Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees author Kidd presents her new novel, The Mermaid Chair. First Congregational Church , 1126 SW Park Ave, 227-2583, 7:30 pm, $5-12

Matt Lamb: The Art of Success
Willamette Week visual arts critic Richard Speer presents his new biography on the enigmatic, self-taught artist Matt Lamb. Powell's City of Books , 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm

Rick Bass
The prolific Montana Essayist/novelist/environmentalist Bass is a writer you probably should know about if you don't already. He's covered with passion and eloquence the state of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Caribou Rising), life with his pointer dog Colter (Colter), and in his latest novel, The Diezmo, the story of two Texans who wind up in one of Mexico's most dreaded prisons. Broadway Books , 1714 NE Broadway, 284-1726, 7 pm

Dan Chaon
Acclaimed short story writer Chaon presents his first novel, You Remind Me of Me, which asks the question "Why do we become what we become?" Powell's City of Books , 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm

Dan Millman
The one-time gymnast Millman made waves decades ago with his new-age enlightenment novel The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. His new work The Journeys of Socrates, revisits the wise hero of that beloved book. Powell's City of Books , 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm