Literary Events

June 2–3

Orcas Island Lit Fest

Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360.376.2281, oilf.org

This year, the Orcas Island Lit Fest is featuring guests like Pulitzer Prizewinning author Gilbert King and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of bestselling story collection “Friday Black.”

June 12 and 26, 6–8 p.m.

Silent Book Club

Ponderosa Beer and Books, 1225 Roeder Ave., Bellingham, 564.209.7028 ponderosabeerandbooks.com

Much Ado About Nada

by Uzma Jalaluddin

CANADIAN AUTHOR UZMA Jalaluddin is known for contemporary romances that recast classic stories with fresh, modern settings and people. Her latest novel, “Much Ado About Nada,” is no exception. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Jalaluddin takes the Regency comedy of manners into the Muslim community in a glitzy Toronto suburb. Nada and Baz have a complicated history dating back to childhood. As adults, they’d just as soon stay far away from one another. However, Nada’s best friend just became engaged to Baz’s brother, bringing the two into contact for the first time in years. Now Nada and Baz are forced together in ways neither of them want, even as they try to keep their past a secret from ever-curious family and friends. Lively and fun, this sparkling book delivers not only on the romance front but also as a story of a woman coming into her own. Prepare to fly through this delightful enemies-to-lovers read, and then immediately share it with all your romance-loving friends.

This low-pressure book club is perfect for introverts who’d like to pencil in some book-based socializing. Every other Monday, arrive at 6 p.m. to quietly read novels for an hour, then chat about your books after!

June 7 and July 5, 6–8 p.m

Greene’s Corner Story Lantern

Greene’s Corner, 2208 James St., Bellingham 360.306.8137, greenescorner.com

This open mic event encourages the community to bring and read their stories aloud. These can be stories of your own creation, ones that deeply affected you, or important items with a tale attached.