Adam Langer
Langer presents his acclaimed debut, Crossing California, which is actually about Jewish families in Chicago. Sorry, California fans! Powell’s Books on Hawthorne , 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 238-1668, 7:30 pm
Storytelling through Animation
Before hitting the bars this Friday night, why not stop by the ol’ Technical Bookstore, where filmmaker Mike Wellins will present his new book on creating animation that actually tells a decent story. Powell’s Technical books , 33 NW Park Ave, 228-3906, 7 pm
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