There is so much going on today it's not even funny.

Elliott Bay Book Company is hosting a couple readings. First, Christina Pratt reads from An Encyclopedia of Shamanism, which is apparently "enriched by the author's personal background in several experiential shamanic traditions." And then Rolf Potts reads from Marco Polo Didn't Go There: Stories and Revelations from One Decade as a Postmodern Travel Writer. I hope Potts will try to justify how he can refer to himself as a postmodern travel writer, which is a phrase that makes me nauseous. And then, Leslie Walker Williams reads from The Prudent Mariner. Kelly Cherry says "If you liked To Kill a Mockingbird, you will love The Prudent Mariner.” If you didn't like To Kill a Mockingbird, you are not human, but I'm not sure it's wise to compare a new book to it. Expectations will be too high.

At the main branch of the library, Cliff Mass, which is a name that sounds like a mountaineering hero in a 1930s adventure serial, reads from The Weather of the Pacific Northwest, which is about the mysteries of local weather. I hope there's a chapter on Steve Pool.

Richelle Mead reads at Third Place Books from her vampire novel.

Then we have two fine intellectuals reading. Michael Eric Dyson will give a lecture titled "Power, Justice, Freedom: Vote!" (and hopefully, he will address each theme in order) at the Mount Zion Baptist Church. And Van Jones is at Benaroya Hall to discuss the green economy and green collar jobs, which is a term I already tire of. Van Jones is, as they say, da bomb.

The full readings calendar, including the next week or so, is here.