A Monday arts and culture reading outline—inspired by a local writer who knows from outlines:

• Janet Maslin reviews John Grisham's first collection of short fiction, Ford County, in today's New York Times. "[I]f the story winds up as less than a full-fledged drama," Maslin says of one tale in the book, "it also becomes much more than a well-wrought diversion. Mr. Grisham knows how to make himself eminently readable." Must be all the outlining, Mr. Grisham:

 "Well, I've tried everything else but poetry." Copies of Ford County are available starting tomorrow at New Dominion Bookshop.

• J. Tillman, a member of blog-buzz-and-face-fuzz folk act Fleet Foxes, announced a gig at the UVA Chapel slated for November 19. Listen to a Daytrotter session by Tillman here (I recommend "When I Light Your Darkened Door) and throw out your Bic, beardos.

• Speaking of shows, word has it that former C-VILLE music columnist/Eardrum NYC cofounder John Ruscher will join DBB Plays Cups tonight at The Box! (via Nailgunmedia) I've written before about DBB's hyper-local approach to performances (no website, word o' mouth, etc), and would advise you to catch tonight's gig. Consistent fun from fluctuating lineups! Plus, DBB himself is a man of mystery, alternately identified as "David Benson Baker" and "David Baker Benson."

• Rob and Laura Jones' ArtPark blog is a steady, enjoyable read on local art and the visual art market. Recently, ArtPark published a few posts about public art, including this bit about tree trunk sculptures. The entry earned a good response from local photographer Bill Emory, who commented about one trunk: "I see the profile of a dog. I see dogs everywhere." True enough.