This Week in Lit: Twisted History, It Gets Better in Seattle, and the Love Lives of the Drunk & Writerly
No worries, the Seattle literary scene is still keeping things lively this week; history lessons served up with a twist, the YouTube phenomenon that can actually save lives, and a little glimpse into Ernest Hemingway’s messy love life. We’ve got quite the week waiting for all of you!
Sarah Vowell at Town Hall:
History is immensely more entertaining when looked at through the eyes of Sarah Vowell. Her new book Unfamiliar Fishes gives us a glimpse at the story of Hawaii, and the way a strange crew of Americans took over the land and the destiny of the people. Vowell is a renowned journalist, and “social observer” who has written numerous books about history—though to many her part as the voice of Violet in The Incredibles can also be considered a monumental accomplishment! This literary talent, who was once a contributing editor for This American Life has much to say…and we’re all ears.
Monday, 7:30 p.m. // Town Hall // $5 at Elliott Bay or www.brownpapertickets.com
Dan Savage, Terry Miller & Friends at Town Hall:
It Gets Better began with just one YouTube video posted by Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller; but it has blossomed into a project that offers hope and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth—especially for those being bullied about their identities. Town Hall hosts an evening where KUOW reporter Liz Jones interviews Savage and Miller about the project and their book, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life Worth Living. The initial project drew the support and videos of people ranging from Tim Gunn to the President—and this night is bound to be inspiring, with other Seattlites also speaking out about experiences and the importance of preventing teen suicides. It’s going to be sometimes sweet, sometimes hilarious, and most likely an unforgettable evening.
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. // Town Hall // Under 18 Free, $5 tickets www.brownpapertickets.com
Paula McLain at University Book Store:
Though we can all agree that Ernest Hemingway was quite the ladies’ man, it all had to begin somewhere. That somewhere was Hadley Richardson—his first wife and the central character of Paula McLain’s new novel, The Paris Wife. In the novel we see Richardson’s side of this frenzied and tormented relationship, and get a glimpse of the man who was to become one of the most celebrated American writers. Autographed copies of the book will be available after the event—not too shabby of a way to spend a Wednesday evening.
Wednesday, 7 p.m. // University Book Store // Free
Joan Singler, Jean Durning, Bettylou Valentine, & Maud Adams at Seattle Public Central Library:
Get a taste of Seattle’s vibrant history with Seattle in Black and White: The Congress of Racial Equality and the Fight for Equal Opportunity. This talk is co-presented with the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library, and focuses on CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), and the way it affected life in our city fifty years ago. Joan Singler, Jean Durning, Bettylou Valentine, and Maud Adams, members of the group that started our local CORE in 1961, will all be present and standing by to share memories, stories, and insight.
Nothing’s better than getting the story right from the source.
Sunday, 2 p.m. // Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Central Library// Free
