Readings/Book Signings

• ADAM WALLACAVAGE The Philly-based photographer and artist presents his new book, "Monster Size Monsters," while offering complimentary Sailor Jerry Rum cocktails at his nautical-themed Sailor Jerry store. Thu, May 17, 6-8pm, FREE, Sailor Jerry Store, 116-118 S. 13th St., 215-531-6380.
• ALAN MORINIS The author of "Everyday Holiness" talks about the Mussar, a step-by-step Jewish spiritual tradition that helps people rejuvenate their lives. Tue, May 15, 7:30pm, FREE, Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 Ellet St., 215-844-1507.
• BERNARD GOTFRYD The photojournalist presents "The Intimate Eye," a collection of photographs of prominent personalities in arts and politics taken during his 30-year career with Newsweek. Thu, May 17, 7pm, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• CHUCK PALAHNIUK The famed novelist of "The Fight Club" and "Survivor" reads from his latest novel, "Rant," an oral history of a rebel and very efficient serial killer. Thu, May 10, 8pm, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• DINA MATOS MCGREEVEY The former First Lady of New Jersey signs her book, "Silent Partner: A Memoir of My Marriage," about the writer's marriage and life with former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who resigned from office. Wed, May 16, 6pm, FREE, Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• ELMORE LEONARD The author and screenwriter presents his new novel, "Up in Honey's Room," about a free-spirited wife who plans to divorce her secret agent husband. Thu, May 10, 7pm, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• ERIC BURNS The host of "Fox News Watch" presents his book, "The Smoke of the Gods: A Social History," tracing the history of cigarettes as a cultural artifact from pre-Columbian days to the present. Mon, May 14, 7pm, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• HILL HARPER The actor and writer presents "Letters to a Young Brother," a collection of letters offering guidance, inspiration and heartfelt insight to the readers. Fri, May 11, 5pm, FREE, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• HONORING OUR MOTHERS, OUR SELVES Women's Ink presents a reading hosted by Karima Wadud for women to share stories, poems and letters to and about their mothers. Open mic to follow. Tue, May 15, 6pm, FREE, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• ILONA MEAGHER The author discusses her latest book, "Moving a Nation to Care: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and America's Returning Troops," which presents interviews with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffering with PTSD. Wed, May 16, 6pm, FREE, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JAMES CRACE The author of "Pesthouse" discusses his work with interviewer Robert Huber. Tue, May 15, 7pm, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• LISA TRACY The author presents her latest book, "Muddy Waters: The Legacy of Katrina and Rita," about the doctors, nurses and healthcare providers who responded to the disaster. Mon, May 14, 7:30pm, FREE, Barnes & Noble, 200 W. Rt. 70, Marlton, NJ, 856-225-6627.
• MIKE PALECEK The author presents his new novel, "The American Dream," a futuristic satire meditating on the price of the American Dream and the consequences that come from its achievement. Mon, May 14, 6pm, FREE, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• THE ODYSSEY: AN EPIC NIGHT OF FILM AND READINGS Curators Bernadine Mellis and Andrea Lawlor celebrate the release of "The Odyssey" with a screening and readings. The work features mostly queer, trans and women artists from the Philly community retelling Homer's ancient epic. Sun, May 13, 6:30-10pm, FREE, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-6107.
• PAUL DAVIES The internationally renowned physicist and cosmologist presents his book, "Cosmic Jackpot: Why Our Universe Is Just Right for Life," explaining how many aspects of this universe seem tailor-made to sustain life. Fri, May 11, noon, FREE, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• POETS AND PROPHETS Top area poets read their work, followed by an open reading. Every third Thu, 7-9pm, $2, Voices & Visions, The Bourse, Lower Level, 4th & Ranstead sts., 215-625-4740.
• RICK MOODY AND HEATHER MCGOWAN The novelists read from their literature while The Wingdale Community Singers bring some tunes. Thu, May 17, 7:30pm, $16-$54, Downstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.
• SAMUEL R. DELANEY The Hugo Award-winning author presents his new book, "Dark Reflections," the story of Arnold Hawley, a gay African American poet. Thu, May 17, 5:30-7pm, FREE, Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• SHELBY LEE The photographer and author presents his latest book, "Appalachian Lives," and lectures about the evolution of his work. Fri, May 11, 7pm, $8-$10, Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St., 215-592-1310.
• SPRING POETRY An evening of neighborhood poetry reading hosted by Michael Cohen, with Michele Belluomini, Dan Maguire and Glenn McLaughlin. Fri, May 11, 7pm, FREE, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• THOMAS JACKSON The UNC professor signs and discusses his latest book, "From Civil Rights to Human Rights," arguing that Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight was not only for civil rights, but also for the economic rights of the disadvantaged. Thu, May 17, 7pm, FREE, Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• TOBI ZAUSNER The artist and psychologist presents her new book, "When Walls Become Doorways: Creativity and the Transforming of Illness." Thu, May 10, 7pm, FREE, Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• YVONNE STEPHENS The chef signs her cookbook, "Amazing 7 Minute Meals." Fri, May 11, 4-6pm, FREE, Barnes & Noble, 720 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-0355.