Readings/Book Signings

• ALLISON WHITTENBERG The local author reads from her new novel, "Life Is Fine," the story of an inner-city high school student who is inspired by a mysterious substitute English teacher and his poetry readings. Wed, March 12, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• AUGUSTUS CILEONE The author reads from his new homicide mystery , "A Lesson in Murder." Sun, March 9, 3-4:30pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• CHRIS BAUMAN The author and Bucks County resident reads from his new book, "In Hoboken," which is loosely based on his experiences as a musician at Maxwell's Club. Thu, March 13, 7:30pm, FREE , Farley's Bookshop, 44 S. Main St., New Hope, 215-862-2452.
• HATTIE GOSSETT The author reads from her new poetry collection, "The Immigrant Suite," which explores the intersection of Harlem and immigrants. Thu, March 13, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• HOPE FOX The author signs her new cookbook, "Impress for Less," which features easy-to-prepare dishes from upscale restaurants. Thu, March 13, 6-8pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• LIONEL SHRIVER AND LAURA LIPPMAN Shriver reads from her latest novel, "The Post-Birthday World," and Lippman reads from her latest crime mystery, "Another Thing to Fall." Tue, March 11, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• LISA LUTZ The author reads from her latest book, "Curse of the Spellmans," the sequel the to national best-seller, "The Spellman Files." Thu, March 13, 7pm, $15, the Gershman Y, 401 South Broad St., 215-446-3021.
• LORI THARPS The author reads excerpts from her memoir, "Kinky Gazpacho," which traces her travels from Milwaukee to the south of Spain, her trials as an African-American woman and love and relationships. Wed, March 12, 7-8:30pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• MARNI NIXON The singer reads from her autobiography, "I Could Have Sung All Night: My Story," which traces her life from the LA Philharmonic to the voice behind Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady." Thu, March 13, noon, FREE , Barnes and Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 214-665-0716.
• MIASHA The author will sign copies of her new book, "Sistah for Sale," which explores the depths of the Miami sex-trade world. Thu, March 6, 12:30pm, FREE , Borders Express, Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut St., 215-557-8443.
• MITCH NATHANSON The author presents his book, "The Fall of the 1977 Phillies: How a Baseball Team's Collapse Sank a City's Spirit," which maps the social history of how the team lost favor with its fans. Thu, March 6, 6-7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• MOONSTONE POETRY SERIES Jon Thompson, professor at North Carolina State, and local poet and activist Justin Vitiello read from selected works. Tue, March 11, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• POONAM SHERMA The author signs copies of her second novel, "All Eyes on Her," which follows a divorce lawyer for the stars who tames the paparazzi in Beverly Hills. Thu, March 13, 7pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.