Another week in the Seattle book world. Many things are happening--though they're a bit more spread out than usual. Don't let that dampen your spirits, get our there and embrace the interesting and unique events in our city. Cheers!

Brian Herbert at University Book Store:
So, it's possible that you may have heard of that little Dune franchise--and if so, you know that Frank Herbert's legacy was continued on by his son, Brian Herbert, and his partner Kevin J. Anderson. Their latest prequel, Sisterhood of Dune, lays the groundwork for the many (complicated) story lines that later emerge in the series--thinking machines, the Battle of Corrin, Heighliners and the Butlerian movement--if these words make any sense to you, I know where you'll be on Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, January 3rd at 7 p.m. // University of Washington Book Store // Free

Apocalypse Not: Seven Poets for 2012 at Richard Hugo House:
We still have some time until the supposed Apocalypse--why not spend those precious moments listening to some poetry? Richard Hugo House hosts an evening of words and wisdom in the new year, with seven poets sharing their works and chatting with you about the writing life. Among those poets are Elizabeth Austen (author of Every Dress a Decision), Ed Skoog whose work has appeared in Paris Review and American Poetry Review, and Jen Currin, author of The Sleep of Four Cities and winner of the Audre Lorde Poetry Award. And with four other poets sharing their talents--it's an evening to check out.

Thursday, January 5th at 7 p.m. // Richard Hugo House // Free

Tony Millionaire at Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery:
Aside from the fact that he has an amazing superhero name, Tony Millionaire also has the extraordinary talent to back it up. The cartoonist will be at Fantagraphics with his latest book 500 Portraits--a collection of portraits (duh) of everything from the very famous face, to the very small bug. All meticulously crafted in his beautiful, yet grotesque way--you're not going to want to miss Tony's take on portraiture. It's not a surprise that the man who brought the world Drinky Crow's Maakies, Sock Monkey and Billy Hazelnuts has more up his sleeve--including DonQuixote! And Bob Dylan! And Yoda! He's happy to sign copies of any of his Fantagraphics titles (and there are a few)--soak up the creative genius, and enjoy the premiere of bookstore curator Larry Reid's short live-action film, "Everybody Loves Drinky Crow". Enough said.

Saturday, January 7th at 6 p.m. // Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery // Free

Jane Borden at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
I always like a southern gentle-lady, and Jane Borden is no exception-- transplanted from Greensboro, NC to New York City, this belle shares her story of "how she made it" in her memoir, I Totally Meant to Do That. Beginning with her job as a fashion knock-off investigator, Borden dives into that wild Manhattan world and documents her adventures and challenges in the process.

Saturday, January 7th at 7 p.m. // Elliott Bay Book Co. // Free

Shiro Kashiba at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
Seattle chef Shiro Kashiba will be in conversation tonight with Bruce Rutledge, co-founder of Chin Music Press. Chin Music Press has published Shiro: Wit, Wisdom, & Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer (which features some rad recipes, photos and stories from the life of a master). A Few lucky individuals will win tickets to taste some of Shiro's sushi--not gonna lie, sounds appetizing!

Saturday, January 7th at 2 p.m. // Elliott Bay Book Co. // Free

Patricia Schultz at Woodmark Kirkland Hotel:
Oh la la--nothing like some travel talk, treats and booze to make a Monday night really sparkle. And 1,000 Places to See Before You Die touches upon the unforgettable--and the places you should see…well, before you die. And Schultz can be considered a bit of an expert, with 25 years in travel journalism, and experience writing for Frommer's and Berlitz. Appetizers are complimentary, the bar is stocked--that's something that I'm always into before embracing the end.

Monday, January 9th at 6 p.m. // Woodmark Kirkland Hotel // Free

Sarah Van Gelder at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
This year has been quite the busy one, what with people occupying all sorts of places--and Sarah Van Gelder is one of the first people to delve into the happenings of 2011. This Changes Everything: Occupy Wall Street and the 99% Movement is the new book edited by Sarah Van Gelder of Yes! Magazine, and this anthology contains contributions from many. Naoimi Klein, Rebecca Solnit, Ralph Nader and David Korten (and many others) are just some of the talented contributors to this anthology--and we're waiting with baited breath to see what happens next.

Friday, January 13th at 7 p.m. // Elliott Bay Book Co. // Free

Filed in Arts & Entertainment and tagged Elliot Bay Book Co., Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery, Richard Hugo House, This Week in Lit, University Book Store, Woodmark Kirkland Hotel

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