Robin Maxwell
The Queen's Bastard is a biographical novel about the lesser-known periods of Elizabeth I's life. In Other Words, 3734 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 232-6003, 7:30, free
China Mieville
Mieville's new book, The Scar, is the story of some drama aboard a sea-faring vessel. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Brothel: Mustang Ranch and its Women
Alexa Albert has began this project after working with homeless prostitutes in Time Square. Curious about the Nevada brothels, she spent six years hanging out with the women, talking to them, and even watching them work. Powell's Books on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 238-1668, 7:30 pm, free
David Ebershoff
Pasadena follows the transformation of Southern California, in the early 1900s, from frontier to suburbs. Ebershoff tells the story of one family making the journey. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Tim Farrington
The Monk Downstairs is the story of a divorced mother who falls in love, and is set to the backdrop of letters from a lapsed monk to his former brother. Annie Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, 246-0053, 7:30, free
Return of the Dead Poet Slam
This is a chance to celebrate the work of your favorite dead poets. Props and costurmes are encouraged. Hosted by Turiya. Berbati's, 10 SW 3rd, 7:00, $5
