Itâs not quite accurate to describe Neal Stephenson as a hermitâhe quietly shops for books and attends readings all around Seattleâbut he sure doesnât make many public appearances. Maybe thatâs because heâs too busy writing long, intelligent novels that examine artificial intelligence, religion, scientific thought, and language. So this readingâthe debut of Reamde, an espionage thriller that Stephensonâs publisher is calling his âmost accessible novel to dateââis a big goddamned deal. Itâs a rare opportunity to celebrate one of Seattleâs smartest, most prolific, and most popular authors. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 634-3400, 7:30 pm, $5)