Get Your Book On

Local writers will be peddling their deliciously decadent homemade smut at Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande NW, (505) 344-8139) on Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. Well, all right, maybe it isn't exactly smut. We sophisticated types prefer the term “erotic writing.” Whatever you want to call it, you can steam up your otherwise chilly Valentine's Day by heading down to the store to listen to sexy, sensual passages read by Kate Horsley, Lisa Lenard-Cook, Demetria Martinez, V.B. Price, David Stuart and Sharon O. Warner.

When I think “earthworm,” I think “bait.” Obviously, Amy Stewart has a much more profound understanding of the humble worm than me. In The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of the Earthworm, Stewart digs deep into the ecology of this blind, spineless yet heroic little creature. She'll be at Bound To Be Read (6300 San Mateo NE, 828-3500) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. to promote the book.

Ooooo—ghosts, phantoms, creepy beasts from other worlds. I don't believe in any of that hooey, but that doesn't mean I don't respect people who do. Randell Van Alst has spent 10 years researching paranormal activity. He'll be signing his book Ghosts of Reality: The Unexplained Truth About Hauntings in Our World Today at Page One (11018 Montgomery NE, 294-2026) on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.

Also at Page One, you might want to check out Jeffrey Sharlet and Peter Manseau's reading on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. Their new book Killing the Buddha: A Heretic's Bible is a unique take on modern spirituality incorporating writings from some very unique thinkers.

Another fantastic booksy event will occur at the Center for Contemporary Arts (1050 Old Pecos Trail, (505) 577-1125) in Santa Fe when La Alameda Press, one of our state's finest small presses, holds an author showcase featuring poets Lisa Gill, Shin Yu Pai and Andrew Schelling. The event, presented by Southwest Literary Center of Recursos de Santa Fe, will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

Finally, at the UNM Bookstore (2301 Central NE, 277-9752), Johnny D. Boggs will sign Law of the Land: The Trial of Billy the Kid, a book which recreates the 1881 trial of William Bonney. Boggs will be in the store on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.

These are just a tiny handful of cool bookish events occurring throughout the month of February. For the full shebang, call your favorite bookstore or keep an eye on the Alibi's Arts and Literature Calendar.