Local Area Events

Tuesday, February 2nd

BAJEERAO PATIL.  The author’s debut book, Insanity: Beyond Understanding, goes inside the world of addicts to explore why some are able to break the cycle of addiction while others are unable or unwilling to do so. University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, 3601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-898-7595.  4:00 PM, FREE

SONIA SANCHEZ.  The activist and writer will read from her new book, Morning Haiku, a collection of poems celebrating the lives of African-American leaders. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  7:30 PM, FREE

Wednesday, February 3rd

GARRY WILLS.  The prolific historian and critic — and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award — discusses his latest book, Bomb Power, which reveals how the atomic bomb transformed our nation by dramatically increasing the power of the American president and redefining the government as a national security state. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  7:30 PM, $14 General Admission, $7 Students

Thursday, February 4th

DANIEL NESTER.  The author will read from his book, How To Be Inappropriate, about his lifelong pursuit to push the envelope. Brickbat Books, 709 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-592-1207.  7:00 PM, FREE

LEONARD T. MILLER.  The author — who owns and runs Miller Racing, which became the first African-American team to win a track championship in NASCAR history — discusses his book, Racing While Black, which takes a frank look at the realities of NASCAR culture and his dream of changing the way racing fans view skin color. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  7:30 PM, FREE