Author Mark Z. Danielewski — because the “Z” is important to distinguish him from the vast hordes of other high-profile Mark Danielewskis — reads from his novel The Fifty Year Sword . This is unusual for several reasons. For one thing, it'll be out loud. It's also a novel that's never been in print in the U.S., and it's a theatrical reading – so if you fall asleep during it, you can't muffle your snoring with all those stacks of Dean Koontz novels. Over 90 minutes, the House of Leaves author weaves together five stories about revenge, adventure and the titular ominous sword — a weapon that presents many opportunities for those who behold it, none of which represent anything other than regret and misery.

Sun., Oct. 31, 7 p.m., 2010

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