Central Oregon bookstores are hosting a variety of author and storytelling events this week.

Hear about a decade spent on Native American reservation in Montana, find out about the best wildflower hikes in Central Oregon and watch 10 storytellers compete to support a local book festival.

“Elk Love — A Montana Memoir” by Lynne Spriggs O’Connor

Lynne Spriggs O’Connor will discuss her 10 summers spent on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Glacier National Park, as part of her fieldwork for a PhD in Native American Art History. Before moving to the rural West at 42 years old, Spriggs curated exhibitions of folk and self-taught art at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. The memoir has been named grand prize winner of a 2024 Chanticleer International Book Award.

In “Elk Love,” a world-weary museum curator and a bereaved rancher come together amidst the beauty and seasonal rhythms of a cattle ranch in a hidden Montana mountain valley.

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

Joanie Lindenmeyer Morning Meet & Greet/Signing

Joanie Lindenmeyer is the author of three books, written in two years: “Nun Better — An AMAZING Love Story;” “Joyously Free! Stories and Tips to Live Your Truth as LGBTQ+ People, Parents and Allies” and “Healing Religious Hurts — Stories and Tips to Find Love and Peace.” At this event, the author and former catholic nun will do a short reading from all three books accompanied with a 10-minute talk about a continual theme of the 3 C’s: Courage, Confidence and Collaboration.

Lindenmeyer is a retired high school teacher and an involved Episcopalian at St. Timothy’s in Brookings, Oregon, where she has lived for 34 years.

Friday 10-11 a.m.; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

SFOB Spring StorySLAM and Fundraiser

This is a live storytelling competition that invites 10 individuals to share their personal, unscripted tales in front of a supportive audience. No notes, no filters — just you, a mic and your story.

Come to tell a story or listen. Prizes for best storyteller(s) include a night stay at Suttle Lake Lodge and more. This is a fundraiser for Sisters Festival of Books.

Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m.; $10; Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave., Sisters; paulinaspringsbooks.com or 541-549-0866.

Wildflower Hikes of Central Oregon with William Sullivan

Area trail master Bill Sullivan will present a slideshow featuring some of his personal photos that have inspired many, many guidebooks of Oregon’s natural landscapes. Sullivan will focus on wildflower hikes in Central Oregon. Seating is limited and first come, first served.

Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend; dudleysbookshopcafe.com or 541-749-2010.

Kid’s Storytime featuring Dennis McGregor

Local author Dennis McGregor will lead a free kid’s storytime. McGregor has three children’s books that he will be reading (and singing), along with accompanying coloring sheets.

Sunday noon-1 p.m.; Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend; dudleysbookshopcafe.com or 541-749-2010.

“Crow Talk,” by Eileen Garvin

Eileen Garvin, author of “The Music of Bees,” will discuss her new book “Crow Talk.” It is about a lonely ornithologist struggling to salvage her dissertation on the spotted owl and an Irish musician far from home and family, raising her five-year-old son, Aiden, who refuses to speak.

Born and raised in eastern Washington, Garvin lives in Hood River, Oregon.

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

Ian Haupt: 541-617-7821 or ian.haupt@bendbulletin.com.