Readings/Book Signings

• BRIAN HALL The author reads from his new novel, "Fall of Frost," which weaves together the life of Robert Frost is short chapters. Tue, April 8, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• FRANCIS DAVIS The author reads from his work-in-progress, "Sheets of Sound," the first major biography of saxophonist John Coltrane. Wed, April 9, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• GENE BAUR The Farm Sanctuary president and co-founder signs and discusses his book, "Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food," which examines cruel animal practices in the food industry. Thu, April 3, 6:30-8:30pm, FREE , Penn Law School, 3400 Chestnut St., 607-583-2225.
• JENNIFER WEINER The best-selling local author reads from her latest book, "Certain Girls," the sequel to her first novel, "Good in Bed." The story flashes forward 13 years to Candace Cannie Shapiro dealing with her rebellious daughter, writing career, love life and weight struggles. Wed, April 9, 7pm, FREE , St. Peter's School, 3rd & Lombard sts., 214-925-3963.
• JEREMIAH RISH BOWEN, JENN CURRIN AND PATTIE MCCARTHY The local poets read from their collections, including McCarthy's "Table Alphabetical of Hard Ways" and Currin's "Hagiography." Sun, April 6, 4pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JOYCE MEYERS The local poet reads from her latest collection, "Wild Mushrooms." Wed, April 9, 7-8:45pm, FREE , Elkins Park Free Library, 563 E. Church Rd., Elkins Park, 215-635-5000.
• MICHAEL ERIC DYSON The Baptist minister, social analyst and Georgetown professor reads from his latest book, "April 4, 1968," a study of the the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fri, April 4, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• MICHAEL SWANWICK The local author reads from his latest collection of short stories, "The Dog Said Bow-Wow." Thu, April 10, 8pm, FREE , Temple University Center City Campus, 1515 Market St., 215-204-1796.
• SAMANTHA POWER The author reads from her latest work, "Chasing the Flame," which takes an in-depth look at the work of humanitarian Sergio Viera de Mello. Thu, April 3, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• SCHUYLKILL VALLEY JOURNAL #26 Contributors to the spring 2008 issue of the SVJ — including Joe Chelius, Susan Colleen Baranich and Allen Hoey — present an afternoon of short stories, poetry and essays. Sun, April 6, 3-5:30pm, $4, Manayunk Art Center, 419 Green Lane, 215-482-3363.
• TOBIAS WOLFF The author reads from his latest collection of short stories, "Our Story Begins: New and Selected Stories," which includes "The Liar," a tale of a young boy who tells people dark stories about his family to the dismay of his mother. April 10, 8pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• VASYL MAKHNO AND ALEXANDER J. MOTYL Ukrainian poet and playwright Mahkno reads from his new work, "Cornelia Street Cafe," and novelist Motyl reads from his latest book, "Who Killed Andrei Warhol?" Fri, April 4, 7:30pm, FREE , the Ukrainian League of Philadelphia, 800 N. 23rd St., 214-840-7841.
• WALTER A. MCDOUGALL The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Penn prof signs and discusses his latest book, "Throes of Democracy: The American Civil War Era 1829-1877." Thu, April 10, 3-4pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.