This Week in Lit: Sapphire, Science Fiction and Sonic Youth

We've got quite a week coming up in Seattle--make some time to attend any of these events, there's a variety for you!

Sapphire at Elliot Bay Book Co.:
It shouldn’t take much to amp up Seattle literary folks for this visit from writer and performance poet, Sapphire. Best known for her affecting account of Push’s protagonist, Precious (say that five times fast), Sapphire makes her latest visit to Elliott Bay with her sequel, The Kid. Her new novel focuses on the life of orphaned Abdul Jones—son of Precious—and his struggles with the violence and heartbreak of his new foster “homes”. Not going to lie—this book contains some brutal stuff, but Sapphire has never been one to shy away from the painful, and any chance to interact with the woman who can craft such compelling characters is not to be missed.

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

L. Timmel Duchamp at University of Washington Book Store:
Science Fiction literary events seem to be few and far between—so I’m excited for this event at University Book Store! And L. Timmel Duchamp is a unique one, often using her science fiction short stories to explore various aspects of feminism and gender politics. She’s also the founder of Seattle’s Aqueduct Press—home to a diverse group of authors. Come hear her chat about her latest Never at Home and the other works that have garnered her attention!

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

Eric Metaxas at Maplewood Presbyterian Church:
For those of you looking to escape the madness of Capitol Hill Block Party weekend (and for quite a change of pace), you can head to a reading that’s co-presented by the Washington State Holocaust Education and Resource Center and Seattle University. Scholar Eric Metaxas will discuss his book, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy—the biography of a Lutheran pastor who spoke out against Hitler, and paid with his life. The evening will no doubt delve into many questions about religion—and Metaxas (who founded the Socrates Society and received the 2011 Canterbury Medal)—is the kind of guy who may have some answers. Or at least fodder for interesting conversation.

Friday, 7 p.m. // Maplewod Presbyterian Church // Free

Thurston Moore at Elliot Bay Book Co.:
This event with Thurston Moore (!) is co-presented with 107.7 The End, and presented in conjunction with the Capitol Hill Block Party! As if there isn’t going to be enough mind-blowing talent partying in the Pike/Pine Corridor, there’s also a chance to hang with Moore—known mostly for his time in Sonic Youth. After doing a little singing at 6 p.m., Moore will read poems from the booklet from his new solo CD, Demolished Thoughts. Drag yourselves inside for a moment and check it out!

Friday, 8:30 p.m. // Elliot Bay Book Co. // Free, for info about Block Party see www.capitolblockparty.com

Elizabeth Brundage at Lake Forest Park Third Place Books:
Everyone loves a little L.A. noir now and then, and Brundage’s latest novel about the city that can break your heart and kill your dreams happily fills that niche. A Stranger Like You follows Mr. Hugh Waters—boring insurance company employee turned screenplay writer—and his adventures following his dream in Hollywood. You can chat with the author herself about her thriller—and grab yourself a copy after the reading.

Saturday, 6:30 p.m. // Lake Forest Park Third Place Books // Free