Lit life |

Momentum is building for the revived Northwest Bookfest, which takes place Sept. 22-23 in downtown Kirkland (its second year at this location). Confirmed authors include Ivan Doig, David Guterson, Elizabeth George, Jim Lynch, Greg Bear, Karl Marlantes, Blaine Harden, Robert Dugoni, Yasmine Galenorn, Nancy Horan, Richelle Mead and other mostly local literary luminaries.

Doig likely will discuss his new novel ("The Bartender's Tale"), as will George, the Whidbey Island author of the popular Inspector Lynley mystery series (personally I think these should be called the Havers series, for the aristocratic Lynley's scruffy blue-collar partner, but I guess it doesn't have quite the same ring). George has a new book — the first in a young-adult series — out this fall, "The Edge of Nowhere," a coming-of-age story set on Whidbey Island with elements of romance and the paranormal. Stay tuned.

Besides author panels on fantasy, thrillers, mystery, Northwest cooking, travel, nature, women's fiction, children's books and romance, a "Queens of Romance Tea" is promised, plus a Sept. 23 appearance by Jack Prelutsky, the first U.S. Children's Poet Laureate, who will perform a poem accompanied by a live five-piece music combo. Not to miss.

A visit from Mr. Block

In the world of mysteries, Lawrence Block is as close as it comes to icon status. This hard-boiled but humorous author drops in at Seattle Mystery Bookshop from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, to "chat, answer questions, lounge and laugh," according to SMB. If you're thinking about arriving with an armful of Block books, go to www.seattlemystery.com, check the events calendar, click on Aug. 14 and read the signing guidelines.

Hot summer nonfiction

Recently I highlighted the five most-popular fiction titles at Seattle Public Library (according to holds placed). Last week I looked up nonfiction. Here's the list. There is something very Seattle here — self improvement, hiking, irony and ... shyness!

1. "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed. Young woman loses everything, finds redemption through bunions, blisters and a bulging backpack. 991 holds

2. "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. Habits are not destiny; break your bad habits by replacing them with good ones. 602 holds

3. "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. It's OK to be geeky, bookish and shy! 568 holds

4. "Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir" by Jenny Lawson. The mind behind the Blogess blog uses it as a platform for a book. Irreverent life stories about parenthood, marriage and her upbringing in Texas, a state Northwesterners love to hate. 402 holds

5. "Imagine: How Creativity Works" by Jonah Lehrer. Er ... unfortunately, this 31-year-old author has just lost his wonderful job at The New Yorker for making things up (things Bob Dylan supposedly said, but didn't). Is this book popular because of that, or despite it? 400 holds

Mary Ann Gwinn: 206-464-2357 or mgwinn@seattletimes.com. Gwinn appears every Tuesday on TVW's "Well Read," discussing books with host Terry Tazioli (go to www.tvw.org/shows/well-read for archived episodes). On Twitter @gwinnma.