Local Area Events

Wednesday, March 3rd

READING.  Join us for a reading, featuring Zachary German and Tao Lin. Brickbat Books, 709 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-592-1207.  7:00 PM, FREE

Thursday, March 4th

ANOUSHEH ANSARI.  On September 18, 2006, Ansari became the first astronaut of Iranian descent, the first female private space explorer, and the fourth person ever to purchase a ride into space. Tonight, she discusses her book, My Dream of Stars: From Daughter of Iran to Space Pioneer. A One Book, One Philadelphia program. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  7:30 PM, FREE

CORDELIA FRANCES BIDDLE.  The local author reads from and discusses her latest, Without Fear, the third novel in the Martha Beale series. Kindly RSVP by calling 215-923-9525 or by emailing sales@headhousebooks.com. Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-923-9525.  7:30 PM, FREE

Saturday, March 6th

ZECHARIA SITCHIN.  In The End of Days: Armageddon and Prophecies of the Return, the conclusion to the Earth Chronicles series, bestselling author Sitchin treats ancient Sumerian writings and biblical tales not as mythology, but as records and recollections of mankind’s past. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  2:00 PM, FREE

Tuesday, March 9th

MICHELLE TARANSKY & HEATHER CHRISTIE.  The Moonstone Poetry Series presents an evening of poetry featuring two distinct voices. Michelle Taransky’s Barn Burned, Then, was selected for the 2008 Omnidawn Poetry Prize. Heather Christie’s The Difficult Farm was published by Octopus books this fall. Moonstone Art Center, 110A S. 13th Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-605-7752.  7:00 PM, FREE

2ND TUESDAYS POETRY OPEN MIC.  The Fox Chase Reading Series presents this popular poetry open mic, hosted by Diane Sahms-Guarnieri. Sign up early by email: foxchasereadingseries@yahoo.com. Red Rooster Inn, 7960 Dungan St., Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-745-1919.  7:00 PM, FREE

WORLDY WISDOM.  Based on James Sloan Allen’s book on the same topic (Worldy Wisdom), this reading and discussion will delve into the humanist approach to the great books. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-735-3456.  7:30 PM, FREE

SAM LIPSYTE W/ADAM HASLETT.  Lipsyte’s short story collection, Venus Drive, was named one of the top 25 books of the year by the Voice Literary Supplement, and his latest novel, Home Land, was awarded the first annual Believer Book Award and was a 2005 New York Times Notable Book. Adam Haslett’s first collection of short stories, You Are Not a Stranger Here, was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and won the 2003 L.L. Winship PEN New England Award. Free Library of Philadelphia (Central Library), 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Phone: 215-567-4341.  7:30 PM, FREE