Some news from the book world before we get into the details of the Scream Fest this week:

The Globe and Mail reports that book prices are finally starting to reflect the increased value of the Canadian dollar vs. the American. Maybe I'll be able to afford hardcovers now.

Monica Ali, the author of the much praised Brick Lane is interviewed in the Toronto Star about her new book Alentejo Blue.

And, the Reading (July/August) issue of The Walrus is out - wherein literary types wax poetical about their past.

The 14th annual Scream Literary Festival runs this week, from July 4-10. Catch the launch (free) on the 4th at the Gladstone at 8pm. Hit the Now Lounge on the 5th and you can catch Her Poetics with readings from Margaret Christakos, Karen Mac Cormack, Trish Salah, and Rachel Zolf for 8$.

On the 6th, head to the Toronto Women's Bookstore for 6pm and hear some poetry and fiction from Souvankham Thammavongsa, Tamai Kobayashi, and Jemini. 5$-7$ (sliding scale). Later in the evening (8pm), Eye Scream - wherein visual art and poetry mix - immediately followed by Lost - more multimedia fun - shows at the Embassy (223 Augusta).

If you've got the cash, for 60$ you can get a fancy four course meal at L'Espresso Bar Mercurio while enjoying a book length reading (of poetry, not fiction, which would doubtless take a bit too long) from poet Lisa Robertson. And for dessert? An all-male fashion show. Well, her book is called The Men. 7pm.

There's more, of course - about three events per night, just make sure you don't miss the big shebang that started it all - a poetry reading on the CSC Dream amphitheatre in High Park on the 10th. PWYC.