Archive for June 2010
6/06/10 to 6/11/2010
The 3rd Annual Rosemont College Writers’ Retreat offers aspiring and established writers the opportunity to study with some of our finest local published authors for a week in the beautiful and relaxed setting of Rosemont College. Faculty members include Elise Juska, (short story, top right) plus (bottom, l to r) Lise Funderburg (creative non-fiction), Liz Abrams-Morley (multi-genre), J. C. Todd (poetry) and Elizabeth Mosier (novel writing).
Archive for May 2010
May 2010
5/06/10
Andrew Gross signs his newest thriller, Reckless.
5/11/10
“America’s Top Cop” John F. Timoney
5/12/10
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nathaniel Philbrick
5/15/10
ALUMNI AUTHORS SERIES at the University of Pennsylvania’s Kelly Writer’s House, featuring a reading with Beth Kephart and Alice Elliott Dark.
5/16/10
Mitch Albom, author of the best-selling books Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven, signs copies of his newest book, Have a Little Faith.
5/18/10
Acclaimed author Hampton Sides talks about and signs his latest non-fiction title,Hellhound On His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Hunt for His Assassin.
5/20/10
Sebastian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm, talks about his latest release, War.
5/26/10 – 5/29/10
ART SANCTUARY’S 2010 Celebration of Black Writing Festival “Movement: Paying it Forward, “a focus on the civil rights movement. On Friday, May 29, 2010, at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia, world-renowned poet, writer, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. Admission is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Check the Art Sanctuary website for purchasing information.
Archive for April 2010
4/01/10
PHOTO by Kathye Fetsko Petrie
Poetry reading with former U.S. Poet Laureate DANIEL HOFFMAN at Swarthmore Public Library.
Poet DAISY FRIED reads at 7: 30 PM in the Scheurer Room, Kohlberg Hall, Swarthmore College.
Robert Coover reads and signs his latest work, Noir: A Novel.
4/02/10
MARATHON READING OF F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S THE GREAT GATSBY at Kelly Writers House, University of Pennsylvania.
U. S. Poet Laureate KAY RYAN reads at Delaware County Community College.
4/05/10
Christopher Moore talks about and signs Bite Me: A Love Story, which features a vampiric cat.
Novelist and screenwriter Joseph Gangemi reads at 7: 30 PM in the Scheurer Room, Kohlberg Hall, Swarthmore College
4/06/10
David Sedaris at the Grand Opera House in Delaware.
A READING AND CONVERSATION WITH POETS JEAN VALENTINE AND CINDY SAVETT
Penn State-Brandywine’s 14th Annual Litapalooza Literary Festival featuring poetDaisy Fried.
4/07/10
A READING BY FICTION WRITER LYDIA DAVIS
The Philly Liars Club reading and benefit for the Free Library at the Charles Santore branch.
4/08/10
Author Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.
4/09/10 to 4/11/2010
Mt. Airy Kids’ Literary Festival at Big Blue Marble Books.
4/09/10
“Baby-Sitters Club” series author Ann M. Martin signs The Summer Before, a prequel to her series, at Harleysville Books.
4/10/10
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline at Barnes & Noble-Jenkintown (see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22 & 3/27). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
4/13/10
Thomas E. Kennedy signs In the Company of Angels, the first novel in Kennedy’s Copenhagen Quartet series to be published in the United States.
Lisa Lutz signs The Spellman’s Strike Again.
BETH KEPHART talks about and signs The Heart is Not a Size, her new young adult (YA) book set in Juarez, Mexico. (See also official launch party 4/20 and alumni talk at University of Pennsylvania’s Kelly Writers House on 5/15/2010).
4/15/10
Thomas H. Keels discusses and signs Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love.
4/17/2010
The independent bookstore-supporting group of local authors, The Philly Liars Club, visit The Trappe Book Center in Collegeville, PA from 1-3 PM. Featured authors include: Stoker and Nebula nominated fantasy author Gregory Frost (titles include Shadowbridge, and Lord Tophet); author of dynamic forensics thrillers Jon McGoran, who writes as D.H. Dublin (titles includeFreezer Burn); women’s contemporary fiction author Kelly Simmons (Standing Still); celebrated crime writer Dennis Tafoya (Dope Thief; social media guru and magazine feature writer Don Lafferty; popular author of young adult novels Marie Lamba (What I Meant…,; best selling mystery novelist Merry Jones (The Borrowed and Blue Murders); and actor, playwright and historian Keith Strunk (Prallsville Mills and Stockton, Arcadia Publishing Images of America Series).
4/17 & 4/18/2010
4th Annual Free Library Festival at Central Library in Philadelphia
This two-day extravanganza of author talks, signings and other literary events will feature the following authors and more:
Dave Barry • Charles Bernstein • Robin Black • Tina Campbell of Mary, Mary • Harlan Coben • Antonino D’Ambrosio • Paul Davies • Michael Dickman • Heidi Durrow • Dave Goldberg and Jeff Blomquist • Lauren Grodstein • Edward Hirsch • Kitty Kelley • Yann Martel • Sy Montgomery • Tom Moon • Bob Perelman • Matt Phelan • Catie Rosemurgy • Sonia Sanchez •Sapphire • Judy Schachner • Brenda Shaughnessy • Taije Silverman • Helen Vendler • Jane Yolen • Mike Cavallaroro • local authors L.A. Banks, Jonathan Maberry, Ed Pettit, and Dennis Tafoya from The Philly Liars Club
Check the Free Library Festival website for full details.
4/20/10
A LUNCH TALK WITH ANDY ROBINSON on “Writing for Social Change.”
LAUNCH PARTY for local award-winning author BETH KEPHART‘s latest young adult novel, The Heart is Not a Size, which is set in Juarez, Mexico. Everyone is welcome to come meet the author, buy a signed book, mingle with guests and enjoy refreshments. This event takes place from 7 to 8:30 PM at Children’s Book World in Haverford. (See also 4/13 and 5/15).
Peter Matthiessen delivers a talk and signs books at Bryn Mawr College.
4/21/2010
Award-winning Philadelphia author and journalist, Stephen Fried talks about and signs his latest book, APPETITE FOR AMERICA: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West, at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Fried will be appearing with Bryant Simon who will be talking about his book, Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks. (See also 3/24).
4/22/10
A LUNCH TALK WITH ARTIST AND WRITER MAIRA KALMAN, author/illustrator of the quirky illustrated memoir The Principles of Uncertainty. Kalman’s illustrations have appeared on the cover of The New Yorker and in numerous children’s books including the award-winning 9/11 picture book Fireboat. She also illustrated the 2005 Penquin illustrated edition of Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style.
Poetry reading with Angela Shaw at Swarthmore Public Library.
ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS Special Benefit Concert for The Free Library of Philadelphia at The Electric Factory!!!!!
Is this cool or what? The Rock Bottom Remainders, the famous tongue-in-cheek, “really bad rock and roll” (Amy Tan) band of famous authors including Amy Tan, Scott Turow, Mitch Albom, Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Roy Blount, Jr., Greg Iles, James McBride, and Kathi Goldmark, play on stage for the first time in Philadelphia, as a benefit for our fabulous Free Library. TICKET INFO
“We play music as well as Mettalica writes novels.” — Dave Barry
4/26/10
David Milch (see also 4/27)
4/27/10
David Milch (see also 4/26)
4/29/10
Poem in your Pocket Day. Read info here.
Archive for March 2010
3/02/10
3/03/10
Julie Compton signs and discusses her thriller, Rescuing Ophelia.
3/04/10
Iranian astronaut Anousheh Ansari an Homer Hickam, author of October Skyand Rocket Boys, talk about the book, My Dream of Stars: From Daughter of Iran to Space Pioneer, Ansari’s memoir, which Hickam co-authored.
3/05/10
LAUNCH PARTY for local Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jonathan Maberry who will introduce and sign his two latest books: The Dragon Factory, the second book in the Joe Ledger/Patient Zero series; and a film novelization of The Wolfman.
3/06/10
3/09/10
Fiction writers Sam Lipsyte and Adam Haslett talk about their latest work. Jeff Blomquist & Dave Goldberg talk about and sign A User’s Guide to the Universe Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty.
3/10/10
Kevin O’Hara talks about and signs his new memoir, A Lucky Irish Lad. Philadelphia historian Larry E. Tise talks about and signs Conquering the Sky: The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk.
3/11/10
Kwame Anthony Appiah 3rd Annual Author & Illustrator Reception at Harleysville Books, featuring authors Cyn Balog (Fairy Tale), Josh Berk (The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin); Lindsay Barrett George (Alfred Digs); Jennifer Hubbard (The Secret Year); Merry Jones (Deadly Neighbors); Marie Lamba (What I Meant…);Jonathan Maberry, The Dragon Factory & The Wolfman; Lisa Papp (P is for Princess, Patch, Penny); Rob Papp (Lanie, American Girl 2010, Rumble Tum, P is for Princess);Matt Phelan, (Storm in the Barn, a 2010 Scott O’Dell Winner); and Mara Rockliff(Busiest Street in Town).
3/15/10
Photo by April Narby
THINK TWICE Launch Party/Signing for Lisa Scottoline at Barnes & Noble-Exton(see also 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE. READ a chapter from Think Twice here.
3/16/10
Exiled Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o talks about and signs Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir.
Susan Barr-Toman talks about her novel,When Love was Clean Underwear, which is set in South Philadelphia.
Photo by April Narby
Local favorite Lisa Scottoline visits to sign and discuss her latest thriller, Think Twice atBorders- Philadelphia at 12:30 PM and at Chester County Book & Music Co. on Paoli Pike in West Chester at 6:30 PM (see also 3/15, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10).VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
3/17/10
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline talks about and signs her latest mystery, Think Twice, twice today. She will be at the Barnes & Noble in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia at 12:30 PM and at the Barnes & Noble in Valley Forge at 7 PM (see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
Howard Frank Mosher talks about and signs his Civil War thriller, Walking to Gatlinburg.
3/18/10
William Peter Blatty, author of the iconic, best-selling horror novel The Exorcist, visits The Free Library of Philadelphia to talk about his latest novel, a psychological thriller called Dimiter.
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline signs Think Twice at Barnes & Noble-Moorestown, NJ at 7 PM (see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/19, 3/22, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
Sara Shephard signs Heartless: Pretty Little Liars #7.
3/19/10
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline at Borders-Bryn Mawr at 12:30 PM and at Barnes & Noble-Concord Pike, DE, at 7:30 PM.(see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/22, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
3/20/10
SPRING FLING at Children’s Book World featuringLaura Geringer signing her picture book, Boom, Boom Go Away!, from 1:30 PM to 3 PM. Springtime crafts, story time and snacks at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
3/22/10
Susan Howe (see also 3/23)
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline at Borders-Newark, DE, 7 PM (see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/24, 3/27 & 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
3/23/10
Susan Howe (see also 3/22)
Tim O’Brien/ 20th anniversary celebration of the publication of his National Book Award-winning novel The Things They Carried.
3/24/10
Philadelphia muralist JANE GOLDEN discusses her anthology,More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell, a follow-up to her 2002 book,Philadelphia Murals.
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline at Barnes & Noble-Cherry Hill, NJ (See also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22, 3/27 and 4/10). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
“The Night of the Living Fred” Philadelphia launch party for APPETITE FOR AMERICA: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West by award-winning local author and journalist Stephen Fried. Power Plant Studios, 230 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. DIRECTIONS (See also April 21)
3/25/10
3/27/10
Photo by April Narby
Lisa Scottoline at Costco #24, King of Prussia, PA from noon until 2 PM and at Sam’s Club in Whitehall, PA from 4 t 6 PM (see also 3/15, 3/16, 3/17, 3/18, 3/19, 3/22 and 3/24). VIEW LISA SCOTTOLINE’S COMPLETE Think Twice Book Tour SCHEDULE.
Actress and national autism spokesperson, Holly Robinson Peete, and her daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, introduce their new picture book, MY BROTHER CHARLIE at Children’s Book World in Haverford.
3/31/10
Winners of The Annual City Paper Fiction & Poetry Contest read at 7:30 PM at The Tin Angel at Serrano, 20 S. Second St, 215-928-0978.
Archive for February 2010
2/02/10
Sonia Sanchez reads from her new book of poems, Morning Haiku. The collection celebrates the lives and mourns the deaths of revered African-American leaders.
2/03/10
Lise Funderburg signs her memoir Pig Candy: Taking my Father South, Taking My Father Home.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and critic Gary Wills talks about and signs Bomb Power: The Modern Presidency and the National Security State.
2/09/10
AuthorFrancine Prose (above, right) talks about her new book, Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife. The book analyzes The Diary of Anne Frank as a work of both intended literature and art. PHOTO: Francine Prose at First Annual Free Library of Philadelphia Book Festival, 2006, by Kathye Fetsko Petrie.
2/10/10
Donald Welch discusses the Philly-based novel In My Sister’s House.
2/13/10
Michael Townsend signs his latest book in the the graphic novel series, KIT FEENY, and demonstrates how graphic novels and comic books are made.
2/15/10
Joyce Carol Oates (see also 2/16)
2/16/10
Joyce Carol Oates (see also 2/15)
2/17/10
Drexel University Professor Scott Knowles talks about and signs his book, Imagining Philadelphia: Edmund Bacon and the Future of the City, in which Knowles looks back at Bacon’s ideas and outlines his own visions for our city.
2/18/10
Jazz master and Philadelphia native Jimmy Heath talks about The Autobiography of Jimmy Heath with co-author Joseph McLaren.
Fresh Air television critic David Bianculli talks about and signs Dangerously Funny, his book about the Smothers Brothers.
Eat, Pray, Write: An Evening with Sisters Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray, Love and Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage) and Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Princess Ben, Front and Center and Dairy Queen), in a ticketed event at the Loews Hotel to benefit the Spells Writing Center.
2/19/10
Ghostbread Reading with Sonja Livingston. (WRITERS AND THE PROCESS SERIES atBig Blue Marble Bookstore).
2/21/10
Local author HOMA SABET TAVANGAR visits to discuss her book, Growing Up Global: Raising Children to be at Home in the World.
2/23/10
Model-turned-weightloss-writer Kim Barnouin, co-author of the bestselling vegan diet book, Skinny Bitch, talks about and signs the new Skinny Couple in a Box, a boxed set of the hardcover versions of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bastard.
2/24/10
Activist and University of Pennsylvania alum Andrew Lewis discusses The Shadows of Youth: The Remarkable Journey of the Civil Rights Generation.
2/25/10
Chris Cleave, author of the acclaimed Little Bee: A Novel; appearing with Susan Abulhawa, author of Mornings in Jenin: A Novel.
Literary historian and Rutger’s University English professor Jack Lynch discusses his book, The Lexicographer’s Dilemma:The Evolution of ‘Proper’ English, from Shakespeare to South Park, at 7: 30 PM at Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA.
2/26/10
John Banville, author of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel, The Sea, reads from and signs his newest novel, The Infinities.
2/27/10
Photo of Jennifer R. Hubbard © by Kathye Fetsko Petrie
Local writer Jennifer R. Hubbard signs her debut Young Adult novel, The Secret Year, at Borders Express in Exton, PA, 1 to 3 PM.
Alan Gordon signs The Parisian Prodigal.
Archive for January 2010
1/08/10
Michael Gates Gill talks about How to Save Your Own Life.
1/11/10
Sonia Sanchez reads haiku at Moonstone Arts Center.
THE BRANDYWINE VALLEY WRITERS GROUP with special guests Dena Blizzard, a former Miss New Jersey and a stand-up comedian, and Taylor Mason, a comic and the author of the forthcoming work, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Ventriloquism.
Richard D. Bank talks about and signs his book of advice on writing and publishing non-fiction.
1/12/10
Tracy Chevalier signs her new novel, Remarkable Creatures, historical fiction inspired by the life of British fossil hunter and dinosaur discoverer Mary Anning.
Jewish Views of the Afterlife reading with author Simcha Raphael.
1/14/10
Televison news journalist Mika Brezkinski talks about and signs her new book, All Things at Once, a motivational book for women on balancing one’s personal life and family with a one’s career (interestingly, Brezkinski once held her baby during an interview with a senator on TV). Mika Brezkinski will be appearing with her MSNBC Morning Joe show co-host, Joe Scarborough.
1/17/10
Philadelphia Stories hosts a free open house/reading to celebrate the release of the literary magazine’s winter issue. Readers include: Mark Wolverton, Liz Abrams-Morley, Nina Israel Zucker, Jonathan Kemmerer-Scovner and Jenny Lentz. This event is free and open to the public and takes place from 2 to 4 PM at Robins’ Moonstone Arts Center in Philadelphia.
1/19/10
Rebecca Goldstein talks about and signs 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction.
Lise Funderburg signs her memoir Pig Candy: Taking my Father South, Taking My Father Home. (See also 2/3/2010)
1/21/10
Elizabeth Kostova, author of the New York Times #1 best-selling debut novel, The Historian, talks about and signs her eagerly anticipated second novel, The Swan Thieves.
1/24/10
Jeff Fekete talks about and signs Making The Big Game: Tales of an Accidental Spectator, a memoir of attending Super Bowl XLII.
1/25/10
Stephen Kinzer, author of All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror, talks about current U.S.-Iran relations in conversation withPhiladelphia Inquirer columnist Trudy Rubin.
1/26/10
The Villanova Literary Festival presents Elizabeth Strout, author of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winningOlive Kitteridge .
Journalist David Sax talks about the history of Jewish food and his book, Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen. This event features (non-kosher) food from Philadelphia’s 80-year old Famous Fourth Street Deli.
1/27/10
Ozzy Osbourne discusses and signs his just-released autobiography, I Am Ozzy.
1/28/10
Joshua Ferris talks about his latest novel, The Unnamed. He will be appearing with with Jonathan Dee, author of The Privileges.
1/30/10
2nd Annual Children’s Illustrator Fair — Jointly sponsored by the Main Line Art Center (where the event takes place) and Children’s Book World in Haverford, this event will include illustrators Eric Wight, Lee Harper, Ponder Goembel, Michael Townsend and Mark Rogalski.
LAUNCH Party for The Secret Year, a debut YA novel by local author Jennifer R. Hubbard (“WriterJenn“) at Children’s Book World in Haverford, 2 to 4 PM. [Editor's Note: Author Jennifer Hubbard is pictured above at a recent meeting of Phladelphia's MILESTONES Children’s Critique Circle, of which she is a member, along with, full disclosure, Local LIT editor Kathye Fetsko Petrie.]
Archive for December 2009
12/1/2009
Acclaimed novelist and poet Julia Alvarez (Photo by Bill Eichner).
Sports writer Robert Lyons discusses and signs his book, On Any Given Sunday: A Life of Bert Bell. The book is published by Temple University Press.
Local favorite Lisa Scottoline discusses and signs her new non-fiction collection of her Philadelphia Inquirer columns, Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog. PHOTO: April Narby
Jeff VanderMeer talks about his new non-fiction title BOOKLIFE: Strategies and Survival Tips for the 20th Century Writer, at 7 PM at Between Books, 2703 2703 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE.
12/2/09
Film star Leslie Caron talks about her life and new memoir, Thank Heaven, in an on-stage interview with Philadelphia Inquirer film critic Carrie Rickey at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Sue Grafton talks about and signs her latest “alphabet mystery,” U is for Undertow.
Stanley Weintraub talks about and signs his Civil War non-fiction title General Sherman’s Christmas: Savannah 1864.
University of Pennsylvania Annenberg professor Monroe Price talks about Objects of Remembrance, a memoir about his European roots and Viennese ancestors.
Philadelphia broadcaster Lorraine Ranalli talks about and signs Gravy Wars: South Philly Foods, Feuds & Attytudes.
12/3/09
Poet and memoirist Mary Karr.
12/4/09
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LIT FLASH 12/4/09: Elise Juska (fiction) and Thomas Devaney (poetry) have been named judges for Philadelphia City Paper‘s 24th Annual Writing Contest. Deadline for submissions is next week, Friday, 12/11/2009, by 5 PM, so get busy. Rules are posted here. READ FULL STORY.
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Local favorite Judy Schachner signs her #1 New York Timesbestselling Skippyjon Jones title, Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice at T. Bumbles in Swarthmore(for Swarthmore First Friday). See also 11/21, 11/22 and 12/5.
Author Zane discusses and signs Total Eclipse of the Heart.
Nancy Viau discusses and signs her middle-grade novel, Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in her Head. (See also 12/5)
Glen MacNow and Ray Didinger sign The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies, in which they rank and share info about the 100 greatest sport movies of all time. The pair will be joined by hockey columnist Bill Meltzer who will discuss and sign Pelle Lindbergh: Behind the White Mask, his new book on the Philadelphia Flyers goalie. Both events take place at Chester County Book & Music Company starting at 7 PM. According to the bookstore website, popcorn will be served.
Daniel Nester signs his humorous collection of nonfiction, How to Be Inappropriate. (See also 12/5)
PS (Philadelphia Stories) Reads series featuring local authors Colleen Baranich, Barry Dinerman, Eileen Moeller, Tim Zatzariny, Bernard Schaefer and Angela Canales reading talking about the writing process.
PS (Philadelphia Stories) Reads series and First Friday reading/Art Show featuring local authors Marc Schuster and Christine Weiser and their books’ cover artist, Marlise Tkaczuk, at Dhyana Yoga, 68 N. Second Street, Philadelphia.
12/5/09
New York Times #1 bestselling author/illustrator Judy Schachner signs her latest Skippyjon Jones title, Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice at Children’s Book World in Haverford. See also 11/21, 11/22 and 12/4.
Nancy Viau discusses and signs her middle-grade novel, Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in her Head. (See also 12/4)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LIARS AT WELLINGTON SQUARE BOOKSHOP
Photo: (front l-r) Jonathan Maberry, Don Lafferty, (2nd row) Marie Lamba, Keith Strunk, Merry Jones, Gregory Frost, (back) Jon McGoran (aka D.H. Dublin), Kelly Simmons, Dennis Tafoya.
Nine members of the Philly Liars Club, a loose affiliation of local authors who, as fiction writers, “basically lie for a living,” as well as support local independent book shops, celebrate and sign their books at the newly re-located, revamped and gorgeous Wellington Square Bookshop , which is located in the Eagleville development at 543 Wellington Square, in Exton, PA.
Authors atending this event are:
- Bram Stoker award winner Jonathan Maberry (Patient Zero, St. Martin’s)
- Fantasy author Gregory Frost (Shadowbridge, and Lord Tophet, Del Rey/Random House)
- Young adult author Marie Lamba (What I Meant…, Random House)
- Contemporary novelist Kelly Simmons (Standing Still, Washington Square Press/Simon and Schuster)
- Debut crime novelist Dennis Tafoya (Dope Thief, St. Martin’s)
- Historical author Keith Strunk (Prallsville Mills and Stockton, Arcadia Publishing Images of America Series)
- Mystery author Merry Jones (The Borrowed and Blue Murders, Minotaur Books)
- Mystery author Jon McGoran who writes as D.H. Dublin (Freezer Burn, Berkley Books),
- Social media marketing consultant, writer and lecturer Don Lafferty.
This event takes place on Saturday, December 5th from noon to 2 PM, and is free and open to the public. For more information, or to reserve a copy of an author’s book before the event, call Wellington Square Bookshop at 610-458-1144. (See also 12/12)
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Daniel Nester signs his humorous collection of nonfiction, How to Be Inappropriate. (See also 12/4)
PS (Philadelphia Stories) Reads series featuring local authors Helen W. Mallon, Tim Zatzariny, Christine Weiser and Carla Spataro reading and talking about the writing process.
12/6/09
Doylestown’s own hometown author Marie Lamba, signs her Random House young adult (YA) novel What I Meant…at Doylestown Bookshop — the very same bookstore she writes about in her book (along with many other sites that will be familiar to local residents.). What I Meant… is a YA about a 15-year-old Central Bucks West girl, the guy she’s crazy about (who works at the County Theater), her Indian dad, her American mom and her extremely evil aunt. The book is a “clean” novel that tackles some serious issues, such as broken friendships, betrayal and injustice, but also contains “tons of drama and laughs” and embarrassing moments, says author Lamba.
This event takes place Sunday, December 6th, from noon to 3 PM.
For more information about What I Meant… which Doylestown Bookshop has billed “The Perfect Gift for a Doylestown Teen” — visit www.marielamba.com. If you would like to reserve a copy of Lamba’s novel prior to Lamba’s signing (or if you cannot attend) contact the Doylestown Bookshop at 215-230-7610.
Editor’s note: Marie Lamba, along with the Philly Liars Club authors above, are, like Local LIT, passionate supporters of local independent bookstores — a reason to be passionate about them, in this editor’s opinion. Lamba recently said:
I want to remind everyone to think of independent stores like the Doylestown Bookshop first for any of your holiday shopping. Indies are what make Doylestown such a special place to live in and to write about, so we have to support them if we want Doylestown to continue to be the amazing town that it is.
12/8/09
Scott G. Knowles, editor and contributor to the new Temple University Press book, Imagining Philadelphia, talks about former Planning Commission director Edmund Bacon and the past and possible future visions for our city.
Michael Medved discusses and signs The 5 Big Lies About American Business.
12/09/09
Famous “Fancy Nancy” author Jane O’Connor makes an in-person appearance at Borders-Newark to sign Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas.
Lise Funderburg signs her memoir Pig Candy: Taking my Father South, Taking My Father Home.
12/10/09
An Evening with Ben Yagoda and Friends/ Book Launch & Celebration of Memoir —Nationally known Philadelphia author Ben Yagoda celebrates and locally launches his just-published new title, Memoir: A History, via a talk and reading which includes several local authors/colleagues/friends reading short passages from their own favorite memoirs. Readers include Rick Valelly,Rachel Pastan, Clare Coleman, Martha Hodes, Don Lessem, and Kathye Fetsko Petrie (full disclosure: me/your Local LIT editor).
This event takes place December 10th at 7:30 PM at the Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Ave., Swarthmore, PA Registration is requested but not required. Call Sharon Ford at 610.543.0436.
Ben Yagoda is a journalism professor in the English Department at the University of Delaware. His previous books include Will Rogers: A Biography, When You Catch an Adjective, Kill It, The Sound on the Page, The Art of Fact, and About Town: The New Yorker and the World It Made. He has also published numerous articles and essays for major publications, including The New York Times Book Review, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Slate and Salon. Yagoda blogs at www.benyagoda.com.
Lisa Barretta signs her new book, The Street-Smart Psychic’s Guide to Getting the Good Reading.
12/11/09
DEADLINE for Philadelphia City Paper‘s 24th Annual Writing Contest (12/11/2009, 5 PM). See 12/4/entry above. READ FULL STORY.
Author Nancy Heinzen signs The Perfect Square: A History of Rittenhouse Square, the first full-length history of this famous location in Philly. The book is published by Temple University Press. READ A REVIEW.
Local author C. G. (Chris) Bauerwill talk about his work and sign copies of his Philadelphia-based debut horror novel Scars on the Face of God: The Devil’s Bible at the Doylestown Bookshop starting at 7 PM. Bauer’s book is inspired by St. Vincent’s Home, an iconic orphanage in the Tacony section of Philadelphia. For more information about Scars on the Face of God visitwww.cgbauer.net. If you would like to reserve a copy of Bauer’s novel before the signing, contact the Doylestown Bookshop at 215-230-7610. Photo: Jillian Bauer.(see also 12/12)
12/12/09
G. (Chris) Bauer talks about and signs Scars on the Face of God: The Devil’s Bible at 3 PM at Between Books in Claymont DE. (see also 12/11).
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Several Philly Liars Club authors take turns signing at Farley’s Bookshop on Main Street in New Hope, PA, and Canterbury Tales Forever in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska. Schedules are as follows:
At Farley’s:
- 11 AM-1 PM— Kelly Simmons and Gregory Frost
- 1-3 PM— Merry Jones and Jonathan Maberry
- 3-5 PM— Keith Strunk, L. A. Banks and Marie Lamba
- 5-7 PM — Don Lafferty and Dennis Tafoya
At Canterbury Tales:
- 11 AM-1 PM— Keith Strunk and Marie Lamba
- 1-3 PM— Don Lafferty, L. A. Banks and Dennis Tafoya
- 3-5 PM— Kelly Simmons and Gregory Frost
- 5-7 PM— Merry Jones and Jonathan Maberry
Books by all of the authors will be on sale at both locations throughout the day, and for every three Philly Liars Clubbooks purchased, customers will get a free Philly Liars Club book bag.
Philly Liars Club authors have deep ties to the local area. In addition to their living nearby, many of their books also take place in the vicinity. Lamba’s novel, What I Meant… takes place in Doylestown, as does Tafoya’s Dope Thief. Strunk’s Prallsville Mills and Stockton taps into the history of the river town, and Jones’ The Borrowed and Blue Murders, as well as the other mysteries in her series, all take place in Philadelphia.
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12/15/09
Julie Powell, author of Julie and Julia, talks about her new book, Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat and Obsession.
Jonathan Safran Foer, best-selling author of the novels Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, returns to Philadelphia after his recent signing at the Free Library to read and sign his new non-fiction book, Eating Animals, at the Penn Bookstore. Photo by Kathye Fetsko Petrie
12/15/09
Sports journalist Mike Sielski, author of Fading Echoes: A True Story of Rivalry and Brotherhood from the Football Field to the Fields of Honor, signs at Doylestown Bookshop a 6 PM.
Archive for November 2009
11/3/09 to 11/8/09
8th Annual First Person Arts Festival Among the many events offered over five days is a discussion of narrative journalism with internationally best-selling Philadelphia author Mark Bowden; a discussion on writing memoir with acclaimed Philadelphia authors Ben Yagoda and Rachel Simon along with best-selling author A. J. Jacobs and graphic-memoir author Laurie Sandell; a memoir-writing workshop with Philadelphia author August Tarrier and others; and a discussion of the role animals play in our lives by nationally known “Sneaky Pie” author Rita Mae Brown, who has just penned a memoir called Animal Magnetism. Most events take place at the Painted Bride Art Center.
STORY AND MORE INFO
See list of all programs and prices.
11/3/09
John Grogan, former Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and best-selling author of Marley and Me, talks about and signs copies of the paperback version of Longest Trip Home, a memoir of life before Marley.
11/5/09
Real-life Philadelphia private investigator Cici McNair signs her memoir about the PI life.
11/6/09
TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION and 18th ANNUAL CELEBRATION FOR LOCALCHILDREN’S AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS at Children’s Book World in Haverford. 8 to 9 PM. Come meet and buy autographed books from over a dozen authors and illustrators who live in our area including Ellen Abbott, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallenne, Gene Barretta, Josh Berk, Brian Biggs, Jen Bryant, Darlene Friedman, Ponder Goembel, Adele Greenspun, Vivian Grey, Lee Harper, Jennifer Hubbard, Joe Kulka, Marie Lamba, Bob McLeod,Elisabeth Mosier, Donna Jo Napoli, Lisa Papp, Robert Papp, Kathye Petrie, Wendy Pfeffer, Matt Phelan, Deborah K. Ray, Mark Rogalski, Roger Roth, Charles Santore, Judy Schachner, Robyn Schneider, Jordan Sonnenblick, Eileen Spinelli, Jerry Spinelli, Homa Sabet Tavangar, Nancy Viau, David Wiesner, Eric Wight and more!
Maxine Hong Kingston delivers the keynote speech at the 2009 Montgomery County Community College Writer’s Conference.
Jim Zervanos reads his novel, Love Park, at Arcadia University.
11/7/09
Jerry and Eileen Spinelli at Doylestown Bookshop.
11/9/09
Victor Navasky, Publisher Emeritus of The Nation magazine
11/10/09
Jonathan Safran Foer, award-winning wunderkind author of the novels Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, visits the Free Library of Philadelphia to talk about his latest book, the non-fiction title Eating Animals.
Related post:‘Eating Animals’ by Jonathan Safran Foer: Are you brave enough to read this?
Jim Zervanos reads his novel, Love Park, at Haverford Library.
11/12/09
Rachel Simon at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
Jim Zervanos reads Love Park at the University of Pennsylvania bookstore.
11/13/09
A Friend of the Family reading with Lauren Grodstein at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
Newbery author Kate DiCamillo signs her new children’s novel, The Magicians’s Elephant, at Children’s Book World in Haverford. READ Philadelphia Literary Scene post.
11/14/09
Kate DiCamillo at Free Library of Philadelphia, 2 PM. READ Philadelphia Literary Scene post.
11/15/09
Reading with Jim Zervanos, Ru Freeman, and Kelly Simmons at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 3 PM.
Kate DiCamillo at the Borders-Newark, 2 PM. READ Philadelphia Literary Scene post.
11/17/09
Wharton professor Joel Waldfogel talks about the a economics of Christmas spending and gift giving, and signs copies of his new book,Scroogenomics.
David Wroblewski (above, left. Photo: Marion Ettlinger), author of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, a 2008 Oprah Book Club selection; with Uwem Akpan, (right; Photo: Comfort Upkong), author of the short story collection Say You’re One of Them, a 2009 Oprah Book Club selection.
11/18/09
Christopher Bram
11/19/09
11/20/09
Actress/singer and author JULIE ANDREWS and her daughter, educator and best-selling children’s book author EMMA WALTON HAMILTON will sign their latest joint children’s book, Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, at 5 PM, Friday, November 20, 2009, at Children’s Book World in Haverford. READ Philadelphia Literary Scene post.
Meet Best-selling Teen Authors Laurie Halse Anderson, Lauren Myracle, and Jay Asher
11/21/09
Judy Schachner signs her #1 New York Times bestselling Skippyjon Jones title, Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice at Barnes & Noble-Exton. See also 11/22, 12/4 and 12/5.Jim Zervanos signs his book, Love Park, at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, 10 AM – 4 PM.
11/22/09
New York Times #1 bestselling author/illustrator Judy Schachner signs her newest Skippyjon Jones title, Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice, at Barnes & Noble-Christiana, DE. See also 11/21, 12/4 and 12/5.
11/23/09
Filmmaker Ken Burns.
11/24/09
11/25/09
11/27/09
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: FIVE BUCKS COUNTY AUTHORS SIGN THEIR BOOKS at Doylestown Bookshop. Buy signed and personalized books for holiday gifts at this local, independent bookstore. Local authors participating in this event, and their book titles, are Mary Fran Bontempo with Everyday Adventures, or as my Husband Says, Lies, Lies, Lies and More Lies (humor); Sandra Carey Cody (By Whose Hand (mystery series); Carmen Ferreiro Esteban, Two Moon Princess (Young Adult Fiction); Chrysa Smith, The Adventures of the Poodle Possee, Books 1 and 2 (Children’s Fiction Series); and Suzanne Zoglio, Create a Life that Tickles Your Soul: Finding Peace, Passion and Purpose (Self-Help).
11/28/09
11/29/09
11/30/09
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Archive for October 2009
October 2009
10/1/09
Eileen Flanagan, The Wisdom to Know the Difference reading and book release party at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
10/2/09
Lou Manfredo signs Rizzo’s War.
10/3/09
The 7h Annual Collingswood Book Festival
HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY TO CHILDRENS BOOK WORLD in Haverford. Attend the celebration from 11 to 3 PM.
10/4/09
Book Signing & Open House for the new book Swarthmore Borough, Swarthmore College, McCabe Library Exhibition Space, 2-4 PM
10/5/09
10/6/09
University of Pennsylvania professors Drs. Ira Harkavy and Frank Johnston discuss The Obesity Culture: Strategies for Change.
WORTH THE TRIP: NYC — Remembering the Remarkable Frank McCourt: An Evening of Reminiscence, Music, Poetry, and Laughter. 5 PM, Symphony Space, 5 PM, Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY. Free. Some tickets for the general public will be available on the day of the event. They will be distributed at the Symphony Space Box Office between 3 and 5 pm. The event will also will be streamed on symphonyspace.org.
10/7/09
Douglas Hofstadter, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid, and College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Science at Indiana University, talks about “The Deep Interconnectedness of Human Souls.” Penn Humanities Forum.
10/8/09
Sports columnist, author and Philadelphia resident, Mike Sielski discusses and signs his new book, Fading Echoes:A true story of rivalry and brotherhood from the football field to the fileds of honor.
PS Reads Series: PS Books Authors Read at Chester County Books & Music.
10/9/09
No events found.
10/10/09
10/10/09
DK Publishing’s LEGO Star Wars: Visual Dictionary launch event.
10/11/09
No events found.
10/12/09
No events found
10/13/09
10/13/09
10/14/09
David Crystal lectures on the past and future of the English language.
10/15/09
10/16/09
No events found.
10/17/09
Philadelphia Stories’ PUSH TO PUBLISH 2009 Workshop: Strategies and Techniques to Get Your Work in Print and Online, with Keynote Speaker Lise Funderburg.
Solomon Jones at Borders Express-Willow Grove Mall, 2500 Moreland Rd., 1 PM – 3 PM. More info:
215.659.5399.
10/18/09
Philadelphia Inquirer architectural critic Inga Saffron discusses the changing Philadelphia skyline.
Solomon Jones at Borders Express-Willow Grove Mall, 2500 Moreland Rd., 1 PM – 3 PM. More info:
215.659.5399.
10/18/09
Philadelphia Inquirer architectural critic Inga Saffron discusses the changing Philadelphia skyline.
10/19/09
Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson
Susanna Morikawa and Patricia O’Donnell sign their new book about Swarthmore Borough at Swarthmore Borough Hall and Library Building, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, 7 PM.
10/20/09
10/21/09
No events found.
10/22/09
10/23/09
10/24/09
No events found.
10/25/09
No events found.
10/26/09
No events found.
10/27/09
10/28/09
Sherman Alexie
10/29/09
10/30/09
No events found.
10/31/09
No events found.
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Archive for September 2009
September 2009
9/1/09
Local author William Lasher reads from his latest novel, Blood and Bone.
9/3/09
Former Pennsylvania governor and first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge talks about and signs his prescriptive book and memoir, The Test of Our Times: America under Siege…and How We Can Be Safe Again? (also see September 14 & 24).
University of Pennsylvania alum and Young Adult-novelist Julie Kraut gives a preview reading of her novel, Slept Away.
Poet Linh Dinh.
9/8/09
9/10/09
Nicholson Baker, author of the bestselling novels Vox and Mezzanine and the award-winning non fiction title Doublefold: Libraries and the Assault on Paper, talks about and signs The Anthologist, his new novel which is said to reveal “the importance of poetry in everyday life.”
Lisa Tucker, author of Shout Down the Moon and The Song Reader, talks about and signs her newest novel, The Promised World.
Solomon Jones at Borders Express, Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Non to 2 PM. More info: 215.557.8443. See also October 17.
9/12/09
David Allen Sibley in Doylestown. Also see 9/13.
Michael Davis signs Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street.
9/13/09
David Allen Sibley at the Free Library of Philadelphia. See also 9/12.
Local author Sara Shephard introduces Killer, her latest title in her popular teen series, “Pretty Little Liars.”
Liz Rosenberg reads from her novel, Home Repair.
9/14/09
Former Pennsylvania governor and first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge speaks at the National Constitution Center. Free. See also 9/24.
9/15/09
Sam Tanenhaus, editor of the New York Times Book Review, will be interviewed by Philadelphia Inquirer book critic Carlin Romano.
9/16/09
Author Evan Schwartz recounts the background of the Wizard of Oz and signs Finding Oz.
9/17/09
A Total Eclipse reading with Aletta Henry at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
9/18/09
World War II Radio Heroes:Letters of Compassion reading with Lisa Spahr at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.
9/22/09
Think Globally, Read Locally Event featuring six Philadelphia-area authors:
• Jim Zervanos reads from his set-in-Philadelphia novel, Love Park.
• Lise Funderburg reads from her memoir Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking My Father Home.
• Rachel Pastan reads from her novel, Lady of the Snakes
• Ru Freeman reads from her set-in-Sri Lanka novel A Disobedient Girl.
• Cynthia Reeves reads from Badlands.
• Elizabeth Mosier reads from My Life as a Girl.
Ralph Nader /PHOTO of Ralph Nader from Ragesoss
Lorrie Moore (see also 9/23)
Sarah Stolfa discusses and signs The Regulars, a book of photographic portraits of patrons of the downtown Philadelphia bar, McGlinchey’s.
Photo © by Fred Viebahn. Copied, with permission, from Rita Dove’s homepage www.people.virginia.edu/~rfd4b
Pulitzer-prize winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove.
9/23/09
Lorrie Moore (see also 9/22)
9/24/09
Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania governor and first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, talks about and signs his memoir, The Test of Our Times (also see September 6).
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove.
Photo © by Fred Viebahn. Copied, with permission,
from Rita Dove’s homepage www.people.virginia.edu/~rfd4b
9/25/09
E. Lynn Harris Tribute Tour, hosted by Philadelphia novelist Brenda L. Thomas and featuring readings from the late E. Lynn Harris’ new novel,Mama Dearest.
9/29/09
9/30/09
A LUNCH DISCUSSION WITH PETE DEXTER
Poetry reading by award-winning former U.S. poet laureate Daniel Hoffman.
Free launch party for Best of Philadelphia Stories Anthology: Volume 2.
Pulitzer-prize winning historian James McPherson delivers the inaugural lecture in The Lore Kephart ’86 Distinguished Historians Lecture Series at Villanova University. READ STORY