Readings/Book Signings

• "ON THE ROAD" TURNS 50 Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's masterpiece, "On the Road." Musician and Kerouac collaborator David Amram will perform, followed by a panel discussion featuring Kerouac's companion and National Book Critic's Circle Award winner Joyce Johnson. Thu, Oct. 4, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• BANNED BOOKS READING WXPN's Gene Shay hosts local artists, musicians, actors and TV personalities as they celebrate Banned Books Week and support intellectual freedom by reading from their favorite censored volumes. Mon, Oct. 1, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• BOB PERELMAN The local poet and Penn professor will read from his work, which includes over 15 volumes of poetry, most recently "IFLIFE, The Future of Memory" and "Ten to One: Selected Poems and Playing Bodies," a collaboration with painter Francie Shaw. Thu, Oct. 4, 8pm, FREE , Temple University, Center City Campus, 1515 Market St., 215-204-1796.
• DAVID SEDARIS Everyone's favorite gay, Greek, autobiographical author, NPR satirist and world traveler kicks off his October marathon tour of 32 cities across the country in 32 days. Mon, Oct. 1, 8pm, $39.50, Keswick Theatre, Easton Rd. & Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215 572 7650.
• GINO SEGRE The author and Penn theoretical physicist will discuss his new book, "Faust in Copenhagen — A Struggle for the Soul of Physics," an accessible explanation of complex scientific concepts and the quantum physics scene at the dawn of WWII. Presented by the Penn Science Cafe. Thu, Sept. 27, 6pm, FREE , The MarBar, 40th & Walnut sts., 215-222-0100.
• IRWIN CHUSID The author and music historian reads from from his new book, "Songs In The Key of Z: The Curious Universe of Outsider Music." Thu, Oct. 4, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• JEFFREY TOOBIN The CNN legal analyst writer reads from his latest book, "The Nine." Based on exclusive interviews with the Supreme Court justices themselves as well as other insiders, it is a timely profile of America's most elite legal institution. Thu, Sept. 27, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• LAZARO LIMA The scholar and sociologist reads from his new book, "The Latino Body: Crisis Identities in American Literary and Cultural Memory." A pioneer in the still-budding field of Latino Studies, Lima promises to productively disrupt the business-as-usual of current critical and scholarly practice. Sat, Sept. 29, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• MICHAEL SWANWICK Science fiction's master of short fiction defies reads from his new collection of stories,"The Dog Said Bow-Wow," which contains the adventures Darger and Surplus as well as an original novelette of swashbuckling adventure. Thu, Sept. 27, 7pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• SHEPPARD KOMINARS The author reads from his new book, "Write for Life: Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit Through Journal Writing," which offers a lifelong adventure into living healthier and having more fun doing it. Thu, Oct. 4, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.