Asheville readers, Elizabeth Kostova (The Historian) is reading at Pack Library at 3:30 today, with a reception afterward at Captain’s Bookshelf. (Sorry for the late notice — I just learned of the event.) Details here; along with the nugget that Kostova’s late grandparents were Asheville residents. Tingle Alley wasn’t won over by The Historian, but plenty of people think it’s great fun. Also, for what it’s worth, a friend who attended Kostova’s recent reading in Durham said that she’s an engaging reader.

David Sedaris is also in town today, reading at Malaprop’s. Details here. The event’s been sold-out for awhile but maybe you can catch a few haunting bars of Sedaris doing the Oscar Mayer song as Billie Holiday from the sidewalk outside.

Finally, while it’s not literary it’s cause for rejoicing nonetheless: Howl’s Moving Castle is now playing at Fine Arts Theatre! I had despaired that it would be here before 2008. Spirited Away is one of my favorite movies.

Last night I went to Fine Arts to see the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom with friends — it was great. Much applause from the audience at the end, and I wanted to clap when the beautiful Ann Reinking showed up as one of the judges in the final competition. Still with those freaking gorgeous legs, even in blue jeans, and that beautific smile.