TUESDAY
Got someone in your life who neatly fits within the Young Adult demographic? They’d be pleased as punch to meet China Mieville, whose new fantasy novel, Un Lun Dun, reads like a Pan’s Labyrinth without all the blood-spatter and heavy overtones of European fascism. And, yeah, you grown-ups will probably dig it as well. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave NW, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
There was a time when “hooking up” really meant something. But in this dumbed-down, “everyone’s a winner” age, it seems like every third-rate Red Line frotteur is able to bring home a bedpost full of notches without anyone calling them out on it. That would be a good place to start the conversation on “the hook up” — instead, why not hear about it from a woman who’s one Dr. Octagon CD away from having a stroke? It’s time for Laura Sessions Stepp and Unhooked, everyone. Politics and Prose, 7 p.m.
Elsewhere, Kimberly Wilson wants to transform all you ladies into modern day “Hip Tranquil Chicks.” She’ll be discussing her book (Hip Tranquil Chick) in perhaps the least hip and tranquil location in the DC Metro Area: Crystal City. Olsson’s, 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY
In the not-so-distant future, paranoia has gripped Seattle like heroin and Chris Cornell did in the 90s. In Surveillance, Jonathan Raban chases after whatever dollars were left lying around after Children of Men got optioned. Olsson’s, 418 7th Street, NW, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
For many, The China Fantasy might not extend beyond a hottub full of General Tso’s chicken and the Olympic swim team in jodhpurs. But to James Mann, it’s the belief that China can build on capital markets and evolve into a state beyond ruthless suppression. By the time he’s done with his discussion, you may be left wishing for the takeout and riding gear. Politics and Prose, 6 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Olssons and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia are sponsoring an “EcoSavvy Symposium” at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria. It’s a chance for everyone inclined toward the green thumb to meet with experts and start planning some simple ways to help the environment in one’s own garden in advance of Washington’s traditional eight days of actual Springtime. Get up early, because the Symposium starts at 8:30 a.m. 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. There is an attendance fee. Call 703–642–5173 for reservations.
SUNDAY
Did you manage to get through your week with some measure of sunny optimism and hope for the future? Well, Stephen Flynn, author of The Edge of Disaster has got the remedy for that. Politics and Prose, 5 p.m. Good night, and good luck!
