Readings/Book Signings :: Philadelphia City Paper. 25 Years of Independent Journalism.

CHUCK KLOSTERMAN For 6,557 miles, Chuck Klosterman thought about dying. He drove a rental car from New York to Rhode Island to Georgia to Mississippi to Iowa to Minneapolis to Fargo to Seattle, and he chased death and rock 'n' roll all the way. He explored every brand of rock star demise. He wanted to know why the greatest career move any musician can make is to stop breathing... and what this means for the rest of us. Join the rock crit for a reading and book signing of his latest, "Killing Yourself to Live: 85 Percent of a True Story." Thu, June 29, 7pm, FREE, Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.

DAVID TAYLOR The author and documentarian appears for a reading and signing in conjunction with his new book, "Ginseng, the Divine Root," which traces the history of, well, ginseng. We can tell you it tastes really good in green tea. Thu, July 6, 7:30pm, FREE, Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.

GARY KRAMER The local author and City Paper contributor signs and discusses his new book, "Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews," an insightful collection reflecting the current state of gay and lesbian filmmaking. Fri, June 30, 5:30-7pm, FREE, Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.

GROVER SILCOX Performing "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, this actor lends a terrifying realism to this haunting story. Thu, June 29, 5:30pm, $10, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Ave., 215-236-3300.

L.A. BANKS The author signs and discusses her latest book, "The Forsaken." Thu, June 29, noon, FREE, Borders Express, 9th & Market sts., 215-922-3647.

MARKISHA BUNN This Philadelphia native has been writing poetry since her teen years. Join her for a reading and signing of her latest collection of love poems, "Entangled Hearts," a tale of love gained, lost and mourned. Fri, June 30, 7pm, FREE, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

OMAR TYREE The author signs and discusses his new novel, "What They Want," about a male model who decides to curb his promiscuous lifestyle. Wed, July 5, noon, FREE, Borders Express, 9th & Market sts., 215-922-3647.

POETRY CIRCLE If the same bars and cocktails no longer tantalize your after-work taste, sit Indian style and try something different. This poetry circle includes scribed sessions from local writers, but is open to newcomers as well. Thu, June 29, 7-9pm, FREE, Voices & Visions, The Bourse, Lower Level, 4th & Ranstead sts., 215-625-4740.