Michael Chabon

Michael Chabon single-handedly made it okay—brainy, even!—to like genre fiction. And it’s not just his novels (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay and The Yiddish Policemen’s Union). He’s the kind of public speaker who reinspires passion for books (the Obamas handpicked him to perform at the White House poetry slam, but let’s not hold that against him). Best of all, he doesn’t have a new book to promote tonight, so he’s free to talk about whatever the fuck he wants, which apparently will include Edgar Allan Poe, reincarnation, and revenge. (Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, www.lectures.org.
7:30 pm, $10–$70.)