Winter will make you eat your words

Winter term is an excellent time to be a literature fan, as a there is an abundance of reading and writing-based events happening this quarter.

* Silicon Valley Reads presents two authors this term, Julie Otsuka and Louise Steinman, who focus on World War II and how it affected people's lives:

Santa Clara will be hosting Otsuka to discuss her first novel, "When the Emperor was Divine," a haunting reflection on the Japanese-American internment camps, on Feb. 2, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in Orradre's Boland Reading Room.

Louise Steinman, author of the memoir "The Souvenir," will be featured in some of the more than 30 public events scheduled in February throughout the Santa Clara and San Jose area. For more information, visit the Silicon Valley Reads Web site at www.siliconvalleyreads.org.

* The Santa Clara Review is co-sponsoring an Open Mic session on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. in The Bronco.

* On Feb. 14, this quarter's literary cuisine will feature Laura Esquivel's "Like Water for Chocolate," which is perfectly suited to the event's Valentine's Day theme, as well as to the celebration of gastronomical literature.

Bon Appetit will prepare a theme-based meal for public delectation, served in the Williman Room at noon. Reservations can be made at www.scu.cafebonappetit.com.

* Poet Robert Bly will be reading from and signing his latest book, "My Sentence was a Thousand Years of Joy" at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, located on the Alameda. He will also share more original poems and translations on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. The cost is $20 for students and faculty, but you must register ahead. For more information, visit www.csecenter.org.

* The Review is also launching its winter issue, complete with a new format, style and design, to be published in March. To celebrate, the literary magazine is hosting its publication party in Benson's California Mission Room on March 3 at 5 p.m. There will be art displays, free food, musical entertainment, readings from the new issue and a special guest speaker.

Interested in submitting work for publication in the spring issue of the Santa Clara Review? Deadlines are quickly approaching. All poetry, fiction, non-fiction and art submissions are due March 10. To see your work in print, drop off your submission (complete with a cover letter containing your name, address and e-mail) to the their office in Benson 16, or submit online by visiting www.santaclarareview.com/submit.

-- Lauren Karp