Also this issue: Learning to Fly Shelley Spector chats about her life, her art and her upcoming show. -Robin Rice Boxed In In a story of a con man turned boxer, Darin Strauss loses sight of the core of truth. -Justin Bauer First Friday Focus The Galleries at Moore | Temple Gallery | Ashley Gallery -Lori Hill Blind Date Two artists are grouped together for an exhibit at Seraphin Gallery. -Robin Rice East Meets Midwest Wisconsin artist T.L. Solien is featured in two gallery shows this month. -Susan Hagen

June 6-12, 2002

artpicks

Ann Patchett

Bel Canto (HarperCollins) -- the latest barnburner by storyteller-to-the-stars Ann Patchett -- ain't over when the fat lady sings. In fact, immediately following a private performance by the world's most sought-after soprano, all hell breaks loose. Armed insurrectionists take over the home of some banana republic vice president and hold the partygoers hostage. During the subsequent standoff, the lives of the guests and terrorists become entangled in unforeseen ways. Patchett brings each person's story to life and creates any number of memorable characters, including the singer (who, for a fat lady, isn't very fat at all), a Japanese business tycoon, the village priest and a would-be revolutionary named, inevitably, Carmen. It's one of those rare, spellbinding books you'll tear through in a day, then recommend to a loved one or two. On June 6, Patchett reads from Bel Canto at the Free Library. Let's just hope no terrorists show up to spoil the fun.

Ann Patchett reads from Bel Canto, Thu., June 6, 7 p.m., with Ward Just, free, Montgomery Auditorium, Free Library of Philadelphia, 19th and Vine sts., 215-686-5322, www.library.phila.gov/writers/coolbooks.htm

—Andrew Ervin