Send listings two weeks in advance to books@seattleweekly.com.

Weston Fields The latest in Town Hall’s Dead Sea Scrolls lecture series discusses “Discovery, Purchase, and Reconstruction.” Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $15. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

Mary Fortino Before its fishing heyday, Ballard was the “Shingle Capital of the World.” Learn more from Fortino’s lecture. Ballard Branch Library, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. 7 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

Elizabeth GeorgeWhat Came Before He Shot Her is the latest in her Inspector Lynley series. University Book Store. 7 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

William C. GordonDuelo en Chinatown is his Spanish-language debut novel. Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636. 6 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

Jack Prelutsky Newly named the U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate, he presents his latest, Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant. Ballard Branch Library, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. 6:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

David Walker The U.S. comptroller general chairs a panel entitled “A Fiscal Wake-Up Call for America.” City Club, 1904 Third Ave., 206-682-7395, www.seattlecityclub.org. Noon. Wed. Nov. 29.

Isabel Allende SEE THE WIRE. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-386-4636, www.spl.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Greg Atkinson The Bainbridge Island writer (ex-Seattle Times) and chef (ex-Canlis) presents his West Coast Cooking. Eagle Harbor Books, 157 Winslow Way E. (Bainbridge Island), 206-842-5332. 7 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Subhankar Banerjee This photographer and wilderness advocate uncovers the federal government’s plans for Alaska in “America’s Arctic—Is It for Sale?” Room 130, Kane Hall, UW campus, 7 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Les Claypool The frontman/bassist for Primus reads from his debut novel, South of the Pumphouse. Elliott Bay Book Co., 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Leslie Mackie SEE THE WIRE. University Book Store. 7 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Tim Palmer A slide show of his new photography book, Rivers of America. The Mountaineers (Tahoma Room), 300 Third Ave. W, 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Women Write Relationships Join authors Rebecca Agiewich (BreakupBabe) and Diane Mapes (How to Date) as they discuss turning personal passion into book deals. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. $3–$5. 7 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Editors’ Forum Get advice on getting your poetry published from the pros: Amy Schrader of Cranky Literary Journal and Paul Hunter of Woodworks. Rose Room, North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Dec. 1.

B. Gloria Henderson The community activist offers a breakfast lecture on “Finding New Possibilities ‘Within’ People.” Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S. $10. 8 a.m. Fri. Dec. 1.

Clay Jenkinson An evening with Theodore Roosevelt, as portrayed by Jenkinson. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-386-4636, www.spl.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Dec. 1.

826 Seattle First Birthday Party It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since this non-profit writing center opened its doors and arms to those looking to spiff their scribing skills. The org plays host to everything from drop-in after-school tutoring to writing workshops led by luminaries with a passion for the pen (or keyboard). As a chapter of 826 National, the brainchild of author Dave Eggers, the Greenwood space joins the ranks of six other centers across the country. From San Francisco to Chicago, innovative storefronts slinging humorous trinkets like pirate (in SF) and superhero supplies (in NYC) help make their respective center’s work possible with the proceeds. Seattle’s 826 gets flow from a Space Travel Supply storefront that carries everything you’d need should you venture skyward, and from clever fundraisers like this year’s extremely successful Mustache-a-thon, the 25 contestants of which garnered nearly $10K with their snack-savers. Scarf jelly donuts with a pool of local talent from Sherman Alexie to Sean Nelson, as 826 blows out candle number one. 8414 Greenwood Ave. N. Noon–5 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2. AJA PECKNOLD

John Edwards Stories and memories collected by the former senator and VP candidate in Home: The Blueprints of Our Lives. University Book Store. 1:30 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Fantagraphics Books SEE THE WIRE. The opening of their Georgetown store. 1201 S. Vale St., 206-658-0110, www.fantagraphics.com. 5–8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Holiday Author Celebration Signings and readings from local authors all day, from kids’ books to adult lit. Secret Garden Bookshop, 2214 N.W. Market St., 206-789-5006, www.secretgardenbooks.com. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Karen Ishizuka & Roger Daniels Her new book Lost and Found: Reclaiming the Japanese American Incarceration revisits a painful chapter in American history; historian Daniels wrote the introduction. Theater Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S. 2 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Jen Marlowe Presenting her new book, Darfur Diaries: Stories of Survival. Elliott Bay Book Co. 4 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Lord Breaulove Swells Whimsy Reviving the lost art of foppery, from butterfly hunting to folding pocket squares, in his exquisite The Affected Provincial’s Companion, Vol. 1. Elliott Bay Book Co. 7:30 p.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Write-O-Rama! Hugo House throws a benefit for itself, including “more than 24 concurrent writing workshops and challenges, actual prizes, two open-mike opportunities, and a decent-sized party.” Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. 10 a.m. Sat. Dec. 2.

Courtney Dillard This Willamette University prof offers advice on how progressives can connect with voters and reclaim public offices in her book The Progressive’s Pocketbook of Persuasion. Not a Number Cards and Gifts, 1905 N. 45th St., 206-784-0965, www.notanumberinc.com. 6:30 p.m. Sun. Dec. 3.

Leadership Institute of Seattle An inquiry on leadership, heroism, and “myths to live by” inspired by the film Flags of Our Fathers. Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue. Suggested donation $15. 2–4 p.m. Sun. Dec. 3.

John RossZapatistas: Making Another World Possible: Chronicles of Resistance from 2000–2006 is the latest from this journalist and activist. Elliott Bay Book Co. 2 p.m. Sun. Dec. 3.

Ed Viesturs There are 14 mountains on the planet over 8,000 meters high; Viesturs has climbed them all. He’ll tell you how in No Shortcuts to the Top.Eagle Harbor Books, 157 Winslow Way E. (Bainbridge Island), 206-842-5332. 3 p.m. Sun. Dec. 3.

Freeman DysonThe Scientist as Rebel collects this physicist/mathematician’s book reviews, essays, and speeches. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon. Dec. 4.

Peter Potterfield His Classic Hikes of the World covers six continents, with firsthand reports from Sweden to New Zealand to our own Mount Rainier. Elliott Bay Book Co. 7:30 p.m. Mon. Dec. 4.

Brad Craft A reading from A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. University Book Store. 7 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5.

Elizabeth Kolbert The New Yorker environmental writer (Field Notes from a Catastrophe) discusses climate change, with a panel discussion to follow. Sponsored by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Benaroya Hall, Third Avenue and Union Street, 206-621-2230, www.lectures.org. $15–$60. 7:30 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5.

Stacy Mitchell Wal-Mart: savior of capitalism or locus of evil? (Or perhaps both?) Her Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses examines the question. Elliott Bay Book Co. 7:30 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5.

Erik Larson His novel Thunderstruck brings together murderer Hawley Crippen and inventor Guglielmo Marconi. University Book Store. 7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

John R. Levison Another in their D.S.S. series: “The Holy Spirit in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament.” Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $15. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

David Margolick A contributing editor at Vanity Fair, his most recent book is Strange Fruit: The Biography of a Song. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., www.nextbook.org. $8. 7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

Janis Cooke Newman Her Mary: A Novel imagines the memoirs of Mary Todd Lincoln after her institutionalization. Elliott Bay Book Co. 7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

David Ossman This Firesign Theatre founding member revisits the golden age of radio in his comedy-mystery The Ronald Reagan Murder Case. Seattle Mystery Bookshop, 117 Cherry St., 206-587-5737. Noon. Wed. Dec. 6.

Jon Riedel and Erin Pettit In conjunction with Elizabeth Kolbert’s appearance, they’ll present “In Our Own Backyard: Climate Change in the North Cascades.” Seattle REI Meeting Room, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-223-1944. Free. 7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

Subtext Hugo House’s monthly experimental writing series continues with readings by Lidia Yuknavitch and James Tierney. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030. Donation. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

Spoken Word/Open Mike

Elliott Bay Open Mike All are invited to read, listen, participate. Signup starts at 7 p.m. Elliott Bay Book Co. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

PoetsWest Lyn Coffin, Michael Johnsen, Jack McCarthy, and RD Shadowbyrd are featured. Barnes & Noble (Woodinville), 18025 Garden Way N.E., 206-682-1268. 7 p.m. Wed. Nov. 29.

Stage Fright Slam $100 cash prize at stake. For writers 14–24. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. Time TBA, Wed. Nov. 29.

Ben Lerner He’ll read from his second poetry collection, Angle of Yaw. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 206-633-0811, www.openpoetrybooks.com. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Belle Randall, Joannie KeRvran Stangeland, Donald Kentop New work from these poets. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 30.

Kathleen Lynch, Thomas Aslin Reading from her Hinge and his Sweet Smoke.Elliott Bay Book Co. 7:30 p.m. Fri. Dec. 1.

Robert Wrigley He’ll read from Earthly Meditations: New and Selected Poems. Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., 206-633-0811, www.openpoetrybooks.com. 7:30 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5.

Seattle Poetry Slam Denise Jolly is the featured reader. TOST, 513 N. 36th St., Space E, www.poetryfestival.org/slam. $5. Sign up starts at 8 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5.

Michael Spence, David D. Horowitz New work from these poets, too. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Dec. 6.

Venue Guide

Elliott Bay Book Co. 101 S. Main St., 206-624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com

Third Place Books 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 206-366-3333, www.thirdplacebooks.com

University Book Store 4326 University Way N.E., 206-634-3400, www.bookstore.washington.edu