Readings/Book Signings

Published: March 19, 2008

ARLEN SPECTER The U.S. senator reads from his new book, "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate," which tells of his battle with Hodgkin's disease, treatment and difficult decisions. Mon, March 24, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

CHINUA ACHEBE In honor of its 50th anniversary, the author discusses her groundbreaking book, "Things Fall Apart," which questions the negative portrayals of African culture in Western literature. Thu, March 27, 8pm, sold out , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

CHRIS FUNKHOUSER The author reads from and discuss his work that combines literature and Internet in a reader/prose interaction. As part of the Machine Series, Funkhouser will demonstrate the literary uses of the computer. Wed, March 26, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.

DAVID COPLAN The author signs and discusses his new work, "In Township Tonight," which maps the history of South African black pop culture. Mon, March 24, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

DAVID ROSEN The author signs and discusses his latest book, "What's the Job and How the Hell Do I Get It?," which profiles 50 cool jobs and the people who hold them down. Tue, March 25, 5-6pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7597.

ELEANOR WILNER The poet reads from her most recent collection, "The Girl with the Bees in Her Hair." Tue, March 25, 7pm, FREE , Ursinus College, 601 Main St., Collegeville, 610-409-3300.

ELIAS KHOURY AND SINAN ANTOON Khoury reads from his new novel, "Yalo," the story of a young man in the midst of the Lebanese Civil War. Poet, novelist and translator Antoon reads from his latest work, "l'jaam," which describes life under Saddam Hussein through the eyes of a prisoner. Tue, March 25, 7pm, FREE , Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 610-567-4341.

J.T. BARBARESE AND DAN T. O'HARA Justin Vitiello hosts this installment of the Moonstone Poetry series. Local poet Barbarese teaches at Rutgers and O'Hara, a professor at Temple, is currently working on a collection of his poetry, "The Quantum Loves." Open reading to follow. Tue, March 25, 6pm, FREE , Robin's Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

JAMES PAWELSKI The Penn prof discusses and signs his new book, "The Dynamic Individualism of William James," which examines the life of the American pioneer psychologist. Thu, March 27, 6-7pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

JAMES SALTER The author reads from his latest book, "Dusk and Other Stories," in which he explores the spectrum of human experiences through different view points. Thu, March 20, 7:30pm, FREE , Thomas Great Hall, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-6528.

JULIE BUXBAUM The local author reads from and signs copies of her debut novel, "The Opposite of Love," the story of a relatable heroine who loves, loses and loves again. Wed, March 26, 7-8pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

LISA ROBERTSON The Toronto-born poet reads from her collection of poetry, "The Men: A Lyric Book," which was published in 2006. Thu, March 20, 8pm, FREE , Temple University Center City Campus, 1515 Market St., 215-204-1796.

LOLITA MARATHON READING Volunteers read from Vladimir Nabokov's once banned novel, "Lolita," marking its 50th anniversary in American publication. Thu, March 27, noon, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-9748.

MURALI BALAJI The author signs and discusses his latest book, "The Professor and the Pupil: The Politics and Friendships of W.E.B. Du Bois and Paul Robseon," which chronicles the friendship between these two civil rights activists. Thu, March 20, 5-6pm, FREE , Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

PATRICIA HAMPL The poet and author reads from her new memoir, "The Florist's Daughter." Thu, March 27, 7:30pm, FREE , Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-6528.

PETER COLE The poet reads from his latest anthology, "Dream of the Poem: Hebrew Poetry from Muslim and Christian Spain, 950-1492," which examines the understanding of Jewish, Muslim and Christian relationships throughout history. Thu, March 20, 7pm, $15, the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-466-3021.

ROSALIE GRANT AND VERONICA GLEDHILL The poets read a selection of their verses as part of the March session of Poets and Prophets. Tue, March 25, 7pm, $2, Harvest Books, 9 E. State St., Media, 610-328-7638.

SCOTT HEIM The author reads from his latest novel, "We Disappear," the story of a man who must overcome his drug addiction to care for his mother and solve a local murder. Thu, March 27, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.

STEVE ALTEN The author signs his latest work, "The Loch," which incorporates the latest research and evidence about the Loch Ness monster. Thu, March 27, 7pm, FREE , Barnes and Noble, Concord Mall, 4801 Concord Pike, 302-478-9677.

SUSAN DEBORAH KING AND RACHEL BUNTING The poets read selections from their latest works. Thu, March 20, 7pm, FREE , Delaware County Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Square, Media, 610-566-5126.