Readings/Book Signings

• BERNADETTE MAYER & LEE ANN BROWN The poets read in the Arts Cafe in an event co-sponsored by Temple-Penn Poetics. Works by Mayer, who writes in poetry and prose, include "Two Haloed Mourners: Poems," "Proper Name and Other Stories," "The Desires of Mothers to Please Others in Letters," to name a few. Brown, an assistant professor of English at St. John's University in New York City, recently won the New American Poetry Series Award. Thu, Sept. 13, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• FRANCINE C. MATHIS The fiction author reads from her new novel "No One in Particular." Thu, Sept. 6, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JOHN MCGORAN The Mt. Airy author reads from his latest novel "Blood Poison," which was published under the psyuedonym D.H. Dublin. Fri, Sept. 7, 6-8pm, FREE , InFusion Coffee & Tea Gallery, 7133 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1718.
• JOYCE TENNESON The photographer signs copies of her 2004 book, "Intimacy: The Sensual Essence of Flowers." Tenneson's work combines portraiture and mythology and has been shown in more than 150 exhibits worldwide. Tue, Sept. 11, 7pm, FREE , University of the Arts, Broad & Pine sts., 215-717-6504.
• JULIUS THOMPSON The former sportswriter reads from his new novel, "Philly Style and Philly Profile," the second in a trilogy. In this installment, Andy Michael Pilgrim moves from Brooklyn to Philadelphia to work as a sportswriter. He witnesses the destructive effects of drugs and gangs on the lives of young people during the 1970s. Thu, Sept. 13, 6-8pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JUNOT DIAZ The best-selling author reads from his new novel, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," the tale of a Domincan-American family dealing with a wicked, ancient curse. Tue, Sept. 11, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MICHAEL PALIN The author, screenwriter and member of Britain's Monty Python comedy troupe, reads from his memoir, "Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years," which details the trials and ultimate success of the beloved series. Thu, Sept. 6, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• PATRICIA CARRAGON and ROXANNE HOFFMAN The poets read from their latest work. Sat, Sept. 8, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RAY DIDINGER The author reads from his collection "One Last Read," the finest clips from among the thousands of articles, columns and profiles he has penned over the years. Sat, Sept. 8, 5pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• REGINALD HALL The author reads from his new novel "In Love With a Thug," a tragic tale of love and loss in the city. Fri, Sept. 7, 6pm, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RICHARD RUSSO The author reads from his new short story collection, "Bridge of Sighs," which teams with small-town life and issues of heritage, complicated by the contrary motivations of a captivating expatriate. Mon, Sept. 10, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• SAL PAOLANTONIO AND RUBEN FRANK The authors read from their tell-it-like-it-is book "The Most Overrated and Underrated Players, Teams, Coaches, and Moments in NFL History." Wed, Sept. 12, 7pm, FREE , Borders Book Shop, 515 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ, 856-985-5080.
• SANDY CRIMMINS MEMORIAL READING Philadelphia poet Sandy Crimmins, who passed away on July 2, 2007, was known to many in the local literary communities for her vitality, wit and poetic prowess. Her death is still a shock to those who knew her, read with her and heard her read. Crimmins authored "String Theory" and "Iowa Summer" and was a board member of Philadelphia Stories. Tue, Sept. 11, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• SUNSHINE O'DONNELL The local poet, essayist and author reads from her latest work of fiction, "Open Me," which focuses on the experiences of one girl who is at the center of a secret world of professional mourners. Fri, Sept. 7, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.