The Positive Power of Negative Thinking

Monday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p. m. We are a civilization obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, though the piles of self-help books out there suggest we are incompetent seekers. Journalist Oliver Burkeman wonders if we are running toward paradise in the wrong direction. His book “The Antidote” argues there is a negative path to happiness and success, which means embracing failure, pessimism, insecurity and uncertainty — all those things we try to avoid. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. Tickets: $5 at www.townhallseattle.orgor at the door.

Julie Otsuka speaks about her work Jan. 29, 7:30 p. m.

Part of the Seattle Arts & Lectures Literary Arts Series, the best-selling novelist will talk about her books and the Japanese internment during World War II and answer audience questions. Otsuka’s first novel, “When the Emperor Was Divine,” about the internments, is based on her family history. Her second novel, “The Buddha in the Attic,” tells the tale of young women brought to California as “picture brides.” Jamie Ford, author of “The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” hosts the event. Beneroya Hall, 200 University St. Information: www.lectures.org

Aaron Dixon and Black History Month

Feb. 4, 7-8:30 p. m. Aaron Dixon will read from his book “My People are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain,” which begins with the story of Dixon’s enslaved ancestors and journeys through American history to his experience as a foot soldier in Seattle’s Black Panther Party, which he founded in 1968. Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, 1000 Fourth Ave, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium.

‘Borrowed Tales’ from Deborah Woodward

Feb. 7, 7:30 p. m. Deborah Woodward, teacher of creative writing and literature at Richard Hugo House, has a new book, “Borrowed Tales,” which transforms narratives drawn from history and art into crisp, off-center pieces brilliant as shards of stained glass. Woodward has written books, chapbooks and a translation of poems from the Italian of Amelia Rosselli, “The Dragonfly: A Selection of Poems 1953-1981.” Open Books, 3414 N. 45th St.