Rose City Book Pub - Paired by Poetry

A showcase of music and poetry. Hosted by John Carter.

Link to event here.

Rose City Book Pub - Reading: Sunshine Girl by Nancy Townsley
Sunshine Girl is a work of fiction that chronicles the evolution of the newspaper industry from Nixon to Biden through the lens of a multigenerational family saga.

Link to event here.

Spoke & Word Books - Author Talk @ Ledding Library: Judith Barrington, Virginia's Apple

Local author Judith Barrington will be sharing excerpts from their latest work, Virginia's Apple. Spoke & Word Books will be there with copies of Virginia's Apple for purchase and signing.

The fourteen literary memoirs collected in Judith Barrington's new book Virginia’s Apple explore her life across six decades. The content is wide-ranging: from the early days of Second Wave feminism; navigating a sometimes precarious existence as an out lesbian long before it was commonplace; leaving England and becoming an American citizen; finding a life partner; and growing old with an inherited disability. These stories are laced with humor and joy, while pulsing below the surface is the slow unfolding of delayed grief over her parents’ drowning when she was nineteen, revealing how such a loss can shape a life. Judith Barrington is a poet, memoirist, teacher, and feminist activist. She has published five books of poetry, three poetry chapbooks, two memoirs and a book on memoir for writers. She was born in Brighton, England in 1944, lived in London in 1963 and then again from 1967 to 1976, having lived in Spain in the years between. She moved to Portland, Oregon in 1976 which she has made her home ever since.

The Devil's Grin book release with Alex Graham at Floating World Comics

Millennial cartoonist Alex Graham’s follow-up to her acclaimed graphic novel Dog Biscuits follows the residents of Henryville, Idaho and their intertwined lives—and involves demons, Jim Morrison, a cartoonist with supernatural talent, sewer rats, and much more. We're excited to host a release party with Alex on Sunday June 15!

It’s 1974 in Henryville, Idaho. Robert hasn’t had an ordinary life. It began in a rush: flushed down a toilet by his mother and carried into the sewer by a demon. This monstrous presence stalks Robert into adulthood, haunting his dreams. Robert just wants to be like his idol, Jim Morrison: writing poetry, playing rock ‘n’ roll, chasing beautiful women. But try as he might to avoid sleep, he can never seem to escape the clutches of the demon. And it’s not just Robert: the demon soon begins haunting the entire city of Henryville. Dandelion, a young poet, falls in love with Robert and begins having confusing, terrifying romantic visions of the demon she can’t seem to shake. Gary, a cartoonist, becomes convinced that his vengeful cartoons are channeling the word of a righteous God, capable of manipulating reality in powerful and destructive ways. Robert, Dandelion, Gary, and other residents of Henryville find themselves tangled in a web of sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, newspaper funnies, and demonic possession. Will the residents of Henryville find a way to escape? Was Robert and Dandelion’s romance doomed from the start? Will Robert’s band be any good?

With its mix of comedy, horror, magic realism, anthropomorphism, naturalism, humor, psychedelia, and pathos, The Devil’s Grin is a remarkable work of contemporary fiction by one of comics’ most distinctive storytellers. Weaving together multiple character arcs at a brisk, deft pace, Graham juggles their secrets, desires, and insecurities in continually surprising ways, slowly introducing layers of malice that lead to an unexpected darkness. Graham’s clear yet loose cartooning perfectly unfolds every twist and turn with creative precision.

The 20th Annual ROSE CITY BOOK & PAPER FAIR
Presented by the  Cascade Booksellers Association

Buy Tickets

DATE:  June 14 - 15, 2025

DAYS / HOURS:   Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 5:00

LOCATION:  DoubleTree, 1000 NE Multnomah, Portland, Oregon

Stop by the Literary Arts Bookstore for a double-debut launch party for Isa Aganjanian’s Modern Divination and Peyton June’s Bad Creek!

https://literary-arts.org/event/modern-divination-and-bad-creek-launch-party/

Bad Creek

Iris, Gum, and Aidan are vacationing in Bad Creek, just like every summer. Except Iris’s older sister, Glory, drowned in the lake last year, and Iris can’t seem to move

on; Gum is hiding his sexuality from his family while being viciously haunted by Glory’s rotting ghost; and Aidan is distraught over a drunken argument with Glory that he fears may have led to her death. When Iris sleepwalks to the dilapidated house that Glory obsessively sketched in her final days, she and the boys begin to uncover a sinister history in the very bones of the town. The trio must reckon with the events of last summer and uncover what lurks within Bad Creek before it takes Iris’s life next.

Gripping and vengeful, Bad Creek confronts the intersection of religion, sexuality, and feminism, and forces readers to reckon with monsters in all their forms—human included.

Modern Divination

Twenty-three-year-old witch Aurelia Schwartz has always had to carefully balance her human life with her secret magical one. With a place at an elite Cambridge university college, she almost has everything she could possibly want within her grasp. Just so long as she follows the rules: Make no promises. Tell no one what you are. And never stay the night.

Except Aurelia’s gift of green magic has begun to fade. Worse still, someone is hunting witches – and stealing their powers. Reluctantly, Aurelia needs the help of fellow witch – and dreadfully arrogant classmate – Theodore Ingram. Together, they seek refuge among his family in the remote corners of an already-desolate town. But as she grows closer to Theodore, the power-hungry witch-killer, too, draws nearer. And they threaten to destroy everything Aurelia holds dear . . .

Modern Divination by Isabel Agajanian is a magical cozy fantasy with witches, featuring an academic rivals-to-lovers romance, found family and yearning.

BOLD is thrilled to host a reading with Jill Amy Sager, author of Guidance from the Universe: Hopeful Messages for Everyday Challenges.

In her latest book, Jill Amy Sager shares her journey of transformation, from low self-esteem, having been physically disabled since birth, to confident woman after discovering Tarot cards and unexpectedly channeling messages from the Universe. David Trotter, publisher of Awakened Magazine has called her “style akin to Anne Lamott,” and readers are giving it five stars as they discover how a shift in perspective is key to the happiness we seek and the welcomed harmony the world needs. Join the author for this lively event where she’ll read from her book, offer Tarot readings, and answer your questions.

Jill Amy Sager is a Tarot reader, channeler, and public speaker. She has authored two nonfiction books along with articles and stories that have appeared in Women Writers Women’s Books, Story Circle, Awakened Magazine, The Register Guard, The Power of Each Breath: A Disabled Women’s Anthology, and Silver Birch Press.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to grab a snack or drink. The event will start at 7:00 p.m.

*****

Event cohosted by BOLD Coffee & Books and Indigo: Editing, Design, and More.

https://boldcoffeeandbooks.com/event/author-reading-jill-amy-sager-guidance-from-the-universe-hopeful-messages-for-everyday-challenges/

Revolutions Bookshop - Author reading: Presentation: "A History of Zines" by graphic journalist Sarah Shay Mirk

Sarah Shay Mirk (they/she) is a graphic journalist, editor, and teacher. Shay is the author of Guantanamo Voices (Abrams, 2020), an illustrated oral history of Guantanamo Bay prison, which Kirkus called “extraordinary… an eye-opening, damning indictment of one of America’s worst trespasses.” Shay is also a zine-maker and illustrator whose comics have been featured in The Nib, The New Yorker, Bitch, and NPR.

Shay will deliver a presentation, “A History of Zines”, at Revolutions Bookshop. Sat June 14, 6PM.

Up Up Books - From Prompt to Page: A Creative Writing & Book Celebration

Join us for an inspiring evening as we showcase the creative works of Parkrose High School students from the PATHfinder and POPS Clubs, which provide support and resources to teens who have been impacted by incarceration, detention, and deportation. This anthology features poetry, stories, drawings, paintings, collages, and photographs that take us inside their sense of feeling at home and address longing about those who are away, too often a parent, and about broken homes, broken hearts, and broken dreams.

Green Bean Books - Blue and Hello Dog/Hello Human Story Time with Suzanne Kaufman

Join us for a story time with author/illustrator Suzanne Kaufman who will be presenting her new picture book Blue, and her new two-in-one illustrated book Hello Dog/Hello Human written by Sara Levine. Stick around after the reading for an author signing!

Jan's and Arcade Book Exchange - Bookgirlies Candle Making

Hosted by Jan's/Arcade Book Exchange and IBodyLove, join us for an afternoon of candle making for the bookgirlies!

June 14th at 2pm

Cost: $40 - Grab a ticket here!
Limited seats available!

Honeyed Words - Paperback Exchange

In unison with Portland Book Week, we will be visiting independent bookstores in NE/N Portland. We will meet at the Lloyd Center Double Tree, and at a leisurely pace make our way North, ending in St Johns. This is not a shopping trip (i.e. no money needed), but we will stop at each bookstore for at least 5 minutes.

The 20th Annual ROSE CITY BOOK & PAPER FAIR
Presented by the  Cascade Booksellers Association

Buy Tickets

DATE:  June 14 - 15, 2025

DAYS / HOURS:   Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 5:00

LOCATION:  DoubleTree, 1000 NE Multnomah, Portland, Oregon

Join us Saturday morning for children’s storytime! Whether an author is here to read their book or our staff is reading a favorite, we’ll feature stories that spread compassion, awareness, and positivity.

Children will get a coloring page or sticker to take home too!

The shop carries juice, snacks, and other items for kids, and adults, we hope you enjoy a delicious coffee or tea drink while your child is entertained.

https://boldcoffeeandbooks.com/event/childrens-storytime-17/

Join us on Saturday, June 14 to celebrate the opening of the Literary Arts Cafe! We will be open all day, but between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. we will have some fun giveaways courtesy of our cafe partners: Farina Bakery, Upper Left Coffee Roasters, OKAPI reusable cups, and Minor Figures oat milk.

https://literary-arts.org/event/literary-arts-cafe-opening/

BOLD is thrilled to present Defiant Moments: Unyielding Queer Voices. Unstoppable Change, an anthology reading hosted by Paul Iarrobino.

While our nation faces a serious attack on our human rights, this is not the first the queer community has been targeted. It is important to recognize how we stand together, advocate for our rights and support one another. This is why we are thrilled to welcome Defiant Moments authors for a special book reading.

These local queer authors will read short parts of their recently published stories and will proudly showcase their strength and resilience. Come be a part of this collective effort of uplifting our voices and celebrate our unity and strength together.

https://boldcoffeeandbooks.com/event/anthology-reading-defiant-moments-unyielding-queer-voices-unstoppable-change-hosted-by-paul-iarrobino/

Rose City Book Pub - Portland Lit Mic
Literary open mic hosted by Jordan and Grace.

Link to event here.

Up Up Books - Claw Machine Launch and Reading!

Join us for a thrilling evening as we celebrate the launch of Claw Machine, a dark and speculative fiction anthology published by Little Key Press. Come meet the authors, hear selections read live, grab your signed copy, play a mini claw machine until you win, and celebrate this eclectic collection of stories.

Parallel Worlds Bookshop- Friday the Bookteenth Flash Fundraiser for Portland Books Through Bars!

Join us during Portland Book Week at DreamhousePDX for a FRIDAY June 13th from 4–10PM for an epic Flash Tattoo Fundraiser for Portland Books Through Bars— where all proceeds from both tattoos and the bar go directly to Portland Books Through Bars.

Come meet the folks at Portland Book Through Bars to learn more about the organization!

Expect bookish-inspired flash from @yestattoopdx finest:

• @margotattoo

• @damn_zippy

• @awwwsin

Join us for a writing/discussion group. This is a co-working meeting. If you are looking for feedback or critique, there are other meetings for that. The format is social chat for 15 minutes, silent write for an hour, chat for 15 minutes, repeat.

A Children's Place Bookstore - Weekly Story Time!

Join us every week as we share books and songs for story time! We love to see your newborns and toddlers, but all ages are welcome.

Rose City Book Pub - Portland Zine Meetup

Casual weekly zine making meetup. Sketch, write, draw, chat, make friends, receive critiques, or give critiques.

Link to event here.

Premise Session - Is Friendship Necessary?

What role does friendship play in a good life? In this special Portland Book Week session, we’ll explore Aristotle’s timeless reflections on friendship alongside a bold modern reimagining from The Atlantic.

Through short readings and guided conversation, we’ll examine how different kinds of friendship shape who we are, and why they might deserve more of our attention.

Premise sessions are designed for people who love to read and reflect, offering deep conversation about life's big questions in a small group setting. No lectures, no small talk—just time well spent with thoughtful people.

Sign up here!

Banned Books Reading Seminar - The Giver (1 of 2) led by Heaven-Leigh!

We’ll be unpacking the themes, censorship, and cultural impact of two iconic (and controversial) reads:

June 11th — The Giver
From 6:30–8:00 PM at Parallel Worlds Bookshop.

Limited seating — DM PW instagram to reserve your spot!