There are some big names in the literary community headed to Philadelphia this April and it's also National Poetry Month. Take the opportunity to gather at local book stores and libraries for readings, signings and more with fellow bookworms.
Humor writer Sedaris uses observation and satire to make compelling and entertaining social critiques. His essay collections, like "Naked" and "Me Talk Pretty One Day," have become best-sellers and even inspired theatrical adaptations. He's bound to make you laugh once he takes the stage for a special performance.
Wednesday, April 8
8 p.m. | $49.50
Keswick Theatre291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, PA
(215) 572-7650
Series founder Cassendre Xavier hosts these events celebrating multi-genre writing, which feature two female speakers and a mixed-gender open mic. Poet Michele Belluomini is this edition's feature. Her work has been published in "American Poetry," "Apiary" and "Philadelphia Poets."
Thursday, April 9
Presenting his new work "Superposition," author David Walton will appear for a reading. The story of "Superposition" unravels around Jacob Kelley's family when an old friend shows up acting strangely, only to be mysteriously found dead the same day.
1805 Walnut St.
(215) 665-0716
Visiting in support of her debut novel, Gregorio will sign her YA book "None of the Above." It tells the story of an average American teenage girl whose life seems perfect -- until she discovers she's intersex. Copies of "None of the Above" must be bought through Chester County Book Company to be signed.
Sunday, April 12
The prolific writer and mutli-hyphenate (Smith is also a bassoonist, bioethics expert and lawyer) will visit the Free Library to discuss his latest work. "Emma: A Modern Retelling" is just what it sounds like: a modernization of the Jane Austen classic. Smith also wrote "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series.
Tuesday, April 14
7:30 p.m. | $15 General Admission, $7 Students
Central Library1901 Vine St.
(215) 686-5322
Philadelphia's own "New York Times" best-seller Lisa Scottoline returns with a new book. Her novel "Every Fifteen Minutes" follows Dr. Eric Parrish, chief of the psychiatric unit at a Philadelphia hospital, as he takes on a new patient and things take a turn for the worse.
Tuesday, April 14
Noon | Free admission
1805 Walnut St.
(215) 665-0716
Famous cartoonist Bruce Eric Kaplan -- sometimes known as just BEK -- is out promoting his latest work "I Was A Child." Known for his single-panel "New Yorker" cartoons and TV writing, this work is an illustrated memoir and the author's first nonfiction work.
Thursday, April 16
1901 Vine St.
(215) 686-5322
After decades of LGBT advocacy work and journalism, Michelangelo Signorile is releasing a book to show America that the fight for gay rights is ongoing. The book is called "It's Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality." His writing has been featured in "The New York Times," "The Los Angeles Times," "The Advocate" and "OutWeek."
Thursday, April 23
7:30 p.m. | Free admission
1901 Vine St.
(215) 567-4341
Join Rosemont College, poets and publishers for a day of celebrating poetry. There will be master classes, workshops, discussions, readings and a Literary Death Match. A reception honoring the Sandy Crimmins Poetry Prize Winner and the Winner of the Montgomery County Poet Laureate will also take place.
"Legendary" doesn't give quite enough credit to Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison. Lucky for book lovers, the author of "Song of Solomon" and "Beloved" has released a new work called "God Help the Child." Morrison will sign her new work and old books, but only those bought at the library the night of the event.
Wednesday, April 29
1901 Vine St.
(215) 686-5322
