As you make plans to enjoy your three-day weekend, consider these fun and enlightening literary events going on in the area:


On Saturday, September 1:

If you and your family have enjoyed sunny days filled with thrilling rides and water slides at Silverwood Theme Park (pictured above), you will want to make a point of visiting the park this Saturday or Sunday, from 10-5 both days, when Silverwood owner and founder Gary Norton will sign copies of his new book, American Theme Park. The book features personal stories and memories from Norton's life and explains how Silverwood came to be. Pick up the book at a special introductory price, and meet the man who made it all happen. (Silverwood Theme Park, 27843 N. Hwy. 95, Coeur d'Alene).

At Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, Kenny Knight will sign copies of his book Unknown Rock Star from 1 to 3 p.m., in which he recounts his forty-plus years of experience in the entertainment industry, from sound man to stage performer to radio host and studio master. Unknown Rock Star offers a rare glimpse of how an everyday kid from California harnessed his talent and made it in the entertainment industry through hard work, perseverance, personal tragedy, and an unyielding faith in the music. (402 W. Main, Spokane)

At Hastings in Coeur d'Alene, Jessica Hecket of Blanchard will sign copies of her book The Water Words from 1 to 3 p.m. The Water Words is a mystical tale of a young girl who prevails against all odds. You can view a trailer for the book here. (101 Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene)

Joan Kopczynski will sign copies of her book Spies, Lies & Psychosis at Hastings in Spokane from 1-3 p.m. Subtitled "A Personal Journey of Adult Schozoaffective Illness Triggered by Traumatic Events of Love, Espionage, and Betrayal," Spies, Lies & Psychosis tells of a harrowing journey through mental illness to healing and hope. (2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane)

On Sunday, September 2:

Silverwood founder Gary Norton will again sign copies of American Theme Park from 10-5 at the park. (27843 N. Hwy. 95, Coeur d'Alene)

. . . and beyond the weekend:

Coming up on Tuesday, September 4 at 7 p.m., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas L. Friedman (The World is Flat) will speak at Gonzaga Unversity's McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N. Cincinnati St., Spokane, as part of the university's Presidential Speaker series. Friedman's latest book is That Used to Be Us: A Crucial Time for America and the Role Education Must Play. Admission is $15 ($12 for seniors, $10 for students). For more information on this event, click here.

Happy Labor Day!