This week the Literary Arts scene jumps from one big memoir to a city read-out and on to another big memoir (with an even bigger star).

If you haven’t read it, chances are, you’ve at least heard of the bestselling memoir, Running with Scissors. This Thursday, catch the author, Augusten Burroughs, as he gives a free talk, titled “Memoir as Grand Unifying Experience”, at USF. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.

On Saturday, head over to Amnesia for The Great SF Read-Out, an evening of censorship-themed performances from Banned by the Bay. The headliners include members of BATS Improv as well as local comedian Will Franken, but all are welcome to take the stage in whatever capacity — it’s a night where all crudities are PC.

On Tuesday, September 4, The Booksmith presents Emmy, Tony and Gloden Globe winner, John Lithgow, speaking on his memior, Drama: An Actor’s Education. The big screen star’s talk will be appropriately held at the Kabuki Theaters, and we’re thinking Lithgow will reveal his full range of comedy and Drama.

• Tag: Amnesia, Augusten Burroughs, Banned by the Bay, BATS Improv, Running with Scissors, the great sf read-out, USF, Will Franken