of Pei, a young Chinese girl trained as one of the "Women of the Silk," by the author of Women of the Silk and The Samurai's Garden. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
*NORTHWEST BOOKFEST
See Stranger Suggests, page 56. Washington State Convention and Trade Center, downtown Seattle at Eighth & Pike, 517-1474, 10 am-6 pm, donation.
*STEPHEN MITCHELL
See Stranger Suggests, page 57. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
*NORTHWEST BOOKFEST
See Stranger Suggests, page 56. Washington State Convention and Trade Center, downtown Seattle at Eighth & Pike, 517-1474, 10 am-6 pm, donation.
KEVIN MILLER, REBECCA LOUDON
Adventurous Friends: Local poets Miller (Everywhere Was Far) and Loudon (a novel, Bunny) not only write well-published work, but each has given his/her citizenry a boost by doing teaching duty -- Miller as a public school teacher and Loudon in the UW Extension Poetry Certificate Program. So get out there and cheer 'em on! Amy Burnett Gallery, 402 Pacific Ave, Bremerton, 360-692-5403, 2 pm, donation.
WILLIAM LEAST-HEAT MOON
Dear Friends: The author of one of the most popular books of the 1980s, Blue Highways, which chronicled his trips on backroads throughout America, returns with River Horse: A Voyage across America, in which the fine observer chooses water as a highway for his intrigue with the American countryside. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 2 pm, free.
GAIL TSUKIYAMA
See 11/12 listing. Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3300, 7 pm, free.
SUNEETA PERES DA COSTA
Friends: In Peres Da Costa's Homework, a young girl is born with highly sensitive "antennae" on top of her head, and must navigate through a household of emotional difficulty, all the while learning how to turn her "deformity" into an advantage. I don't know: The young author is touted as precociously talented. Could be great, could be terrible. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
LARRY KARP
Dear Friends: Support local writer Mr. Karp, who has written a mystery novel set in the "antiques subculture" of New York. A music box leads to murder, thus the title The Music Box Murders. Mr. Karp reads, discusses, and briefly signs (his book). Barnes & Noble, 600 Pine St, 264-0156, 7 pm, free.
DAVID GUTERSON
My Dear Friends: David Guterson no longer needs your support as he has hit the big leagues, but if you are a fan, here is an opportunity to see the author of Snow Falling on Cedars and East of the Mountains in a more intimate setting. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030, 7:30 pm, free.
DAN HINKLEY
Tender Friends: A little bored with your garden? Northwest landscape designer Mr. Hinkley will read and sign The Explorer's Garden, his book on using unusual plants in the garden. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free.
*D. TRAVERS SCOTT, AUBREY HART SPARKS,
JOHN MCFARLAND
Dear Friends: Two anthologies are celebrated tonight in this dual reading. Seattle authors Scott, Sparks, and McFarland -- each of whom has contributed to or edited one or the other -- read from the anthologies Boy Meets Boy, with its thoughts on dating and the modern gay man, and/or Strategic Sex: Why They Won't Keep It in the Bedroom, which explores sex in public. The Stranger's personal ads department will also be on hand to aid you in your own search for love. Bailey/Coy Books, 414 Broadway E, 323-8842, 7 pm, free.
*ANN RULE
Dear Friends: Ann Rule is the premiere true crime writer at work today -- and she used to be a Seattle police detective! Her work will keep you up at night. Her newest, And Never Let Her Go: Thomas Capano, the Deadly Seducer, shocks with the evil that hides behind the most charming facade. Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 366-3300, 7 pm, free.
OPEN MIC
Note to regularly programmed open mics: 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.
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If you've been counting the days until this reading series returns, this is your lucky day. Hosted by Sarah Sharp, featured readers will add to the mix. Four Angels Cafe, 1400 14th Ave at Union, 264-5139, 7:30 signup, free.
SPOKEN WORD
Each and every Thursday, this venerable Pioneer Square venue spotlights music, poetry, and comedy. Pioneer Square Saloon, 73 Yesler Way, 624-6444, 8:30 pm, free.
RED SKY POETRY THEATER
Seattle's longest-running reading series turns 19 this season. Celebrate with poet Joan Fiset and Chris Gompert, tonight's featured artists. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th off Pine, 633-5647, 7:30 pm, donation.
HOMELAND
Hosted by Circus and friends, "Seattle's own Little Bohemia" emerges from a hiatus transformed. Tonight hear witness to the creativity of Roger Bonair-Agard, 1999 National Poetry Slam Champ. The Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave at Pike, 264-5139, 7:30 signup, free.
SEATTLE POETRY SLAM
With a new venue and a new night, Seattle's biggest poetry slam is alive and kickin'. Tonight, all ears to Roger Bonair-Agard, 1999 National Poetry Slam Champ, plus open mic. Rupert's, 309 First Ave S, 628-7703, www.seattlepoetryslam.org, 9 pm, $3.
CATHARTICISM
Come to confess your sins, stay for a cookie. Open mic for poetry, stories, music, rants, and more. Tonight features the ever-lovin' "Poetry Schlamm." Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377, 8:30 pm, free.
