* Several Sensibly Dressed People Saying Things to Other People
A handful of smart writers and performers: Kevin Sampsell, writer and editor of Future Tense Books, Paul Ash, monologue artist, Mark Russell, editor of Penny Dreadful, author Anne Adams, hosted by Jemiah Jefferson. East West Cafe, 45th & SE Belmont, 8 pm
* Richard Ford
A Multitude of Sins, new short fiction from a writer given the task of setting a particular literary standard. Thoughtful, minimal, realist, always looking at love and human weakness. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 pm
Deadly Diversions Book Group
The monthly mystery book group will discuss Sara Caudwell's The Sybyl in her Grave. Powell's-Beaverton, 8725 SW Cascade Ave, 643-3131,
Marilyn George
In the book, Following the Alaskan Dream: My Salmon Trolling Adventures in the Last Frontier 1946-1986,the 79-year-old author tells the story of her adventurous life--raising a family on an Alaskan fishing boat. Borders-GreshAm, 687 NW 12th, Gresham, 674-3917, 5:30 pm
David St. John
Poetry, sponsored by Mountain Writers. Mount Hood Community College , 26000 SE Stark St, 491-6075, noon, free-$8
David St. John
Lecture. Mountain Writers Center, 3624 SE Milwaukie, 236-4854, 7 pm, $5-8
* Adaptations: From Literature to Film
This is one of the many amazing events presented by that very last crumb of true democracy, the Public Library. Nothing to pay for that isn't already covered in taxes. It's so egalitarian, it's almost subversive. This week's book/film is The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Read the book, come see the film, and join in the discussion. Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave, 248-5234, 1 pm
Chicken: Self-Portrait of a Young Man for Rent
The story of David Sterry, a young man growing up in suburbia in the '70s, who became a prostitute for older women. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
BIGwords Poetry in Performance
Open mike, locals, and touring stars. Soul Evans kicks off the series with The Personal is Political, hosted by Turiya Autry. Annie Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, 246-0053, 7:30 pm, $5
Writer's Group
First and third Wednesday--meet, read, and give feedback. All welcome. Borders-Beaverton, 2605 SW Cedar Hills, 644-1498, 7 pm
Benson High Student Reading
Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, 284-1726, 7 pm
* J.M. Coetzee
Here's an author whose work is unforgettable--for the intelligence and the heartbreak, the exploration of the horrors of power -struggles, war, racial tension, and the frailty of life. Coetzee currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa. His presence in Portland is sure to be an amazing thing. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall/Literary Arts, SW Broadway & Main, 7:30 pm
Ted Wentworth
Build a Better Spouse Trap: A Street-Smart Strategy For Men Who Have Lost a Love. Barnes & Noble, 1720 N Jantzen Beach, 283-2800, 7:30 pm
Writers Group
Borders-Gresham, 687 NW 12th, Gresham, 674-3917, 7 pm
Christopher Rice
Christopher Rice, son of Anne Rice, follows his first book with The Snow Garden, about three friends who get trapped on a college campus during a snowstorm. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
