We’re starting off strong this week at Elliott Bay Book Co. with Nathacha Appanah. The French-Mauritian author is in the US for the first time and promoting her book The Last Brother—we’re grabbing her right after her appearance in the PEN World Voices Festival in NYC. Her novel is astounding critics with its intricate story telling and dark subject matter (the little-known strife of 1,500 Jews who fled Europe only to be refused entry to Palestine and imprisoned in Mauritius in the 1940s). It’s never too late to be enlightened about bygone events, no matter how heart-breaking. more ›

BOOK LUST HITS THE ROAD: Seattle's favorite librarian and all-around literary darling, Nancy Pearl, will be reading from and discussing her latest book, Book Lust to Go, tonight at Town Hall. Rather than telling you all of the places that you must go before you die, Pearl's latest Book Lust venture documents the places you must read about before you visit. Pearl will be joined for an onstage conversation with KUOW's Steve Scher to discuss what we're sure will be a great string of books that will sweep you off your feet to far away places... whether you're physically traveling or not. more ›

WET HOT AMERICAN AWESOME: you've probably already seen David Wain's summer camp American classic. If you haven't, lame on you. Fortunately, you can remedy that tonight. And if you have, like a good little respecter of all things awesome, it certainly can't hurt to enjoy the last day at Camp Firewood one more time. "JJ, save me a waffle!" more ›

PRINCE'S REIGN: Central Cinema will be showing Prince's Purple Rain until Thursday--when they will also include a "Prince and Friends sing-a-long"--maybe in jest of April Fool's Day? We're not quite sure. However, if you're not up for singing along, go tonight and enjoy yourself some fantastic Purple Rain, beers, and stone oven pizza. This is definitely one cult classic that all Prince fans should see in their lifetime (if you haven't a billion times already). more ›

DIG IF YOU WILL, A PICTURE: because we'll take any excuse we can to post a picture of Prince, we recommend Central Cinema's showing of Purple Rain tonight. While April 1st's showing is a sing along (!), it can't hurt to get a little refresher course in first. How can you just leave me standing?! more ›

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, P.I.: The P.I. will be celebrating their one-year anniversary tonight at the Crocodile with the electro-pop duo Sap'N and The Lights. And what would a birthday party be without treats? Cupcake Royale babycakes and $1 Manny's will be available while supplies last, along with lots of promised "fun and games to be had." Happy birthday, P.I. and cheers to new beginnings! more ›

SHOW YOUR LIBRARY LOVE: The Seattle Public Library will be hosting a Citywide Conversation tonight at the Northgate Library Branch and they encourage the community to come out and "use their creativity in considering new models, services and potentially new roles for the Library." Support your local library and come be a part of the future because ain't nothin' better than free books! more ›

AYKROYD HITS SODO: As mentioned last week, Dan Aykroyd will be at the Sodo liquor store tonight to promote his new Crystal Head Vodka. As the website introduction states, supposedly the skull-like bottle is reminiscent of the thirteen crystal heads that once scattered across the earth defying the laws of physics with their unmarked smooth surfaces. The crystal heads also "are said to contain vast knowledge and enlightenment capable of unlocking our most enigmatic ancient mysteries." Was Dan Aykroyd drinking too much vodka when he agreed to this? Regardless, head down to the Sodo for some Aykroyd hugs and autographs, and pick up your very own Indiana Jones Crystal Head vodka--and don't forget to feel enlightened. more ›