After a week of very few reading events, we're finally shifting up into a multitude of readings again.

Up at the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library, Arthur Tulee, Jeff Encke and Jane Allyn read, and Laura McKee will discuss "The Writer's Craft." With an open mic somewhere in there, too.

Third Place Books hosts Mary Daheim. Alpine Uproar is the 21st (!) mystery in a series. This time, the protagonist investigates a bar brawl...and murder.

Over in West Seattle, Gloria Steinem will appear at a dinner celebrating women and change. It's a fundraiser for Hedgebrook, the writers colony for women, and it costs $1,000. That is not a misprint. One thousand dollars to eat food near Gloria Steinem. I'd hope to get a neck rub out of her, too.

University Book Store hosts David J. Williams, who is the author of the terrorists-in-space espionage thriller The Burning Skies. And in Pioneer Square, Isis Aquarian, who is apparently named "Isis Aquarian," reads from a book about a commune called In The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13 and The Source Family.

The reading of the night, though, is Rebecca Brown's launch party for American Romances, her brand-new book of essays, over at Bailey/Coy Books. Brendan wrote a Suggests for this event that will be popping up momentarily, but I'd like to take this opportunity to endorse this book, too. It is splendid; a smart, funny, surprising book of essays about Nathaniel Hawthorne and Brian Wilson and cookies and America and so many other things. If Rebecca Brown wasn't already a Stranger Genius, this book would make her the odds-on favorite for this year. You should go to Slog Happy and then hit up the Rebecca Brown reading tonight. There are no excuses.

The full readings calendar, including the next week or so, is here. And if you're planning on staying in and you're looking for personalized book recommendations, feel free to tell me the books you like and ask me what to read next over at Questionland.