Readings/Book Signings

• BENJAMIN CHESLUK The author reads from his new book, "Money Jungle: Imagining the New Times Square," in which he discusses changes made to this one urban intersection, and with it, changes to urban life. Thu, Jan. 31, 7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• DAVID LEVITHAN The author presents his new collection of short stories, "How They Met and Other Stories." Fri, Feb. 1, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• GREGG SHAPIRO The author of "Protection" will read a selection of his new poems, which are inspried by Chicago, Boston and Washington D.C. Sun, Feb. 3, 5:30-7pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• HANNES ARTENS The political fiction author reads from his new novel, "The Writing on the Wall," an anti-war story that covers the government's last six years as well as a premonition of what's to come. Sat, Feb. 2, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JAMYE WAXMAN The author presents her new book, "Getting Off: A Woman's Guide to Masturbation" which encourages readers to come out from under the covers. Thu, Feb. 7, 5:30-7:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• LAMONT STEPTOE The poet, photographer and Pittsburgh native reads from his new collection, "Oracular Rumblings and Stiltwalking." Thu, Feb. 7, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• OLGA GRUSHIN The author reads from from her first novel, "The Dream Life of Sukhanov." Thu, Feb. 7, 7:30pm, FREE , Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-5210.
• RUSSEL BANKS The Pulitzer and PEN/Faulkner finalist reads from his new novel, "The Reserve," which is set in the Adirondacks during the height of the Great Depression. Thu, Jan. 31, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.