BOOKISH: One step ahead of the game

This week in lit: Last Word celebrates a three-year birthday, Uptan Sandesara reads at UPenn Bookstore and Iain Haley Pollock debuts his new book of poems.

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BOOKISH: One step ahead of the game

POSTED: Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 4:00 PM

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

[ Wednesday ]

➤ Last Word Birthday Party
For years, Last Word has given a voice to Philadelphia’s creative minds, and on this third anniversary a celebration is in order. Featured performers and those taking advantage of the open mic will provide some of the entertainment, but not all. DJ Maggy Thump is in charge of music, and birthday cake will satisfy any guest’s sweet tooth. St. Skribbly LaCroix is the host of the evening, so clink his glass when you give three cheers for three years. Wed., June 15, 7 p.m., $5, Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

[ Thursday ]

➤ Mighty Writers Open House
Nestled in South Philadelphia is a center fostering literacy and inspiring a love of writing in our city’s youth. This event allows the students to showcase their work that ranges from comic books to plays. Every writer must start somewhere, and because these kids get writing help on their own accord, I’d say their one step ahead of the game. Thu., June 16, 5-7 p.m., free, Mighty Writers Inc., 1501 Christian St., 267-239-0899.

[ Friday ]

➤ Utpal Sandesara
This UPenn med student and her co-author, Tom Wooton, are hosting a discussion on their collaborative book No One Had a Tongue to Speak: The Untold Story of One of History's Deadliest Floods. The book details the relatively unknown disaster that killed 25,000 Indians when the Macchu Dam crumbled and monsoon rains flooded the region. Interviews and extensive research flesh out the novel, bringing a forgotten tragedy back into the public eye. Fri., June 17, 5-6 p.m., free, UPenn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

[ Saturday ]

➤ Iain Haley Pollock Book Launch Party
To celebrate the publication of his first book of poetry, Iain Haley Pollock is hosting a party open to all. Enjoy thirty minutes of poetry readings while sipping on a cocktail from the cash bar. Later, a DJ will turn the volume up so partygoers can get down. In the midst of all the merriment, don’t forget to get your copy of Spit Back A Boy signed by Pollock himself. Sat., June 18, 8 p.m.- 2 a.m., free, Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., 215-840-3577.

[ Sunday ]

➤ Juliet Eilperin
Discovery Channel's Shark Week doesn't start for a few months. Allow this reading and discussion to (excuse the pun) tide you over until that glorious week of thrashing great whites begins. In her book Demon Fish Eilperin explains how different cultures from around the world relate to sharks. While some cultures fear the ocean’s deadliest predator others revere the beasts as sublime creatures. During the reading, kids can hang upstairs and make a shark-inspired craft, so no one misses out on the sharky fun. Sun., June 19, 3 p.m., free, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane Pattison, 215-844-1870.

[ Monday ]

➤ The Book Trader
If you should find yourself in Old City and in need of a new read, The Book Trader is a necessary stop. The bookshelves tower above customers and create narrow paths around the store. I was most intrigued by their Holocaust Studies section that included histories, memoirs and even children’s books. The used books are in good condition and the prices make it easy to buy as many as you’d like. Venture upstairs if you’d like to peruse your newest library addition on a comfy couch overlooking Second Street Mon., June 20, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., free, The Book Trader, 7 N. Second St, 215-925-0517.

[ Tuesday ]

➤ Harold Holzer and James McPherson
When two of the country’s leading Civil War experts wrote a book together, it’s bound to be a keeper. In Hearts Touched by Fire: The Best of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Holzer and McPherson compiled an extensive collection of firsthand accounts of the war that almost divided our nation. The words of famous generals and unknown infantrymen give detailed depictions of battles and everyday life during the war. Join McPherson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and Holzer, a National Humanities Medal awardee, as they discuss their latest book on the Civil War. Tue., June 21, 7:30 p.m., $7-$15, Free Library (Central Branch), 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.

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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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