Stephen Merlino

12:50 p.m. May 18, Mountlake Terrace High School

Merlino, an English teacher at the school, has published the novel “The Jack of Souls,” which is available on Amazon. He plans to read from his fantasy-action-adventure book with the goal of inspiring students to read and consider writing their own books. More information is available at stephenmerlino.com. The school is at 21801 44th Ave. W.

David Gessner

7 p.m. May 21, Third Place Books

Gessner’s book “All the Wild That Remains” is an homage to the West and the writers Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner. The book takes readers on an inspiring, entertaining journey as the author renews his own commitment to cultivating a meaningful relationship with the wild, confronting American overconsumption and fighting environmental injustice all while reawakening the thrill of the words of his literary heroes. The store is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Donald Olson

6 p.m. May 21, University Book Store

The Mill Creek book store and the Mill Creek Garden Club host Olson, who will sign his book “The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour: The 60 Best Gardens to Visit in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia” from Timber Press.

Nicola Pearson

5 p.m. May 21, Edmonds Bookshop

Pearson will read from her novel “How to Make a Pot in 14 Easy Lessons” and bring with her pottery from her husband’s Sauk Mountain Pottery studio in Skagit County.

Jack McCarthy Poetry Slam

7:30 p.m. May 23, Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Previously organized by the late Jack McCarthy, the poetry slam returns to Evergreen

for this memorial invitational event. Those participating include Jodie Knowles, Ela Barton, Maya Hersh, Greg Bee, Troy Osaki, Garfield Hilson, Robert Lashley, RC Weslowski and Lucia Misch. Located at 1604 Fourth St. NE, Marysville. Admission by donation.

Otto Greule and Warner Blake

2 p.m. May 30, Everett Public Library

The photographer and the history writer plan to talk about their project to document J.S. White’s architectural work in frontier Snohomish. Photographer Greule will give a slide show of his photos while Warner will provide historical context. The library is located at 2707 Hoyt Ave. More information is at www.warnerblake.net/jswhite/.

Bill Thorness

7 p.m. June 3, McCollum Park

The gardener, teacher and writer plans to talk about cool-season gardening in Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. The WSU Growing Groceries hosts Thorness, who is the author of “Cool Season Gardener: Extend the Harvest, Plan Ahead and Grow Vegetables Year Round” and “Edible Heirlooms: Heritage Vegetables for the Maritime Garden.” Cost is $20. Register online at CoolSeasonGardening.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, contact Kate Halstead at 425- 357-6024.

Jay W. Jacobs

6 p.m. June 4, Monroe Library

Jacobs, a lawyer and author, will read from and sign his nonfiction book “The Widow Wave” at the library, 1070 Village Way. The book is a riveting courtroom drama, a tragic sea story and the tale of a widow’s determination to clear her husband’s name. As a civil litigator, Jacobs specialized in maritime law.

Neal Stephenson

7 p.m. June 10, Alderwood Barnes &Noble

The science fiction writer will read from and sign his latest book, “Seveneves,” an epic story covering 5,000 years after the end of the world. The author of “Anathem,” “Reamde” and “Crptonomicon,” Stephenson’s work covers big ideas in an engrossing way.

To submit news for the book calendar contact reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.