A hush fell over San Francisco this morning as the city started counting down the last 48 hours before the most highly anticipated bibliophile event of the year. OK, we're being a bit hyperbolic, but it is indeed time for Litquake, the annual convergence of all words written, found, and spoken. The nine-day series of events begins this Friday and runs through the grand finale next Saturday evening. Mark your calendars with our eight must-see picks, and get your read on!

October 10th, 7 PM — Viva Fifteen: Litquake’s Quinceañera 15th Anniversary Bash

Turning 15 is no small event, and Litquake is throwing itself one fabulous quinceañera in the true spirit of Mexico. The evening promises to be an over-the-top celebration, complete with tiaras, live music courtesy of the Acapulco Mariachi Trio, cocktails from Hornitos, Bi-Rite Creamery cake, and beats from DJ Alarm. For an extra dose of fun, Litquake is encouraging guests to don the costume of your 15-year-old quinceañera doppelganger. Need we say more? $15, 450 Florida St.

October 12th, 1 PM — Litquake in the Castro

Notable writers from the LGBT community will take turns reading from their work at Magnet, a community center funded by the SF AIDS Foundation. Where better to hear these words than in the heart of the Castro? Free, Magnet, 4122 18th St.

October 12th, 3:30 PM — Read Like a Teen: Why YA is Good for the Mind and Soul

We love that Litquake is showing some love for those of us hiding our copies of Harry Potter and Divergent behind a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while on MUNI. Far from being a shame-worthy activity, young adult fiction has much to teach adults. Find out how! Free, Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter St.

October 14th, 2014, 6 PM — Litquake Pig Out: Sausages and Syrah

Attention meat-lovers of all stripes: here’s your chance to go behind the scenes at 4505 Meats. Classically trained chef Ryan Farr will share his passion for artisanal, whole-beast butchery, complete with a live demonstration of his sausage-making techniques. Oh, and there will be wine. But there are only 25 spots available, so time is of the essence! Admission includes sausages and wine. $20, 4505 Meats Commissary, 60 14th St.

October 14th, 7 PM — Straight, No Chaser: Writers at the Bar

History repeats itself as North Beach establishment Vesuvio Café once more sets the scene for great writers and poets to let their creativity flow. This program promises to be an edgy and entertaining series of readings. The evening’s readings will be emceed by noted writer Alia Volz. Free, Vesuvio, 255 Columbus Ave.

October 15th, 7:30 PM — The Best of Craigslist

Great literature isn’t always intentionally written—sometimes its found. “The Best of Craigslist” will be a jaw-dropping, belly-aching evening of gems culled from the best-ever postings of this legendary website. Seven Bay Area authors will read several classic categories, including sale items (“Haunted Coffee Grinder for Sale”), job postings (“Bong Operations Engineer”), and everyone’s favorite, missed connections (“To the Crackhead Who Stole My Bicycle Wheel”). Free with RSVP, Hattery, 414 Brannan St.

October 16th, 1 PM — Orange is the New Lunch

As the pièce de résistance, Litquake is excited to welcome Orange is the New Black author and screenwriter Piper Kerman for an intimate lunch gathering at the Delancey Street Restaurant, somewhat controversially dubbed the “friendliest restaurant in San Francisco.” A specialty three-course lunch (including wine!) will open the event, followed by a book signing. Prison break optional. $150, Delancy Street, 600 The Embarcadero.

And last, but certainly not least—

October 18th, 8:30 PM — 7x7 Presents: Travel Misadventures

Join 7x7 at The Chapel for "Travel Misadventures," a lively collection of stories from a host of San Francisco's favorite travel writers. From an unbelievable cultural faux pas to gastrointestinal hilarity, these tales of travel might just inspire you to turn your next vacation into a staycation. Free, The Chapel, 777 Valencia St.