* Sherman Alexie & David James Duncan
Two literary heavyweights, courtesy of the Mountain Writers Center. In case you've been living in a cave for the past decade, Alexie wrote Reservation Blues, among other amazing books, poetry, and screenplays. James Duncan penned The Brothers K which is the favorite book of at least ten of our friends. Powell's, at First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Ave, 236-4854, 7:30 pm, $12
* Mark Salzman
Somehow, Salzman got roped into teaching writing for a year at a Central Los Angeles juvenile detention center. He wrote of his experiences with violent, fatherless youths in True Notebooks: A Writer's Year at Juvenile Hall. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
* Revolution in the Air
Max Elbaum presents his new book, described as "the first in-depth study of the long march of the U.S. New Left after 1968." Laughing Horse Books Collective, 3625 SE Division, 236-2893, 7 pm, free
Terry Pratchett
GRR! This event is a book signing only. We are not fond of authors who won't share anything with their fans outside of a worthless blur of ink on a piece of paper. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Tina Basich
A real-life Olympic snowboarder reads from her book about getting to the top: Pretty Good for a Girl. Powell's Books on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 238-1668, 7:30 pm, free
* Architect of the Universe
James Gardner's new book on creationism and evolution, observes the development of life and intelligence from a metaphysical stance. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Nell Freudenberger
Freudenberger presents five stories, set in Southeast Asia and India, and narrated by young women, in her acclaimed collection Lucky Girls. Annie Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, 246-0053, 7:30 pm, free
* Collaborative Poetics Festival
A multimedia event combining performances and readings, brought to you by the Spare Room, and featuring poets and artists like Amanda Deutch, Maryrose Larkin, Ashley Edwards, and a shitload more. Performance Works NorthWest, 4625 SE 67th Ave, 777-1907, Fri-Sat 8 pm, $6 donation
* Madeleine Albright
The dead sexy former U.S. Secretary of State (the first woman to serve as such, but you knew that), shares from her new memoir Madame Secretary. Art Reach Gallery at First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Ave., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
* Bake Sale
The Steel Pond presents an evening of readings, artwork, and cupcakes. A lot of cool writers will join this First Thursday opening, including phantasmagorist Carlton Mellick, Sniffy Linings stud Paul Ash, and Trevor Dodge. Steel Pond Gallery, 1905 NW 26th, 224-2582, 5:30-9:30, free
