Readings/Book Signings

• BRENDA JANOWITZ The author reads from her new book "Scot on the Rocks: How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever-So-Slightly Intact," the story of a woman who must attend her ex's wedding without a date. Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• CHRISTOPHER M. FINAN The president of the American Booksellers Foundation ireads from his book, "From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America," which gives an account of free speech over the last century. Tue, July 3, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• DAVID KITTRELL The author reads from his new book, "Noah's A.R.C.," in which he fantasizes about using time travel to correct the past and better the situations of African Americans today. Thu, June 28, 6pm, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• GEORGE BEAHM The author reads from his new book, "Muggles and Magic: An Unofficial Guide to J.k. Rowling and the Harry Potter Phenomenon." Sat, June 30, 2pm, FREE , Borders Books & Music, 101 Geoffrey Dr., Newark, DE, 302-366-8144.
• JENNIFER BLOCK The former editor of Ms. Magazine reads from her new book, "The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care," which explains how dependency on medical technology can threaten maternity and infant care. Fri, June 29, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• JOYCE CAROL OATES The author reads from her latest novel, "The Gravedigger's Daughter," the story of a family that escapes Nazi Germany but struggles to adjust in the U.S. Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.
• KENNETH FORD The Philadelphia resident reads from his memoir, "In Love with Flying," which documents his career in the sky. Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• MARION NESTLE The nutritionist reads from her new book, "What to Eat," a guide to healthy shopping practices and eating. Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MARY KAY RICKS The author reads from her new book, "Escape on the Pearl," which documents the daring escape of 77 slaves from Washington, D.C. Sat, June 30, 2pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• RANDALL KENAN The author reads from his new book, "The Fire This Time," which examines social and political issues in the same manner as James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time." Thu, June 28, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• SUNSHINE O'DONNELL The Germantown-based author debuts her first novel, "Open Me," which is set in Philadelphia and revolves around the illegal business of wailers, which are women hired to cry at funerals. Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 835 Old York Rd., Jenkintown, 215-886-5366.
• W.E.B. GRIFFIN AND WILLIAM E. BUTTERWORTH IV The father-and-son team read from their new novel, "The Double Agents," the latest volume in the best-selling series, "Men at War." Thu, June 28, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 150 W. Swedesford Rd., Devon, 610-695-6600.