Readings/Book Signings

• BRUCE BUSCHEL The Philadelphia native reads from his new book, "Walking Broad," which consists of interviews of Philadelphia residents that he encountered while walking from one end of Broad Street to the other. When a recent article deemed Philadelphia, "the next great city," Buschel decided to see if this was true. Wed, July 25, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• FARLEY GRANGER The author and actor reads from his memoir, "Include Me Out: My Life From Goldwyn to Broadway," an account of his career, affairs, work and peers. Thu, July 19, 7pm, Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• JONATHAN MABERRY The author of the award-winning horror novel "Ghost Road Blues" reads from the sequel, "Dead Man's Song," which takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania. When a serial killer, who was terrorizing the town is killed, the locals incorrectly assume all is well. Tue, July 24, 7pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• MARIAH STEWART The New York Times best-selling author reads from her new book, "Last Look: A Novel of Suspense," the story of a special agent searching for the killer of a prostitute. Tue, July 24, 7pm, FREE , Borders Express, 260 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, 610-363-5036.
• MATTHEW PEARL The New York Times best-selling author reads from his new novel, "The Poe Shadow." The historical novel takes place in the 19th century and focuses on a friend of the recently-deceased Edgar Allan Poe, whose reputation has been tarnished. Thu, July 19, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• OWEN EGERTON The Texas-based comedian reads from his new collection of short fiction, "How Best to Avoid Dying," a humorous look at life's ups and downs. Thu, July 19, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• PAUL HALPERN The Penn professor reads from his new book, "What's Science Ever Done for Us?: What the Simpsons Can Teach Us about Physics, Robots, Life, and the Universe," which explains scientific questions raised on "The Simpsons." Mon, July 23, 7:30pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• SAIRA RAO The author reads from her debut novel, "Chambermaid," the humorous story of a young attorney clerking for a federal judge. Tue, July 24, 7pm, Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• STEPHEN L. CARTER The best-selling author and Yale professor reads from his new thriller, "New England White," the story of the murder of an economics professor. Thu, July 26, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.