BOOKISH: Author Joseph Nye talks "smart power"

Among the authors reading in Philly this week are Joseph Nye, Craig T. Williams and John Sayles

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BOOKISH: Author Joseph Nye talks "smart power"

POSTED: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 10:00 AM

Each week, Emily Apisa puts together a rundown of book-centric events that’ll keep you “lit” all week long.

Thursday: When Great Britain, China and America put your scholarly work into practice, you know you’re doing something right, but I doubt Joseph Nye needed me to tell him that. In his new book The Future of Power: Its Changing Nature and Use in the 21st Century Nye explains the concept of ‘smart power’ and how it can be used to understand and change global politics. Thu., April 28, 5:30 p.m., $10-$28, World Affairs Council, 1 S. Broad St. Suite 2M, 215-561-4700.

Friday: John Baxter Taylor, a UPenn track star who was a victim of racial tension in the early 1900s, is the subject of author Craig T. Williams’ debut novel The Olympian: An American Triumph. The book is a fictionalized account of Taylor’s struggle as he dealt with overt racism and overcame the social constructs of the time. Fri., April 29,12-3 p.m., free, UPenn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

Saturday: National Poetry Month is coming to a close, so might as well fit in one last reading before the month is done. Plum Dragoness (aka Gabrielle de Burke), **natalie c felix** and Cassendre Xavier will be standing in the spotlight and sharing their audible art at this poetry reading. These Philly-based poets will offer up unique poems to enlighten and entertain. Sat., April 30, 3 p.m., free, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.

Sunday: Bring your original work to participate in this poetry slam, or if you’re feeling less than brave, just come and listen to what the other slammers have to say. Poetry slams are held at the Deptford Barnes & Noble the first Sunday of every month. Sun., May 1, 5 p.m., Free, Deptford Barnes & Noble, 1553 Almonesson Rd., 856-232-3123.

Monday: John Sayles found success as a filmmaker and screenplay editor, but when he dipped his toe into the literary pool he found another avenue to pursue. In his novel, A Moment in the Sun, Sayles captures the events at the turn of the century through the eyes of those who lived through them, including black military men and gold-seeking miners. Mon., May 2, 7:30 p.m., free, Central Library, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

Tuesday: For the philanthropic bookheads out there this author event will satisfy both of your cravings. Lisa Scottoline, fiction author and Inky “Chick Wit” columnist, will be signing copies of her newest book Save Me and discussing the importance of writing at an event to benefit the Spells Writing Lab. Though Scottoline is best known for her crime fiction, Save Me deviates; the book explores the personal struggles of a mother who must suffer the consequences of her actions when a fire rips through her daughter’s school. In addition to the book signing and conversation, there will be a silent auction. Tue., May 3, 6:15 p.m., $70-$250, Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St., 267-670-0869.

Wednesday: The massive bronze eagle perched in the middle of the Center City Macy’s is hard to miss, and for those non-history buffs, it may raise a few questions. Get your questions about that feathered figure answered in Michael L. Lisicky’s new book Wanamaker’s: Meet Me at the Eagle. The author and Philadelphia native delves into the history behind the Wanamaker Building and its ties to Philadelphia. In addition to the book signing and reception, guests can be entered into a raffle to win tickets to see the play Wanamaker’s Pursuit at the Arden Theatre. Wed., May 4, 6 p.m., $10, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St., 215-732-6200.

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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