BOOKISH: Early holiday tokens

POSTED: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 3:01 PM

Filed Under: Arts Books

Each week, Francesca Crozier-Fitzgerald puts together a rundown of book-centric events that’ll keep you “lit” like Eyjafjallajokull all week long.

[ tonight ]

➤ Unnatural Disasters
Natural disasters are horrific, unfathomable events that can’t be prevented by mankind. But when rescue teams and international statutes aren’t equipped to provide emergency medical, social and political aid, humanity — not nature — is at fault. This has been the focus of Dr. Paul Farmer’s (pictured right) research and calls to action since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Tonight, he will speak about the ways natural disasters can be worsened by inefficient response. 7:30 p.m., free, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St. , 215-686-5322, freelibrary.org.

[ wednesday ]

➤ Seventy Years in Infamy
We beg you: please do not honor the U.S. armed forces, nurses and laymen present at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 by watching Hollywood’s insensitive version of the tragedy. Instead, read the accounts of those who were actually present on the morning that claimed so many unsuspecting American lives. Descent Into Darkness, a memoir by Navy diver and commander, Edward C. Raymer, highlights his horrifying task to dive for dead bodies of friends and fellow soldiers. For a shorter method of reflection, read along and listen to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s timeless speech on Pearl Harbor, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy…” Seventy years later, after countless delegations for international peace, FDR’s tone and discourse hold eerie relevance to the status of our current international theater. Lounging on a leather couch in your study next to an old-timey radio.

[ thursday ]

➤ Dowling’s Gingerbread Palace House
Take a break from munching on your child’s gingerbread house and walk over to Dowling’s Palace. No, it’s not a candy wonderland, but in place of gingerbread and icing, this spoken word palace is fortified with poetry and comedic storytelling in their “Jus’ Words” weekly event. With daylight savings time in full swing, the short days must be inspiring some sullen verse-writing sessions by the fireplace. So, in the season of giving, share your work. Ever hear of a prize for the most bashful writer? Nope, we haven’t either. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $5, Dowlings Palace, 1310 N. Broad St., 215-236-9888, dowlingspalace.com.

[ friday ]

➤ “The thing about trains is … deciding to get on”
Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express, while often mistaken for a children’s Christmas story with illustrations and a fluffy ending, is actually anything but that when read post-childhood. It has also been incorrectly lumped into the “Christmas” pile as its core message applies to all people and religious denominations. It’s a story of maintaining faith in others, which can become increasingly difficult to practice in modern times. We become jaded, untrusting, blind and deaf to the tiny, free joys in life. While there may be all kinds of children at this reading, just push 'em aside to take your place in the story circle. I'm looking at you, Scrooge!
7 p.m., free, Rittenhouse Square, 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716, barnesandnoble.com.

[ saturday ]

➤ Free Honey!
Their first free issue might also be their best. Featuring 30 local authors, Apiary Magazine is a great barometer for the Philadelphia literary scene. Crossing genres and pushing boundaries, lit geeks can view their current issue as an early holiday token. Join Philadelphia authors, poets, editors and brave souls at the mag's open-mic session to whet your palate with literature and spirits. If you have yet to be intrigued, hey, the dance party starts at 11 p.m. See you there. 7 p.m.-2 a.m., free with $5 raffle ticket, Torrent Collective, 930 S. Eighth St., apiarymagazine.com.

[ sunday ]

➤ A Reconstructive Autobiography
Aside from the difficult editorial decisions that may arise when writing one’s autobiography, the process should be a natural, automatic experience. Imagine, then, taking on the challenge to write one’s autobiography after a severe brain aneurism and memory loss. Legendary guitarist and Philadelphia resident Pat Martino was determined to recollect his life experiences and memories while training himself to re-learn the musical skills he spent so many hours mastering. His autobiography, Here and Now!: The Autobiography of Pat Martino, co-written with jazz music journalist Bill Milkowski, is a fascinating look at a man and legend who is working to remember himself. 2-4 p.m., free, The Spiral Bookcase, 112 Cotton St., 215-482-0704, thespiralbookcase.com

[ monday ]

➤ “Are you challenging me to a … Story-off?”
Philadelphia’s best kept secret is her character. Littered with small, contained neighborhoods, the city is also defined by sub-cultures with unique personalities and, perhaps most importantly, its tales. World Café Live’s monthly StorySlams encourage Philadelphia residents to share stories from their neighborhood and practice the art of delivering a good read. It’s a competition, so knock on your neighbor’s door, muster your best “blue steel” and challenge them to a story-off. 8:30 p.m., $10, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 267-402-2055, philly.worldcafelive.com.

Have a lit event you'd like to see in an upcoming Bookish? Email Francesca at francesca@citypaper.net.

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