Back from a weekend trip to West Dover, VT. It was delightful (with these kids, how could it not be?) and it’s amazing how getting away from the city for just a few days—and enjoying vintage shopping, long chats over wine, townie bars, and the Olive Garden (yeah, I said it)—can be so rejuvenating.

Not that I don’t love coming back to great readings. There are some awesome events this week, including Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Melissa Febos and Sam Lipsyte. Oh, and Alec Baldwin.

MONDAY: Yes friends, Alec Baldwin will be hanging out at McNally Jackson tonight, along with Sandra Bernard and other Hollywood types to discuss Lonely Planet’s Lights, Camera…Travel!

TUESDAY: Everyone’s fave Brooklyn author (well, one of ‘em), Jonathan Lethem, will be at BookCourt, celebrating the release of his newest book of essays: The Ecstasy of Influence.

WEDNESDAY: I literally gasped when I saw that Melissa Febos will be hosting the Mixer Reading and Music series along with Rebecca Keith, as I just happen to be finishing up Whip Smart, her memoir about being a NY dominatrix. This month the series will feature Karen Russell (Swamplandia), Maureen McLane, Nina-Marie Gardner and Motherwell Johnston.

I have to mention a few more:

Largehearted Lit (also a music/reading series) will be happening at Word.

Aaaand, Umberto Eco will be reading, but alas, that’s sold out. (No worries, he’ll be back Nov 15 at Barnes and Noble.)

THURSDAY: Rick Moody, Mary Karr and others will present a Don DeLillo tribute reading at BookCourt.

FRIDAY: Sam Lipsyte will chat with Darrin Strauss about his latest, The Ask, which focuses on a schlumpy dude with one last chance to pull his life together.

And on that note, hope everyone has a pleasant and productive week!