Literature: Spring Arts Preview 2012

Seven author appearances you won't want to miss in Seattle this spring.

By Seattle Mag February 16, 2012

literature

This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue of Seattle magazine.

Louise Glück: Acclaimed New York poet. Known for: Winning a Pulitzer Prize for poetry, serving as U.S. poet laureate (2003–2004) and penning unflinching, gorgeous poems. Reading: As part of Seattle Arts & Lectures. 3/15. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.621.2230; lectures.org

Alain de Botton: Funny and philosophical Swiss writer of keen essays. Known for: Intellectual ponderings on everyday modern life, such as Status Anxiety and The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. Reading: From his new book, Religion for Atheists: A Non-believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion. 3/16. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Meany Hall, UW campus, 15th Avenue NE & NE 40th Street; 206.543.4880; meany.org

Jack Hitt
: Humorous nonfiction writer for The New York Times and Harper’s, among others. Known for: Regular appearances on This American Life. Performing: A new one-man show called Making Up the Truth, in which he interlaces the latest brain science research with personal stories. 3/15–3/17. 8 p.m. $12–$15. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave.; 206.329.2629; nwfilmforum.org

Heidi Julavits: New England–based novelist and co-editor of The Believer. Known for: Compellingly weird fiction, including The Effect of Living Backwards. Reading: From her acclaimed new novel, The Vanishers, about female rivalry, grief and psychic powers. 4/4. 4 p.m. Free. University Bookstore, 4326 University Way NE; 206.634.3400; bookstore.washington.edu

Jonah Lehrer: Nonfiction journalist for Wired and The New Yorker who bridges the gap between science and humanities. Known for: The books Proust Was a Neuroscientist and How We Decide. Reading: From his brand-new title, Imagine: How Creativity Works. 4/9. 7:30 p.m. $5. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave.; 206.652.4255; townhallseattle.org

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Nigerian fiction writer. Known for: Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, short-listed for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction. Reading: As part of Seattle Arts & Lectures. 5/2. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.621.2230; lectures.org

Matthew & Michael Dickman: Up-and-coming Portland-based twin poets. Known for: Being identical, but having thoroughly distinct writing styles. Reading: From their new joint collection, 50 American Plays, Poems About All 50 States, for Seattle Arts & Lectures. 5/15. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.621.2230; lectures.org

 

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