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Words
There’s no denying the powers that be at Village Books do their darndest to make books, and authors, accessible to the masses. When they’re not hosting readings at their headquarters in Fairhaven, you can often find representatives from the indie bookstore teaming up on literary-focused events happening throughout Bellingham—whether it’s to a sold-out Sherman Alexie reading at Bellingham High School or a radio taping at the Leopold. Following are three author-related events happening this week that take place outside the confines of the bookstore.
When Wild author Cheryl Strayed took her passionate words to the Chuckanut Radio Hour last summer, it was sitting and standing room only at the Leopold Crystal Ballroom. That’s par for the course at this monthly get-together, which combines a featured author and local talents such as performance poet Kevin Murphy, Weekly columnist Alan Rhodes, the serial radio comedy talents of “The Bellingham Bean,” live music, and more to make for a rousing hour of live entertainment—which is taped and played for the enjoyment of KMRE 102.3 FM listeners every weekend. This month’s featured author, Paul de Barros, will read and share stories from his biography, Shall We Play That One Together? The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland, which follows the storied past of a living legend. Listen in, and be amazed. When: 7pm Thurs., Nov. 15 Where: Leopold Crystal Ballroom Cost: $5 Info: http://www.villagebooks.com
You’ll have to get up earlier than a bird seeking a worm for this next event, but methinks once you hear the guest of honor is Book Lust author Nancy Pearl, you won’t mind nearly as much. Once again, the lauded author, librarian and NPR commentator will be the featured speaker at the Whatcom Literacy Council’s 10th annual Literary Breakfast, and if you want to find out more about what she’s reading these days, you won’t want to miss this early-morning get-together. All funds raised will benefit the council—which, every year, helps hundreds of adults in Whatcom County build their literacy skills—so you’ll be learning something and doing good, all in one fell swoop. When: 7:30am Fri., Nov. 16 Where: Bellingham Golf & Country Club Cost: $50 a plate Info: http://www.whatcomliteracy.org
In another insightful move, Village Books is teaming up with the Pickford Film Center for the third “Writers in the Limelight” series, which features onscreen author talks and interviews with well-known scribes with big ideas. Anne Rice and Elaine Pagels were featured in September and October, Jodi Piccoult will be featured in December, and this month’s scribe will be Richard Dawkins, the author of The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution. After hearing what the evolutionary biologist and unapologetic atheist has to say on the big screen about the scientific evidence he’s amassed in his years of study, Village Books will host a discussion focusing on Dawkins’ theories. They’ll also supply the author’s books, in case you want to do a little research of your own. When: 12pm Sat., Nov. 17 Where: Limelight Cinema, 1418 Cornwall Ave. Cost: $7.50-$10 Info: http://www.pickfordfilmcenter.org
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