This Week in Lit: Pudding Pops, Poetry and PrideFest Fun!

This is a week filled with local festivities—everything from the weird joys and toys of the ‘70s to wild road trips and PrideFest celebrations. Not a dull moment in sight with this week’s line-up.

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper at University of Washington Book Store:
I’m not going to lie—sometimes I really miss the toys of days gone by. You know, cultural icons that have long since fallen out of style (think of shrinky dinks or pogo balls), but which still hold a place in our hearts! And Gael Fashingbauer understands these obsessions from the ‘70s and ‘80s and is here to discuss them and her book, Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?: The Lost Toys, Tastes, and Trends of the 70s and 80s. I’m feeling nostalgic already.

Monday, 7 p.m. // University of Washington Book Store // Free

Copper Canyon Press Benefit Reading at ACT Theatre:
It’s an evening of local (and close to local) talent with the Copper Canyon Press Benefit Reading with Heather McHugh, Michael Dickman, Sarah Lindsay and Alberto Rios. Solstice does bring out the arty folk, and this lineup proves it—Heather has been the recipient of numerous awards for her 2009 collection, Upgraded to Serious, and Portland-based Michael Dickman will be reading from his new collection, Flies. Sarah Lindsay will be reading from Twigs & Knucklebones, and Alberto Rios comes armed with his collection The Dangerous Shirt. This evening is co-presented by Copper Canyon Press and ACT Theatre—and it’s a steal considering the breadth of talent and entertainment you’re in for.

Tuesday, 7 p.m. // ACT Theatre // $25 general/ $10 student/ $100 for reading and private reception

Sarah Bathum, Susan Rich and Jocelyn Edelstein at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
Some of my favorite memories involve being crammed into a Uhaul with my best friend, driving across country with the radio blasting and fast food wrappers strewn all around. Such is the nature of the road trip—share in the memories of other ladies with a lively evening of storytelling. Adventures, misadventures, crazy adventures…Best Women’s Travel Writing 2011 pretty much covers it all. We have some contributing local talent as well—Sara Bathum, Susan Rich, and Jocelyn Edelstein will read from their own work and most likely convince some folks to embark on their own trip of some kind.

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

Ethel Rohan at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
Seattle’s Dark Sky Press presents a talented, new writer from San Francisco, Ethel Rohan. She’s in town to share from her collection of stories, Cut Through the Bone. These stories are descriptive and realistic accounts of everyday lives—told through the vivid language of her vulnerable characters. It does sounds like pretty heavy material, but it’s impossible to ignore such promising talent.

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

Armistead Maupin at Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Central Library:
There’s no shortage of festivities to go along with this year’s Pridefest, and this appearance by Armistead Maupin, author of the famous Tales of the City series, is just the cherry on the top. Take a moment away from the dancing, singing and celebrating to pop by the library for Maupin’s free talk about his latest novel, Mary Ann in Autumn. Also, show your love by embracing some of the other Seattle PrideFest events as well—www.seattlepridefest.com should fill you in on the details—and Maupin will also be the Seattle PrideFest keynote speaker at the Seattle Center on the 26th.

Saturday, 3 p.m. // Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Library // Free