Laurie Wilhite will discuss her book "Paddle to the Pacific" at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters on Thursday.

There are more than a few book-related events and lectures this week in Central Oregon. People can meet and talk to local and regional authors or learn about the history and environment of the region at any of the events below.

‘Paddle to the Pacific’ by Laurie Wilhite

Growing up in Goldendale, Washington, Laurie Wilhite spent most of her life rushing up and down the Columbia River to appointments, events and vacations. She also took many kayaking trips along the river. In an effort to get to know the river better, encouraged by her Goldendale writing group, she wrote and published “Paddle to the Pacific: A journey of reflection on the Columbia River” in February of 2022. Wilhite will discuss her kayaking journeys on the river, which will include paddling skills, encountering wind caused waves and facing an ever-growing tidal influence from Beacon Rock to the Pacific. Some of her other paddling experiences include Bowron Lake Chain in British Columbia (twice), Admiralty Island Canoe Route south of Juneau, Alaska, rafting the Grand Canyon with a guide, Ross Lake in northern Washington State (twice), and the John Day Rivers. Wilhite will also touch on the status of birds along the Columbia.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

‘Two Over Easy All Day Long’ by Shari Lane

In Pacific Northwest author Shari Lane’s “Two Over Easy All Day Long,” set in the fictional towns of Motte and Bailey, Oregon, Giles Anthony Maurice Gibson, a Manhattanite and president of ABC Toys, floats through life on a cloud of wealth and privilege. But when his company’s negligence results in tragedy, the judge, weary of a world where justice is rarely served, sentences Giles to a year of community service in rural Oregon, and supervised work at Sunnyside Up, a local diner. Giles renames himself “Tony” and, fitted with an ankle monitor to keep him in his place, must find a way to make amends for the consequences of always choosing the easy way. Lane has been writing since she was in kindergarten. She is also the managing editor of literary magazine Shark Reef, on the Lopez Island Library’s Board of Trustees, and hosts an open mic for local writers.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday; $5; Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Drive, Suite 110, Bend; roundaboutbookshop.com or 541-306-6564.

Sister’s Writes Pop-Up Book Fair

A group of local authors who meet weekly to support each other’s work will be at the bookstore throughout the day. Community members are invited to come and meet them and learn about their work.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

‘The Importance of Gardens to Insect Conservation’

Gail Langellotto will present evidence on the importance of gardens to insect conservation and highlight the plants and practices that are poised to promote biodiversity in urban and suburban spaces. With time spent at the Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, she will also talk about some of the insects found in Sisters-area gardens. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so registration is required.

6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday; free; Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Road, Sisters; roundhousefoundation.org or 541-904-0700.

Chop Suey for All — Chinese Cooks in Oregon

Archivist, historian, academic librarian, and author Richard Engeman will explore the history of Chinese restaurants in Oregon. Chinese restaurants were common in Oregon towns and cities beginning in the late 19th century. Engeman has worked for the Oregon Historical Society and University of Washington libraries, where he immersed in Pacific Northwest history. He specializes in food and agricultural history and is the author of “Eating It Up in Eden: the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program Cookbook.”

7 p.m. Tuesday; $5; Father Luke’s Room, McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend; mcmenamins.com or 541-382-5174.