Readings/Book Signings

• ALLEN C. GUELZO The historian discusses his new book, "Lincoln & Douglas: The Debates That Defined America," which honors the 150th anniversary of the debates that made Abraham Lincoln a national figure and defined issues that would bring about the Civil War. Registration required. Tue, May 13, 6:30pm, FREE , National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6600.
• BARBARA DANIELS AND THERESE HALSCHEID Moonstone Poetry Series presents this reading including selections from Daniels' collection,"Rose," and from Halscheid's "Powertalk," "Without Home" and "Uncommon Geography." Tue, May 13, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• CLAUDINE WOLK The author reads from her new book, "It Gets Easier! ... And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers," a humorous collection of interviews with new moms. Thu, May 8, 7pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.
• GREGORY LEVEY The author reads from his memoir, "Shut Up, I'm Talking: And Other Diplomacy Lessons I Learned in the Israeli Government," which offers a humorous insider's look into Israeli politics. Levey worked as a speechwriter for the Israeli delegation to the U.N. at age 25 and later went to Jerusalem to writer speeches for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Thu, May 15, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• HARRY REID The senator discusses his latest book, "The Good Fight: Hard Lessons from Searchlight to Washington," which traces his early years of poverty in Nevada through his years at the nation's capital. Fri, May 9, noon, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• JEN LANCASTER The author reads from her new book, "Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist's Quest To Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big, Or Why Pie Is Not the Answer." Fri, May 9, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.
• JULIA ROBERTS The life coach, mother and author reads from her new book, "Motherhood to Otherhood," a guide for women looking to get it together after having a baby. Sat, May 10, 3pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• LEIF GUSTAVSON The author discusses his new book, "Youth Learning On Their Own Terms: Creative Practice and Classroom Teaching," which reveals how teens of different backgrounds and race can benefit from creative lesson plans such as zine writing and graffiti. Thu, May 8, 4-5pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• LILI BITA The author reads from her memoir, "Sister of Darkness," at this installation of Poets and Prophets. Sat, May 10, 7pm, $3, Plays and Players Club, 1714 Delancey Street, 3rd floor, 215-735-0630.
• LISA FUNDERBERG The author reads from and signs copies of her new book, "Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking My Father Home: A Memoir," the story of her dying father and their series of visits to the South he escaped as a young man. Mon, May 12, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• LORI L. THARPS The author reads from her memoir, "Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love and Spain." Wed, May 14, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• MAUREEN FREELY The author and translator for Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk signs copies of her new book, "Enlightenment," a political thriller set in Turkey. Tue, May 13, noon, FREE , Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.
• PAULA J. GIDDINGS The author reads from and signs copies of her new book, "Ida: A Sword Among Lions," a portrait of Ida Wells, one of America's most prominent black women suffragists. Thu, May 8, 12:30-1:30pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.
• PHILIP BOBBITT AND ERIC LICHTBLAU The authors discus their new book, "Bush's Law: The Remaking of American Justice," an in-depth look at the U.S. government's disregard of law when devising the war. Thu, May 8, noon, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• SIMON WINCHESTER The author discusses his latest book, "The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom," which profiles British biochemist Josephs Needham and his work on Chinese science. Thu, May 8, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.