Parzybok to read at Auntie’s
Ben Parzybok, a Spokane-born writer who now lives in Portland, will return to the Inland Northwest this week for a reading at Auntie’s Bookstore.
Parzybok will read from his novel “Sherwood Nation,” which was released in September by Small Beer Press. The story centers on drought-stricken Portland, where water is rationed. When a water activist (nicknamed Maid Marian) rises up to bring neighborhoods back together, she is thwarted by city government and the National Guard. As Booklist noted, “Parzybok is riffing on the Robin Hood story, to be sure, but he also layers on some astute social and political commentary, and he’s built a fully functioning and believable future world. Give this one to fans of Adam Sternbergh’s ‘Shovel Ready.’ ”
The reading will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. Parzybok will be joined by Sam Ligon, author of the story collection “Drift and Swerve” and an associate professor at Eastern Washington University’s creative writing program.
Call the store at (509) 838-0206 for more information.
Spokane 50, in book form
Since 2013, Spokane photographer Marshall Peterson has been working on Spokane 50, a long-term photography project that celebrates those who keep Spokane’s art scene exciting.
Spokane 50 has included Peterson’s photographs of the musicians, writers, artists, promoters and others who contribute to a community that by all accounts is growing. The names include artist and former Spokane Arts Director Karen Mobley, KPBX’s Verne Windham, Terrain cofounder Luke Baumgarten, and Get Lit’s Melissa Huggins. He’s not made it to 50 yet – he’s at 37 or 38, he said. Still, that’s no reason not to make a mark.
On Friday, Peterson will unveil the Spokane 50 book. The 300-page self-published work is a collection of photos and words about the people he’s profiled so far. The party will be in Kendall Yards, at 1206 ½ W. Summit Parkway, behind Monkey Boy Bikes. The event, from 5 to 8 p.m., to coincide with First Friday, will also serve as an exhibit of the work so far.
The book will retail for $50. For details, visit spokane50.com.
Speaking of First Friday
The monthly 3 Minute Mic at Auntie’s this week will feature Emily Gwinn, a teacher in the Spokane Falls Community College English department and a member of Spokane’s 2014 National Poetry Slam team. After Gwinn’s Remember the Word presentation, open mic readers will share their poems or someone else’s, all in three minutes. Isaac Grambo will serve as guest host.
The fun starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the store. The event is free; however, attendees are warned that content is never censored.