Getting interactive with the written word at Bumbershoot

Most years, one or two literary luminaries grace the stages of Bumbershoot, accompanied by doubtlessly worthy but lesser-known authors. This year there's such a surfeit of literary riches that it makes all those rock bands, theatrical troupes and dance companies crowding Seattle Center look like a side attraction.

Here are some highlights:

"People Talking & Singing": The book folks get a jump-start on the main festival with this benefit show for 826 Seattle, the Greenwood-based literacy center for youth ages 6-18. Participants include writers Sarah Vowell, Dave Eggers and Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket), with music provided by local band Smoosh, Zach Rogue (of Rogue Wave) and the singer-songwriters of two magnificently eclectic bands: Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields ("69 Love Songs") and Colin Meloy of the Decemberists ("Picaresque"). Jonathan Coulton and "Daily Show" regular John Hodgman serve as emcees. Surprise guest promised. 8 p.m., McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, Seattle; $30, separate admission from Bumbershoot (206-628-0888 or www.ticketmaster.com).

Charles Burns and Chuck Palahniuk: The Seattle-raised cartoonist ("Black Hole") and the dapper cult novelist ("Fight Club," "Haunted") square off — or maybe get cozy with each other. 2:45 p.m., Performing Arts Stage.

"Circus Circus": Sara Gruen and Erik Larson: Two authors discuss fairground fun and menace, with local author Larson holding forth on "The Devil in the White City," his best-seller about a serial killer at large at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and novelist Gruen talking about her best-selling "Water for Elephants," about a 1930s circus elephant unable to follow instructions. KUOW's Marcie Sillman moderates. 5 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

Bumbershoot literary-arts events

"Think Globally I": Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Ashok Mathur: The masterful Kenyan novelist ("Wizard of the Crow") and the Indian-Canadian writer ("The Short, Happy Life of Harry Kumar") discuss their craft. Stranger writer-filmmaker Charles Tonderai Mudede ("Police Beat") moderates. 12:30 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

George Saunders and Mary Gaitskill: Gifted surrealist Saunders ("In Persuasion Nation," "The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil") and National Book Award nominee Gaitskill ("Veronica") are interviewed by Stranger arts editor Christopher Frizzelle. Having Gaitskill here is a particular thrill; she's an exquisitely sharp analyst of dubious behavior, and her 1997 story collection, "Because They Wanted To," ranks with the best of the past decade. 3 p.m., Performing Arts Stage.

"Write Locally": Jon Raymond and Charles D'Ambrosio: Portland authors Raymond ("Half-Life") and Charles D'Ambrosio ("The Dead Fish Museum") discuss their work. Short-story writer D'Ambrosio grew up in and often writes about Seattle. Former Richard Hugo House director Frances McCue moderates. 5 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

"Think Globally II": Laila Lalami and Gary Shteyngart: A contrast in sensibilities: Lalami is the author of the quietly powerful "Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits," about Moroccan refugees trying to make it into Spain; Leningrad-born Shteyngart is the author of two raucous satires, "The Russian Debutante's Handbook" and "Absurdistan." Scala House Press founding member Mark White moderates. 6:30 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

Greil Marcus and Robert Santelli: Experience Music Project artistic director Santelli interviews author Marcus ("Mystery Train," "Lipstick Traces") about his new book, "The Shape of Things to Come: Prophecy and the American Voice," which "explores America's promise as a New Jerusalem and the nature of its covenant: first with God, and then with its own citizens." 3:45 p.m., Performing Arts Stage.

"Fun Homes": Alison Bechdel and Sean Wilsey: Widely praised memoirist Wilsey ("Oh the Glory of It All") and graphic novelist Bechdel ("Fun Home") discuss the art of mining comedy from "horrible childhoods." Seattle Post-Intelligencer book critic and author John Douglas Marshall moderates. 6:30 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

"Trapdoor 62: Dream Interpretation": Been having restless nights lately? Don't quite know what to make of that last nightmare? Trapdoor 62's "audience-interactive platform" promises "to reveal the meanings of all your dreams." Writers, performers and musicians taking part include Anna Maria Hong, Garrett Fisher, Amy Schrader, David Stutz, Stacey Levine, Matt Briggs, Shannon Borg, Jeanette Allée, Maggie Santolla and Eric Benson. 8 p.m., In Context Literary Stage.

Michael Upchurch: mupchurch@seattletimes.com