Readings/Book Signings

• E.J. DIONNE, JR. The Washington Post political correspondent and NPR commentator reads from and discusses his new book, "Souled Out," which explores the history and present of liberalism in America. Other works by Dionne include "Why Americans Hate Politics" and "They Only Look Dead: Why Progressives Will Dominate the Next Political Era." Thu, May 22, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
• GET LIT Literary critic Carlin Romano hosts the latest installment of the series, which features a conversation with novelist Dalia Sofer. Her new book, "The Septembers of Shiraz," tells the story of an Iranian gem dealer who is wrongfully arrested and accused of being a spy. Wed, May 28, 7pm, $10, Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-446-3012.
• HAKI MADHUBUTI ON POETRY The author of 24 books of poetry and prose is also founder of the National Association of Black Book Publishers, the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent and the National Black Writers Retreat. His reading and lecture is installment five of the 12-part monthly series, "Writers on Writing." Registration required.Thu, May 22, 6pm, $10-$25, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JAMES FREY The author of "A Million Little Pieces" reads from his new novel, "Bright Shiny Morning," a narrative that covers the history of Los Angeles and its character as well as the stories of some of its residents. Tue, May 27, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JIM MALUSA The author reads from his new book, "Into thick Air," which chronicles his six-year series of trips by bicycle to the lowest points on each continent. He will also present a slide show of the sites and people he encountered along the way, Sat, May 24, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JOYCE MEYERS Poets and Prophets presents this lawyer and poet, who will read selections from her 2007 collection, "Wild Mushrooms." Tue, May 27, 7pm, $2, Harvest Books, 9 E. State St., Media, 610-566-3191.
• LEIF ENGER The author of "Peace Like a River" reads from his latest novel, "So Brave, Young, and Handsome," the story of an aging train robber on a mission to make good. Thu, May 29, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MOONSTONE POETRY SERIES Dan Hoffman and Elaine Terranova read from "Over the Summer Water," a collection of poetry by the late Elizabeth McFarland, Tue, May 27, 6pm, Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• RICHARD A. CLARKE The best-selling author, who has worked for seven U.S. presidents investigating security and terrorism threats, reads from his new book, "Your Government Failed You: Breaking the Cycle of National Security Threats." Thu, May 29, noon, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• ROBERT K. TANENBAUM The author and trial lawyer reads from and signs copies of his new legal thriller, "Escape," the latest installment of his best-selling series chronicling Manhattan DA Butch Karp. Thu, May 22, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 3535 US Route 1, Princeton, NJ, 609-897-9250.
• TED BOTHA The author discusses his new book, "The Girl With the Crooked Nose: A Tale of Murder, Obsession and Forensic Artistry," the story of Frank Bender, a self-taught forensics artist who worked to solve the serial killings in Mexico known as the "feminicidos." Bender, who is from the Philadelphia area, will also be speaking. Thu, May 22, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.
• THEODORE HAMM The author and associate professor of urban studies at Metropolitan College of New York presents his new book, "The New Blue Media: How Michael Moore, MoveOn.Org, Jon Stewart and Company Are Transforming Progressive Politics." Thu, May 29, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.