MONDAY
Have you ever found yourself sizing up the state of contemporary education and thought to yourself, “Saints be praised that I got out when I did?” You’re sure to feel that way after hearing from David Berliner, author of Collateral Damage: How High-Stakes Testing Corrupts America’s Schools. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 7 p.m.
TUESDAY
Whether you’re a civil war buff or someone who, much like our editor-in-chief Sommer Mathis, enjoys stealing trains in their spare time, immense historical enjoyment is to be had at Russell Bonds discussion of his book, Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor. Olsson’s Alexandria, 106 South Union Street, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Matthew Polly is in town to discuss American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China. And yes, he had us at “iron crotch.” Barnes and Noble, 3040 M Street, NW, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
That first hint of Spring touches off all sorts of impulses. If you’re feeling those tugs of warm weather wanderlust, nurture them in the presense of Stephanie Elizondo Greist, author of Around the Bloc: My Life in Moscow, Beijing, and Havana and 100 Places Every Woman Should Go. At Candida’s World of Books, 1541 14th Street, NW, 5 p.m.
FRIDAY
One of the more harrowing experiences to be had in Iraq was had by Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who was held hostage for a month, only to come under friendly fire upon her release. She’ll be sharing her experiences at Politics and Prose, as well as her new book, Friendly Fire. 4 p.m.
SATURDAY
Not many people know that Doors frontman Jim Morrison used to live in Alexandria. But Mark Opsasnick, author of The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia, does, and he’s here to tell you all about how even if Morrison had lived, all that mescaline would have severely impaired his ability to remember the Titans. Olsson’s Alexandria, 1 p.m.
SUNDAY
Still feel like going green despite your post-Saint Patrick’s Day hangover? Well, the good folks at Politics and Prose have made it truly convenient for you to figure out what you need to do to reduce your carbon footprint—just come to the Politics and Prose Climate Change Teach-In, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For specific details, click here.
