Readings/Book Signings

• ADAM WALLACAVAGE The Philly-based photographer and artist presents his new book "Monster Size Monsters" and offers complimentary 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.
• 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.
• CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS The controversial writer presents "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," which argues religion is a man-made cause of dangerous sexual oppression and a distortion of humanity's origins in the cosmos. Tue, May 22, 8pm, $6-$12, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• DAVID ROSE The author reads and signs his new book, "The Big Eddy Club," a recount of the history of racial injustice in small-town Georgia, with a special focus on the 1986 "stocking stranglings" criminal trial. Sat, May 19, 2pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• DEBBIE MACOMBER The author reads and signs her new book, "Back on Blossom Street," the story of the loves and losses of a group of women who meet regularly to knit and gossip at a local yarn shop. Sun, May 20, 2pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• DIANA CAVALLO & AL TACCONELLI The two poets read selections from their works. Tue, May 22, 7pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• ED SHOCKLEY The award-winning dramatist and screenwriter presents his book, "Notes From a Practicing Writer," a collection of essays in which he shares insights accumulated from more than 25 years of experience in the performing arts. Sat, May 19, 4pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• ESTHER IVEREM The journalist and writer presents her book, "We Gotta Have It: 20 Years of Seeing Black at the Movies, 1986-2006," featuring reviews of the films from the new wave of black cinema and essays and interviews examining the role of these films in American and global culture, Fri, May 18, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JOHN LUKACS The historian presents and signs his book, "George Kennan: A Study of Character," which reviews the life of the diplomat, recipient of the Medal of Freedom and political analyst. Sat, May 19, 2pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 720 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-0355.
• JUDY GOLD AND KATE MOIRA RYAN The veteran standup comic presents her book and her successful Broadway play, "25 Questions for a Jewish Mother," based on more than 50 interviews with Jewish mothers across the U.S. Sun, May 20, 3pm, $12, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• KEVORK MEDZADOURIAN The author presents his memoir, "My 41 Years in Iraq," about how he survived growing up in the harsh and sometimes violent conditions of Baghdad. Wed, May 23, 7:30pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 720 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-0355.
• KHALED HOSSEINI The author presents his new novel, "A Thousand Splendid Suns," a follow-up to "The Kite Runner." Thu, May 24, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• KIRK HASTINGS The graphic designer and freelance writer signs and talks about his book, "Doo Wop Motels: Architectural Treasures of the Wildwoods," a celebration of Jersey Shore kitsch. Sat, May 19, 1pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• LISA MARTELLI The author signs copies of "An Unlikely Suspect," a psychological thriller set in the Philly area. Wed, May 23, noon-1pm, FREE , Classics Bookstore, 117 S. Warren St., Trenton, NJ, 609-394-8400.
• LISA STEADMAN The relationship expert signs "It's a Breakup, Not a Breakdown" and leads a discussion on how to pull it together and move on. Tue, May 22, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• MICHAEL BESCHLOSS The author and presidential historian discusses his new book, "Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989." From impeachments to assassinations, the book chronicles moments when American presidents make pivotal decisions and U.S. history. Registration required. Tue, May 22, 6:30pm, $6-$60, National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700.
• MILTON MCGRIFF The award-winning poet and journalist presents his new book, "2236," a look at the dynamics of race relations, the role of religion in liberation and the power of resistance. Thu, May 24, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• A NIGHT OF LITERATURE AND MUSIC Writers Rick Moody and Heather McGowan read from their works and perform music with the folk group Wingdale Community Singers at this fundraiser for the Painted Bride Quarterly. Thu, May 17, 7:30-10pm, $15, Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.
• 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.
• A READING OF X/X The Eternal Spiral Project presents a public reading of Gin Hobbs' new play, "X/X," a collaborative theater project that interweaves performace, movement and musical elements. Registration preferred. Thu, May 24, 8pm, FREE , Philadelphia Community College, 1700 Spring Garden St., 267-231-8394.
• RENA FRUCHTER The author presents her book, "I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not," an in-depth look at the famed National Lampoon actor who survived childhood abuse and drug addiction to become a successful actor, comedian and writer. Wed, May 23, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• ROBIN LASERSOHN AND TERRY RUMSEY The poets, activists and married couple do a joint performance followed by an open reading. Tue, May 22, 7pm, $2, Harvest Books, 9 E. State St., Media, 610-566-3191.
• 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.
• THOMAS JACKSON The UNC professor signs and discusses his latest book, "From Civil Rights to Human Rights," which argues 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.
• WAYNE KOESTENBAUM The poet and cultural critic reads from his new book, "Hotel Theory," a dime-novel about Lana Turner, Liberace and the meaning of hotels. Thu, May 24, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, 118 S. 36th St., 215-898-7108.