books

Raymond Carver, frequently compard to Chekov, was one of America's greatest short story authors. His stories center on dysfunctional relationships and broken spirits, which are exposed yet dignified by Carver's sparse elegance. Bay Area writer Carol Sklenicka, author of a new Carver biography, Raymond Carver: A Writer's Life, will speak at the Mechanic's Institute Library tonight at 6pm ($12) about her work and about Carver's life, from his working-class origins to his battles with substance abuse and, in the end, cancer. The SF Chronicle writes, "Raymond Carver's life, as related in the exhaustive and definitive new biography by Carol Sklenicka, reads like a Raymond Carver story."

The historian's new book examines how the Gold Rush impacted SF's culture.

Charles Fracchia is passionate about San Francisco's history. A lifelong resident of the city, he's published three books about it, including his latest, When the Water Came Up to Montgomery Street: San Francisco During the Gold Rush. He's also the founder and president emeritus of the SF Historical Society, and was one of the founders of Rolling Stone magazine.

The "Daily Show" writer/comedian appears at City Arts & Lectures on Saturday; no word on the ferret.

Writer, actor, and comedian John Hodgman has had a wild ride since publishing his first book, a collection of fake facts and "Complete World Knowledge" titled The Areas of My Expertise, in 2005. In that time, he's become the resident expert on "The Daily Show," co-starred in numerous films, and portrayed the "PC" in Apple's ongoing series of "Get a Mac" commercials. He's also written a sequel, More Information Than You Require, recently released in paperback.

The "Fortress of Solitude" author returns with a vibrant novel about Manhattan.

Julie Jo Fehrle

Jonathan Lethem's best-known novels, Motherless Brooklyn and The Fortress of Solitude, took place in his native Brooklyn, but his new Chronic City shifts its setting to the more rarefied world of Manhattan. It's the story of Perkus Tooth, a pot-fueled music critic and pop-culture theorist, whose unlikely friendship with former child star Chase Insteadman takes the pair on a wild odyssey through the city. Lethem is a former Bay Area resident, and he'll appear in both San Francisco and Berkeley this week to read from the book.

Michael Chabon examines his family in a new collection of essays.

His new book may be titled Manhood for Amateurs, but Michael Chabon has once again proved himself to be an old hand when it comes to getting great reviews. Chabon, a Berkeley resident, discusses numerous topics in the book, his first-ever collection of essays.

Amber Tamblyn is a poet, too! She stars in The Drums Inside Your Chest.

David Gabber, Photorazzi

Tonight's the last night of structured, regularized events before the free-for-all that is the Lit Crawl. On tap: spoken-word poetry, an all-female panel, the history of zines, and a special event for teenagers.

Tracy Kidder will read from his new Strength in What Remains, the story of a genocide survivor.

Thursday boasts one of Litquake's most fun lineups of events-- perfect for those who want to take part in the festival without being subjected to dry lectures or obscure topics. If you're interested in mystery novels, children's books, humorous takes on American history, or erotica, there's something for you to enjoy.

Psychologist Paul Ekman, the inspiration for Fox's Lie to Me, will appear tonight at Mechanics Institute Library.

Davis Freeman

It was a dark and stormy day in San Francisco, and weather that is, undeniably, frightful might keep even the most dedicated Litquake fans from their appointed rounds. If you can round up a pair of rain boots and a sturdy umbrella, though, tonight is full of great events that will keep your brain buzzing and your toes toasty.