THURSDAY 1/12
Marisa de los Santos
Poet de los Santos’ debut novel is called Love Walked In, but the rumor in literary circles is that the original title was Love Walked in While I Was Getting Out of the Shower, But I Didn’t Really Mind. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
FRIDAY 1/13
Portland Poetry Slam
Rules of the poetry slam: 1. You do not talk about poetry slam. 2. You DO NOT talk about poetry slam. 3. Each poet gets three minutes on stage. 4. Five judges are selected randomly from the audience to rate the poetry. 5. If you’re good enough, you may be sent to Austin to compete at the National Poetry Slam. Couch Gallery, 328 NW Broadway, #117, 538-4661, 8:30 pm (8 pm signup)
The Prisoner Pear
Elissa Minor Rust’s collection of stories is set in the lovely ‘burb of Lake Oswego. In our favorite, the heroine fears for her life when she thinks she spots a black person. Later, she realizes it was only Oprah Winfrey, one of the “good ones.” Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 228-4651, 7:30, free
TUESDAY 1/17
American Hostage
In 2003, Micah Green was a documentary filmmaker investigating archaeological looting in Iraq. On one of his last days in the country, he was identified as a tourist in a crowded marketplace, and kidnapped by Shi’ite Muslims. He was held in captivity (where he practiced yoga. No, really.) while his girlfriend and family tried desperately to free him. Tonight, he comes to Portland to tell you all about it. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 228-4651, 7:30, free
WEDNESDAY 1/18
You’ll Never Nanny In This Town Again
Not after this book, she won’t. Oregonian Suzanne Hansen’s new book dishes all the dirt about nannying for Michael Ovitz, Danny Devito, and Debra Winger. We’re guessing that Hansen won’t be receiving a Christmas card from the Penquin after he reads this one. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free