The Poison Pen Reading Series raises its glass to three years of bookish boozing with Dean Young. Our 2008 pick for the Best Local Reading Series isn't skimping on guests for its third birthday. Young is a name in local poetry circles - grad students and professors think he's the greatest. But considering his repeated appearances in the Best American Poetry anthologies, Pulitzer Prize nomination and eight published collections, he's earned the cool points. Much of Young's work features a surreal, stream-of-consciousness flow that gains momentum as the pieces progress. Each line collides into the next, with heartbreak and humor combining with pop culture and passion until Young stops on a dime and reminds you he's speaking to you. Or maybe that's just how we read him. Decide for yourself when he reads with Matt Hart at 8:30 p.m. Poison Girl, 1641 Westheimer. For information, call 713-527-9929 or visit www.myspace.com/poison-girlbar. Free.
Thu., Sept. 24, 8:30 p.m., 2009