Readings/Book Signings

• ANNUAL POETRY INK Robin's invites everyone and anyone with a lyrical soul to recite three minutes of their best work. Coffee is supplied, but you bring the dessert. Sun, March 30, 1-6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• BOB RAINS The author reads from his new book, "True Tales of Trying Times: Legal Fables for Today," which takes the age-old parable and modernizes the lesson. Sat, March 29, 2-3:30pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• CHINUA ACHEBE In honor of its 50th anniversary, the author discusses her groundbreaking book, "Things Fall Apart," which questions the negative portrayals of African culture in Western literature. Thu, March 27, 8pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• EILEEN M. D'ANGELO, STEPHEN DELIA, MISSY GROTZ, AUTUMN KONOPKA AND DAN MAGUIRE The poets and novelists read from their new works at this evening presented by the Mad Poets Society. Mon, March 31, 7pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.
• GEORGE ANASTASIA, CORDELIA F. BIDDLE, SOLOMON JONES, WILLIAM LASHNER AND NANCY MARTIN The mystery writers come together for a panel discussion presented by the Mystery Writers of America. Mon, March 31, 7-8:30pm, $10, Irish Pub, 1123 Walnut St., 215-568-5603.
• JAMES MARROW The author and satirist reads from his latest novel, "The Philosopher's Apprentice," the story of a young and out-of-work scholar sent on a strange recovery mission. Fri, March 28, 7:30pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.
• JAMES PAWELSKI The Penn prof discusses and signs his new book, "The Dynamic Individualism of William James," which examines the life of the American pioneer psychologist. Thu, March 27, 6-7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• LOLITA MARATHON READING Volunteers read from Vladimir Nabokov's novel, "Lolita," marking its 50th anniversary in American publication. Thu, March 27, noon, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.
• PATRICIA HAMPL The poet and author reads from her new memoir, "The Florist's Daughter." Thu, March 27, 7:30pm, FREE , Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-6528.
• PHERALYN DOVE The poet also know as "Lady Dove" shares poems from her latest collection, "Color in Motion," and performs excerpts from "Little Girl Blue," which discusses the trials of an African American woman. Fri, March 28, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RENEE AMOORE The author presents her new work, "The Elevator of Achievement," which uses the machine as a metaphor for how the everyday woman can scale life to become extraordinary leaders. Mon, March 31, 6:30-7:30pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• RICHARD PRICE The author reads from his latest novel, "Lush Life," a portrait on Manhattan and it's inhabitants. Tue, April 1, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• ROBERT WRIGLEY The poet reads from and discusses his new works, including "Reign of Snakes" and "The Lives of Animals." Tue, April 1, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.
• SAMANTHA POWER The author reads from her latest work, "Chasing the Flame," which tells the story of Sergio Viera de Mello and his humanitarian work. Thu, April 3, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• SCOTT HEIM The author reads from his latest novel, "We Disappear," the story of a man who must overcome his drug addiction to care for his mother and solve a local murder. Thu, March 27, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• STEVE ALTEN The author signs his latest work, "The Shell," a political thriller set in 2012 that sets the stage for another 9/11 that is orchestrated by the government for their own gains. Thu, March 27, 7pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, Concord Mall, 4801 Concord Pike, 302-478-9677.