This weekend is going to be tiring for a lot of us, I think. Nuit Blanche all night Saturday, and Word On The Street all day Sunday! I'm NOT going out on Friday... but Thursday, there's just too much good stuff happening to stay in.

Tuesday, September 25th:

U of T Bookstore Reading Series invites you to an evening of discussion with two-time Giller Prize-winning author M.G. Vassanji about his new novel, The Assassin's Song.
Robert Gill Theatre. 7:30pm. Free.

The Art Bar Poetry Series welcomes featured readers Mark Abley, Elizabeth Philips and Matthew Holmes.
Clinton's Tavern. 8pm. Free.

This Is Not A Reading Series celebrates the publication of Jessica Westhead's deadpan office comedy-romance Pulpy and Midge with a TINARS office party! Business attire strongly encouraged.
Gladstone Hotel Ballroom. 7:30pm. Free.

McClelland & Stewart and Nicholas Hoare present an evening with David Davidar as he reads from his new novel, The Solitude of Emperors.
Pangaea Restaurant. For tickets, call Nicholas Hoare Books at 416-777-2665 or toronto@nicholashoare.com.

Spoken word with Oveous Maximus, native New Yorker who's been seen on NBC for Showtime at the Apollo, current TV for a video performance titled "The Millions", the new Season 6 of Russell Simmon's presents Def Poetry on HBO, and also the new season of BET's Lyric Cafe. Also performing on the open stage are Sara Marlowe, peit and Ayton & Atherton.
Renaissance Cafe. 9pm. Free.

Wednesday, September 26th:

International Readings at Harbourfront presents the Ben McNally/International Readings Travellers Series, with Jane Christmas, Jonathan Garfinkel and Ian Klaus.
Brigantine Room, York Quay Centre. 7:30pm. $8 (free for members and students with valid ID).

The Uptown Author Series presents author Rosalie Wise Sharp reading from her life story, Rifke: An Improbable Life.
North York Central Library (Auditorium). 7pm. Free. Call to register at 416-395-5639.

Romina Fontana presents Get Lit!, an evening of inspiring individuals reading and discussing works that have deeply moved them. Proceeds will help support The Running & Reading Club, a unique after-school program that encourages children in underprivileged Toronto neighbourhoods to become physically active, learn to love reading, and break the cycle of generational poverty.
Gladstone Hotel Ballroom. 7pm. Get your tickets here.

Thursday, September 27th:

Best Practices--Writing and Publishing Tips for Emerging Writers. In this panel discussion, an acclaimed writer and publisher will talk about how they got started, how to get published and how to sustain a passion for writing. Moderated by Hal Niedzviecki, North York Central Library Writer-in-Residence, this discussion for beginning and emerging writers will cover everything from self-publishing to the role of the literary agent. Q & A to follow.
North York Central Library (Auditorium). 7pm. Call to register at 416-395-5639.

Dementia 5 Multimedia Series features wild, weird and wonky spoken-word features and indie film, with feature performers Spencer Butt and Electric Jon, plus an open mic and guaranteed after-party.
Dominion Pub. 8pm. $5.

Hot-Sauced Words - interactive poetry/spoken-word event hosted by CreativeJames Dewar, featuring Catherine Graham and Ken Sherman. Poetry challenge each show!
It's Not a Deli. 8:30pm (open mic sign-up 8:15pm). Pass-the-Hat Admission.

Jeff Rybak, author of What's Wrong With University: And How to Make It Work For You Anyway, and other noted panelists debate the pros and cons of the university system in Canada.
Hart House Library. 8:30pm. Free.

Anything but boring, the creator of Jay and Silent Bob shares his thoughts - telling all in his usual candid, heartfelt and irreverent way! Join Indigo for Kevin Smith's only Canadian appearance as he signs copies of his book My Boring-Ass Life.
Indigo Eaton Centre. 7pm. Proof of purchase from any Chapters, Indigo or Coles required. No memorabilia please.

Friday, September 28th:

Come and experience the blues as Griot Productions presents Paul Myers in conversation with CIUT radio host Michael Clifton. In his new book, It Ain't Easy, Paul Myers tells the untold story of the life and impact of Long John Baldry through exclusive interviews with family, friends and the musicians he influenced including Rod Stewart, Elton John and Paul McCartney. A book signing follows the event.
Spin Gallery. 7pm. $5.

Meet Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx as he signs copies of his new memoir. Brutally honest, utterly riveting, and shockingly moving, The Heroin Diaries follows Nikki Sixx during the year he plunged to rock bottom -- and his courageous decision to pick himself up and start living again.
Chapters Festival Hall. 7pm. Free.

Saturday, September 29th:

Join Indigo as bestselling author Kenneth Oppel reads from and sign copies of his newest book, Darkwing - the prequel to his bestselling and award-winning Silverwing series.
Indigo Yonge & Eglinton. 2pm. Free.

Sunday, September 30th:

Queen's Park will transform into a literary theme park for the 18th annual Word On The Street Festival. Whether you're an avid reader or just a beginner, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Canada's largest annual outdoor book and magazine festival. Visitors can browse more than 250 book, magazine and literacy exhibitor booths in the festival marketplace, or check out the more-than-200 featured authors, poets, storytellers, performers and industry experts at any of the 14 on-site performance venues.
Queen's Park. 11am - 6pm. Free.

Monday, October 1st:

Indiepolitik presents Alex Boyd and Dani Couture at their monthly Strong Words reading series.
Gladstone Hotel Art Bar. 8pm. PWYC.

Indigo presents acclaimed author and Canadian cultural icon Douglas Coupland in this his ONLY Canadian appearance to promote his newest novel, The Gum Theif. Book signing to follow.
Isabel Bader Theatre. 7pm. Tickets are $5; available through Ticketmaster.