This week in the literary world we have plenty of opportunities for awe and admiration, as well as some cognitive calisthenics - a book signing with R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, a writer’s workshop, scrawled-down ponderings on travel, and an all-ages, all-genres open mic reading.

• Michael Stipe signs copies of R.E.M. HELLO with photographer David Belisle | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | Book Soup | 7:00 pm - Map | All right, so this is a photography book, but it comes equipped with a written forward from one of the the greatest lyricists of our generation, Mr. Michael Stipe. To deny him any literary recognition would be like denying Louis Pasteur any credit for Pinkberry’ s success - and that would be wrong. Get excited, R.E.M. fans. Just don’t get too much of your DNA on him.
• Anasi Writers Workshop at The World Stage | Wednesday May 28, 2008 | 7:30 pm | $5 donation - Map | Judging by the number of functional illiterates graduating high school each school year, it’s safe to say that our tax dollars aren’t being directed much towards creative development. Voluntary donations keeps this place alive, and it helps that parking is free. The Anasi Writers Workshops are designed for those who want to write, who aren’t afraid of critique, and who don’t mind their emotional innards being stirred by the occasional powerful piece.

• Wish You Were Here: Travelers from Antiquity to Modern Times | Now through August 1, 2008 | CSUN Oviatt Library | Mon.-Thurs. 8am-7pm, Fri. 8am-5pm - Map | This exhibit consists of many elements of travel - transportation, provisions, tributes to sights seen and to-have-been seen - but the bigger element, the mind, is on display in the form of books and journals penned by the travel-goers themselves. Chances are that such accounts will make your daily commute seem bland and run-of-the-mill. For more info on exhibitions & events, email the Friends of the Library, or call (818) 677-2285.
• Open Reading | Tuesday, June 3, 2008 | Cobalt Cafe | Sign-ups @ 8:30pm; starts at 9:00pm | No cover, one-drink minimum - Map | The Cobalt is really one of the few places in the Valley that lacks most if not all forms of pretentiousness. Doesn’t matter if you’ve just rolled out of your bed or just came from the office - writers welcome; audience encouraged. And in self-respect to the one-drink minimum, better make it a double. For more info on weekly readings, call (818) 348-3789.

Photo by patrick dentler

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