Molly Gloss
The author will read from her latest, Wild Life. BORDERS BOOKS AND MUSIC, 708 SW Third Ave, 220-5911, 7 PM, Free

* Sherry Asbury and Israel Bayer
"The poor will always be among us." For better or worse, that's a quote from The Bible and it never quits ringing true. But what to do about it? Discuss the situation with poets Ashbury and Bayer, of Street Roots, at this chapbook release party. There will be readings, speaking, and a slide show focusing on topics such as female homelessness, abuse, and addiction. NORTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD CULTURAL CENTER, 1819 NW Everett, 228-6972, 7 PM, sliding scale

John Shirley
The first in his cyberpunk trilogy, Eclipse was published in 1985, and the two following installments are available this year. A tale of resisting an impending fascist government. POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 PM, Free

Poems Over Broadway
This is a monthly open mic, welcoming all poets willing to partake the in the non-confrontational atmosphere. BARNES & NOBLE NE, 1231 NE Broadway, 335-0201, 7 PM, Free

John R. Cope
After surviving cancer himself, the author has written A Warrior's Way: Insights for Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, and Those Who Love Them. The book is described as his "distilled experiences..attitudes and insghts." BARNES & NOBLE, 1720 N Jantzen Beach, 283-2800, 2 PM, Free

Tom Crawford
Tom Crawford is the author of five books of poetry. He's been awarded two NEAs and one Oregon Book Award for poetry. Stop in and hear him read! STUMPTOWN COFFEE ROASTERS, 2828 SE Division St, 230-7797, 6 PM, $5

I Love Monday! Poetry Night
Dan Raphael is joined this week by Bridget Benton, who will read from her new book, Whore for Words and Brandon Landis of the Irradiated Poets. BORDERS BOOKS AND MUSIC, 708 SW Third Ave, 220-5911, 7 PM, Free

* Jamie S Rich
Local writer and editor-in-chief of Oni Press, Jamie Rich will present his illustrated novel Cut My Hair. POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 PM, Free

Bob Blumer: The Surreal Gourmet
See the author, Blumer, and his giant "Toastermobile" prepare samples of wacky food. Learn how to make melons look like eggs, and turngrapefruits into cocktails. POWELL'S BOOKS FOR COOKS & GARDENERS, 3747 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 235-3802, 7 PM, Free

E. Lynn Harris
E. Lynn Harris is reportedly the "best sellling African-American male writing today." HIs latest book, Not a Day Goes By, tells the story of what happens when a power-hungry couple plan a lavish wedding and a life of determined bliss. POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 PM, Free

Stella Dong
The author will read from Shanghai: the Rise and Fall of a Decadent City. Learn how Shanghi became the "Whore of Asia," a city of indulgence, opulance and squalor. TWENTY-THIRD AVENUE BOOKS, 1015 NW 23rd Ave, 224-6203, 7:30 PM, Free

Beat Resurrection with Cat Daddy
Every Wednesday the Viscount hosts poetry, spoken word, and live jazz. VISCOUNT BALLROOM, 722 E Burnside St, 233-7855, 9 PM, $3