Readings/Book Signings

• ALLEN HOEY The former Bucks County Poet Lareate reads from his recent work at the latest installation of the Poets and Prophets series. An open mic will follow. Tue, July 22, 7pm, $2, Harvest Books, 9 E. State St., Media, 610-328-POET.
• DIANE MCKINNEY-WHETSTONE The author reads from and signs her latest novel, "Trading Dreams at Midnight," which traces the stories of two sisters abandoned by their mother and living with their grandmother in Philadelphia. Wed, July 23, 7pm, FREE , Borders, 1 S. Broad St., 215-568-7400.
• EDWARD DOLNICK The Edgar Award-winning author of "The Rescue Artist" reads from his new book, "The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century." The story recounts how unknown painter Han van Meergeren successfully forged Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer's paintings and sold them as originals. Thu, July 24, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• EREC SMITH The author reads from his new novel, "Creamy Nougat," in which a cocky graduate student conducts a lifestyle experiment, moving in with three roommates: one gay, the other a practitioner of Wicca and the third afflicted with cerebral palsy. Thu, July 17, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• EVIE RHODES The author and gospel songwriter discusses her new novel, "Street Vengeance," the story of a young woman who goes through a drastic transformation after witnessing a police officer beat and paralyze her best friend. Sat, July 19, 1pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave., Willow Grove, 215-659-1001.
• FRAN ZIMNIUCH The author reads from and signs copies of his new book, "Going Going Gone: The Art of Trade in Major League Baseball." A history book for the sports fan, it follows player trades from the commencement of the game to the present day, Thu, July 17, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St., 215-686-1776.
• HAKIM WOODS The author reads from his latest work, "Stevy Bonneville Walace: A Philly Urban Hip Hop Black Psychological Studied Short Novel." The story takes place in West Philadelphia and incorporates themes of religion, the influence of hip-hop and rap music and the area's lifestyle. Tue, July 22, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• JANA KOHL The author discusses her new novel, "A Rare Breed of Love: The True Story of Baby and the Mission She Inspired to Help Dogs Everywhere." Baby is a three-legged dog who suffered from animal abuse at a breeding farm. Together, Baby and Kohl work with the Humane Society of the United States to raise awareness and fight animal abuse. Fri, July 18, 7pm, FREE , Barnes & Noble, 301 Main St., Exton, 610-524-8806.
• LE HINTON, KHALIL MURRELL, BRIDGET TALONE The poets recite recent work. Hinton is the author of the chapbook "Cultivating Darkness" and two collections of poetry: "Waiting for Brion" (2004) and "Status Post Hope" (2006). Murell, originally from Camden, is a published author who has worked with high school students in Camden, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn. Talone, a local poet from Ardmore, is featured in this season's Tin House Magazine. Thu, July 17, 6:30pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• LESLIE JORDAN The Emmy-winning actor and playwright chats about his autobiographical novel, "My Trip Down the Pink Carpet." Since boarding a Greyhound bus to L.A. with $1,200 sewn into his underwear, Jordan has experienced the highs and lows of the celebrity lifestyle. He recounts his success on shows such as "Will & Grace," but also his struggles as a former substance abuser and sexaholic. Fri, July 18, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• LISA MOORE The publisher of "In the Life: An Anthology: A Black Gay Anthology," reads excerpts from the groundbreaking and controversial collection first published in 1986. Its late editor, Joseph Beam, was a staffer at Giovanni's Room. Sat, July 19, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• LIZ TUCCILLO Formerly the executive story editor of "Sex and the City," Tucillo continues doling out advice for the hard-working single gal in her debut novel, "How to be Single." The story follows protagonist Julie Jensen as she balances a New York publishing career with her quest for that perfect relationship. While this is Tuccillo's first solo effort, she previously co-authored "He's Just Not that Into You" with comedian and anti-Chirst Greg Behrendt. Thu, July 17, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MADAM SORROW The local performance poet an author of "Gain Self-Esteem Poetically" reads recent verses. Fri, July 18, 7:15pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.
• PETER SCHJELDAHL The New Yorker critic reads from his new collection, "Let's See: Writings on Art from the New Yorker." In 75 essays written through the past decade, Schjeldahl examines artists ranging from John Currin to works from ancient Greece. Thu, July 24, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• STEFAN FATSIS The sports reporter and author of "Word Freak" discusses his autobiographical novel, "A Few Seconds of Panic: A 5-Foot-8, 170-Pound, 43-Year-Old Sportswriter Plays in the NFL." Fatsis transformed into a Denver Bronco for three months, practicing and living with his teammates and performing every drill and tackle expected of a pro athlete. Tue, July 22, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• STEPHEN W. REDDING The author reads and discusses his latest work of nonfiction, "Something More." Wed, July 23, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• TED BOTHA The author reads from his latest book, "The Girl with the Crooked Nose: A Tale of Murder, Obsession, and Forensic Artistry." In this murder mystery, Botha tells the story of Frank Bender, a man who reconstructs the faces of unknown murder victims. Wed, July 23, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• TODD KOMARNICKI The screenwriter, producer, director and author reads from his latest novel. "War," the story of a lost and isolated soldier who struggles with both mental and physical survival. Sun, July 20, 2pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.
• WRITE CLUB Readers include Kelly Simmons, Marc Schuster and Shaun Haurin. Sat, July 19, 4pm, FREE , Book Corner, 311 N. 20th St., 215-567-0527.