This Week in Lit: Romance Languages, Paying for Sex and Lady Parts

This week we’ve got our hands full with everything from young Spanish language novelists skyrocketing to fame, to graphic novels about hookers, to a culture of violence. I don’t know how you’re feeling, but I’m sort of revved up for lit events this week.

GRANTA—The Best of Young Spanish Language Novelists at Elliott Bay Book Co.:

With the help of The Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain, The Spain-USA Foundation, and UW, GRANTA brings us the best of the Spanish language novelists under the age of 35. Andrés Barba, Javier Montes, and Alberto Olmos are three of Spain’s highly respected writers (and a few of the twenty-two writers featured in the edition) who will be on hand at the bookstore. Novelist David Guterson will be hosting and moderating the evening—and expect to see much more from the many talented writers in Granta 113 The Best of Young Spanish Language Novelists.

Monday, 7 p.m. // Elliott Bay Book Co. // Free

Teresa Gowan at Microsoft Auditorium, Central Library:

After working with the homeless in San Francisco for many years, Teresa Gowan is familiar with the streets—or at least with the people who populate them. Check out the discussion of her book Hobos, Hustlers, and Backsliders at Microsoft Auditorium, Central Library and discover how much influence those people who generally go unnoticed actually have. On the streets, in shelters, and even on our public policy—Gowan gives a glimpse of how things really go down.

Wednesday, 7 p.m. // Microsoft Auditorium, Central Library // Free

Jennifer and Matthew Holm at 826 Seattle in Greenwood:

Basically the words graphic novelists, amoeba, and epic fight lured me toward this listing—and with all the fantastic things 826 Seattle does for our community, they deserve every ounce of publicity and praise. Jennifer and Matthew Holms (brother and sister book writers) have created a story starring Squish, a young amoeba fighting the forces of evil in school. Yeah, a bit different than the other listing—but sometimes a girl just wants to check out some bad ass drawings of a super hero.

Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. // 826 Seattle // Free

Chester Brown at Elliott Bay Book Co.:

Another graphic novel—it’s my lucky day! Chester Brown will be at Elliott Bay with his new book, Paying for It: A Comic Strip Memoir About Being a John. Though the title should be enough to peak your curiosity, Brown’s reputation as one of today’s foremost graphic narrative artists seals the deal. I’m guessing it’s a little awkward to read (and see) the exploits of a John purchasing sex—but you can’t say the material isn’t original and captivating. Besides, every situation can be viewed from various angles—why not this one?

Thursday, 8 p.m. // Elliot Bay Book Co. // Free

Inga Muscio at Town Hall Seattle:

From the lady who brings us the infamously titled, Cunt: A Declaration of Independence, comes her sequel Rose: Love in Violent Times discussing violence and its impact on people’s lives, minds, and our culture. With her usual insight and wit, Inga Muscio explores the complicated answers and offers up another considerable contribution to powerful feminist literature. You can purchase tickets at the door for this event, or mosey on over to brownpapertickets.com for more information—not a night to be missed!

Sunday 7 p.m. // Town Hall Seattle // $5 tickets at door/ advance at brownpapertickets.com