We have a novel about a pirate trying to stop a death ray, a reading at Columbia City Cinema by a local author with a book about growing up Italian, and two other readings tonight.

If you're not in the mood for fiction tonight, Joan Fitzgerald reads at Town Hall. Emerald Cities: Urban Sustainability and Economic Development is about how cities can become environmentally sound.

And Elliott Bay Book Company hosts Portland musician/novelist Willy Vlautin. Lean on Pete is an allegedly Steinbeckian novel about a young hobo who befriends an aging race horse.

The full readings calendar, including the next week or so, is here. And if you're planning on staying in and you're looking for personalized book recommendations, feel free to tell me the books you like and ask me what to read next over at Questionland.