In The Age of Dreaming, a former silent movie star turned recluse is found in 1964 by a journalist who wants to know why he shunned showbiz. Novelist Nina Revoyr could be compared to Chandler and Fitzgerald as she artfully unfolds the ensuing mystery plot with the dexterity of her prior novel, Southland, skillfully portraying scenes of Hollywood’s bygone glamour days through the eyes of a Japanese-born American. Joining her are Elizabeth Crane (When the Messenger Is Hot), reading from her new collection, You Must Be This Happy to Enter. Her exuberant 16 stories carve a link between fantasy and reality (à la Kelly Link), with happiness somewhere in between. (If Crane is taking requests, ask for “The Most Everything in the World,” about a married couple discussing what they’d take to a deserted island.) Lastly, the American Book Award-winning Abraham Rodriguez reads from South by South Bronx, which involves crime, Puerto Ricans, a creatively crippled painter, and a bunch of other things you’d expect from a love story. Elliott Bay Book Co., 101 S. Main St., 624-6600, www.elliottbaybook.com. Free. 7:30 p.m. KARLA STARR

Sat., April 19, 7:30 p.m., 2008