Readings/Book Signings

 

• ERNEST HARDY The LA-based writer reads from his new book, "Blood Beats: Vol. 2," his second collection of music and film criticism, interviews and essays. Fri, Oct. 3, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

 

 

• GARRISON KEILLOR The author and host of NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion" reads from his new book, "Liberty." Sun, Oct. 5, 7:30-9pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.

 

 

• GERALD STERN The chancellor of the Academy of American Poets reads recent work. Stern, who now lives in NJ, is a Pittsburgh native. Tue, Oct. 7, 7pm, FREE , Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center, Ursinus College, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville, 610-409-3000.

 

 

• JOSH LUSKIN The Temple University prof and author discusses his new book, "Invisible Suburbs: Recovering Protest Fiction in the 1950s United States." Featuring essays by Stephanie Brown, Ladislava Khailova, Kathlene McDonald, Ian Peddie, Harry Thomas and Jennifer Worley, this examination of Cold War fiction considers everything from the Red Scare to rock'n'roll. Sat, Oct. 4, 3-4:30pm, FREE , Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.

 

 

• LOGAN LEKOFF The author and sexologist discusses his new book, "Third Base Ain't What it Used to Be," in which he offers advice for parents on how to broach the subject of sex with today's teen. Fri, Oct. 3, 4-5pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

 

 

• MARCELLA HAZAN The author and chef reads from her new book, "Amacord: Marcella Remembers," in which she recounts her years as "the godmother of Italian cooking in the U.S." Marcella and her husband, wine critic Victor Hazan, will be interviewed by Patricia Talorico of the Delaware News Journal.Tue, Oct. 7, 7:30-8:30pm, $7-$14, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.

 

 

• NOIR AT THE BAR This night of international crime fiction features readings by Ireland's Declan Burke and Canada's John McFetridge. Wed, Oct. 8, 6:30pm, Fergie's Pub, 1214 Sansom St., 215-928-8118.

 

 

• POEMTALK Join host Al Filrels as records a conversation with poet Lyn Henijan, author of "Constant Change Figures." Please RSVP via e-mail to wh@writing.upenn.edu. Tue, Oct. 7, 3:30-4:30pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.

 

 

• STEVE GREENHOUSE The author and New York Times reporter signs and discusses his new book, "The Big Squeeze," in which he examines how pressure on American workers will influence the 2008 election. Includes a light brunch. Sun, Oct. 5, 11am-1pm, $20-$25, Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-446-3021.

 

 

• SUEYEU JULIETTE LEE AND CHRISTOPHER STACKHOUSE The poets and authors read from their new work. Thu, Oct. 2, 6-8pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.

 

 

• SUSAN GARDNER The lyric poet, who writes in both English and Spanish, reads work from her latest collection, "Box of Light — Caja de Luz." Mon, Oct. 6, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

 

 

• VICKIE STRINGER The author reads from her new novel, "Still Dirty." A follow-up to "Dirty Red," the story chases Red through her hustler misadventures with boyfriend Q and convict ex-boyfriend Bacon. Thu, Oct. 2, 7:30-8:30pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.