This Week in Lit: Hidden Tribes, Hollywood Hair and Mindy Kaling

So many events this week! And all squished towards the end of the week--you'll just have to figure out ways to cram them all in. Cheers!

Scott Wallace at Elliott Bay Book Co:
The Amazon! Does it get more adventure-y than that? I think not--and writer/photographer Scott Wallace explores the jungle in his debut book, The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes. Basically Wallace (on assignment for National Geographic) and explorer Sydney Possuelo venture into the depths of the Amazon to gather information about the "People of the Arrow", while at the same time NOT actually contacting the tribe. The information is crucial for the tribe's continued protection from the outside and encroaching world. Scary, insane and unbelievable adventures are sure to follow...

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

Lorraine McConaghy at Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Central Library:
Seattle history time is my favorite time--and author Lorraine McConaghy brings some fascinating things to light in her book, New Land, North of the Columbia: Historic Documents That Tell the Story of Washington from Territory to Today. Apparently the book includes documents about the Puget Sound Underground Railroad, posters promoting and decrying women's right to vote, and various maps, photographs and other paraphernalia. McConaghy is the public historian at the Museum of History and Industry--and her journey through Washington's past is bound to be fascinating.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m. // Microsoft Auditorium, Seattle Public Central Library // Free

Carrie White at Elliott Bay Book Co.:
Everyone's aware that hairstylists always have the best gossip--and Carrie White illustrates this beautifully in her new memoir, Upper Cut: Highlights of My Hollywood Life. As one of the most sought after hairstylists in Hollywood, White entertains in her book with stories that are peppered with famous names--and life lessons that can only be learned in the land of fame and excess. Upper Cut also touches on her troubled childhood and her long battle with addiction. And MOST importantly--the woman has touched the hair of everyone from Elvis Presley to Brad Pitt. I wish I was already reading this book. Right now.

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

While You Were Sleeping with Sherman Alexie, Nicole Hardy, Kevin Sampsell and Rachel Flotard at Richard Hugo House:
It's the second installment in Richard Hugo House's Literary Series for the year.
This week's theme is "While You Were Sleeping"--and the line up boasts Sherman Alexie (you may recognize the name, yes?), witty and wry Nicole Hardy, writer Kevin Sampsell and the lovely Rachel Flotard of local band Visqueen. That's a pretty kick-ass line up for what promises to be an exciting evening.

Friday, 7:30 p.m. // Richard Hugo House // Ticket information via www.hugohouse.org

Mindy Kaling at University of Washington Book Store:
Everyone has a crush on Mindy Kaling, right? How can you not love her completely spastic character on The Office--or appreciate all her real-life brains and wit as a writer and Executive Producer for the show. And now she wrote a book! In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) Kaling ushers us through her life, and gives a glimpse of what it takes to turn into a bad ass lady. Just like she did. This event is only a book signing though, and you have to have a signing ticket to stand in the signing line--said ticket is only available by purchasing a copy of Kaling's book from University Book Store (they know how to reel you in!). Don't bring your Office memorabilia though--this is an evening all about her new book!

Saturday, 2 p.m. // University of Washington Book Store // Signing ticket required--which means, buy a book bitches!

Q&A with the Northwest Independent Editors Guild at University of Washington Book Store:
For those of you who've had better luck than others (ahem--me) at creating that novel in ONE MONTH, here's the chance to get some tips on your next step!
A panel of editors from the Northwest Independent Editors Guild will be on hand to offer advice and encouragement to all aspiring writers. Kyra Freestar, Sarah Martinez and Anne Mini are the helpful ladies of the hour--and maybe the people who can help push you in the right direction.

Sunday, 2 p.m. // University of Washington Book Store // Free