Book It: The Five Best Literary Events This Week

Valentine’s Day is February 14, and chances are good that at least some of you have completely forgotten that you’re supposed to, you know, demonstrate some affection. What could be a better gift than a book — a signed book, no less — from one of several events this week that begin and end with poetry, the language of love. And also heartache. But let’s think positively.

Here are the five best ways this week to celebrate the love — of literature, that is.

EXPAND

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Courtney Peppernell, Pillow Thoughts II
Monday, February 11, 7 p.m.
Tattered Cover LoDo
1628 16th Street
Free
LGBT poet and novelist Courtney Peppernell (Keeping Long Island, The Road Between) comes to Tattered Cover to read from and sign her newest book of poetry, Pillow Thoughts II: Healing the Heart, a sequel of sorts to her successful 2016 collection. Just in time for the February 14 blues: a gathering of inspirational and comforting poems for anyone mending a broken heart. Buy yourself a box of chocolates; healing is hungry work.

Conversations About War Experiences and Still Coming Home
Wednesday, February 13, 4:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church
1373 Grant Street
Free
Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book partners with local organizations to host this series of community conversations using the anthology Still Coming Home: Denver Veterans Writing, focusing on the experience of war and then reintegration at home. Copies of the book will be provided as a courtesy to all participants (it's also available on Amazon). The event is hosted at the First Baptist Church on February 13, 20 and 27, and will continue at other locations around Denver. Check out the Colorado Humanities website for a full listing and more information.

G.P. Putnams Sons

Jill Santopolo, More Than Words
Wednesday, February 13, 7 p.m.
Tattered Cover LoDo
1628 16th Street
Free
Best-selling author Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost) comes to the Tattered Cover LoDo to discuss and sign her second novel, More Than Words. It's the heartbreaking and romantic story of a woman at a crossroads in life, facing grief, loss, love and recovery. The event is free and, combined with a dinner downtown for your literary-loving partner, would make for a pretty inspired early holiday night out, hint hint. You’re welcome.

Dark Horse Comics

Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club 3
Saturday, February 16, noon to 8 p.m.
I Want More Comics
550 East Thornton Parkway, Suite 114, Thornton
Free
Thornton comic-book store I Want More Comics celebrates its tenth anniversary in serious style, with a super-crew of artists and graphic-novel greats. Stan Yan (There’s a Zombie in My Basement), and artists Alexa Lo and Izik Bell join literary legend Chuck Palahniuk, who’s coming to shake hands and talk about his latest graphic novel, Fight Club 3. It’s not often that you get to celebrate the success of a friendly neighborhood comic-book retailer...and meet a writer who bridges comic books with the literary world. Don’t miss this chance to do both.

Denver poet Jay Halsey.

Facebook

At the Inkwell: Night of Poetry
Saturday, February 16, 4 p.m.
BookBar
4280 Tennyson Street
Free
Local literary maven Hillary Leftwich hosts the debut At the Inkwell event of 2019 with a night of poetry and “raw, honest darkness.” Just the thing for a post-Valentine’s Day, don’t you think? Readers include Robert Kloss, Ashley Cornelius, Jay Halsey, Catherine O’Neill Thorn, Ben River and two youth poets from the Art From Ashes program.

Know of an event that belongs here? Email information to editorial@westword.com.

• Literature
• Things to Do
• Lists