Readings/Book Signings

 

• BREENA CLARKE The author of "River, Cross My Heart" reads from her second novel, "Stand the Storm," in which a family struggles to survive during the Civil War,. Thu, July 31, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.

 

 

• DANIEL KILLMAN The author, musician and songwriter presents his first novel, "The Row and the Boulevard," a story of faith, success and struggle in the country music hub Music Row and Nashville landmark Bel Terre. Thu, July 31, 6pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• GARDNER DOZOIS, MICHAEL SWANWICK, AND TOM PURDOM Heyo, science fiction junkies: this one's for you. Dozois, award-winning editor of "Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine" for 20 years, discusses the process of compiling a sci-fi collection; Swanwick reads from one of his stories, which include "The Iron Dragon's Daughter"; and Purdom explains the historical context behind his published short science fiction stories. Fri, July 25, 7pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

 

 

• JANE MAYER The New Yorker staff writer discusses her latest book, "The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals," in which she takes a stand against the U.S. government's decision to torture prisoners for information. Tue, July 29, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.

 

 

• JIM KNOBLAUCH The local artist presents his first photography collection, "Imposters," which features the characters who roam the streets of Hollywood Boulevard dressed as superheros and celebrities photographed in their own homes. Tue, July 29, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

 

 

• NEW PHILADELPHIA POETS Young Fishtown poets need your ears -- give 'em up. Thu, July 31, 7pm, FREE , Germ Books and Gallery, 2005 Frankford Ave., 215-423-5002.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• SAMARA O'SHEA The founder and editor of LetterLover.net reads from her latest book, "Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits." Fri, July 25, 7pm, $5, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 215-545-4302.

 

 

• SHERYLL CASHIN The author reads from her new work of nonfiction, "The Agitator's Daughter," which explores her family history of political activism dedicated to racial equality. Cashin is also the author of "The Failures of Integration," which was selected as an Editors' Choice in the New York Times Book Review. Wed, July 30, 7pm, 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 Thu, July 24, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

 

 

• WOMEN OF THE WORLD BOOK CLUB Join others in discussing multicultural female writers. This month's novel is "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" by Marina Lewycka. Tue, July 29, 7:15pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.