BOOKISH: Relying on a sturdy backbone

Attention bookies: Reading in Philly this week is Andy Laties @ Wooden Shoe, Esmeralda Santiago @ the Free Library and Kelly Sexton @ Higher Grounds.

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BOOKISH: Relying on a sturdy backbone

POSTED: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 4:00 PM

Esmeralda Santiago will read from Conquistadora at the Free Library on Thursday

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

[ Wednesday ]

➤ Andy Laties

As an author, activist and bookseller, Laties’ second edition of Rebel Bookseller combines his three careers. The book is an updated version of his six-year-old title, both of which explain the nature of the bookselling beast. With the rise of electronic books and the decline of big-time bookstores (Borders, anyone?), Laties explains the important void that independent booksellers fill. Wed., July 20, 7 p.m., free, Wooden Shoe Books & Records, 704 South St., 215-413-0999.

[ Thursday ]

➤ Esmeralda Santiago

Conquistadora is the newest addition to Santiago’s growing portfolio of ethnically charged works. Santiago first caught the attention of literary circles with her memoir When I was Puerto Rican, and she has continued to achieve acclaim for her writing achievements since. At this author event, Santiago will shed light on her newest novel. Set in 19th-century Puerto Rico, this piece of historical fiction is driven by a female protagonist who relies on her sturdy backbone to run a sugarcane plantation. Thu., July 21, 7:30 p.m., free, The Free Library (Central Branch), 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

[ Friday ]

➤ Poetry Aloud and Alive

Aspiring poets are celebrated at this event every fourth Friday. Kathleen Mulholland is the featured guest this week, but she won’t be the only one reading. The mic is opened up to the audience after Mulholland’s reading, so participate if you so desire. Fri., July 22, 7:15 p.m., free, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870.

[ Saturday ]

➤ Poetic Minds Plus

Hosted by Lady Blue, this online radio show makes getting your culture on that much more convenient. Every third and fourth Saturday, just log on and listen as Philly’s creative types call in live to share their poems, prose or songs. Finally, an open mic you can wear pajama jeans to. Sat., July, 23, 4 p.m., free, BlogTalkRadio.com/lynnblue, 347-205-9101.

[ Sunday ]

➤ Kelly Sexton Book Release

Philadelphians are city folk. Most prefer the steel, man-made mountains we call skyscrapers over Mother Nature’s tree-covered real thing, but here’s a mountain I think we all can take interest in: Vodka Mountain, a new chapbook by Kelly Sexton. Philly’s con/crescent press is hosting a party to celebrate Sexton’s collection of sparsely punctuated poems where guests can purchase copies and listen to Sexton read selections. Sun., July 24, 6:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation, Higher Grounds, 631 N. Third St., 215- 922-3745.

[ Monday ]

➤ David Evanier

Tony Bennett croons with the best of them, and in David Evanier’s biography of this American legend we get to know Tony Bennett on a personal level. He participated in some of the 20th century’s most significant events, including WWII and the Civil Rights Movement. When Bennett’s career blossomed, he left his mark on the music industry. Evanier will be discussing and reading from his biography, All the Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennett. Mon., July 25, 7 p.m., free, Barnes & Noble (Downtown), 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.

[ Tuesday ]

➤ Robert C. Jennings and Joe Roarty

These two poets find inspiration in completely different areas of life. Jennings is influenced by nature, and his words breath life into the inanimate world around us. Having lived in various rural communities within the mid-Atlantic region, Jennings has plenty of memories to draw from when he writes. Unlike Jennings, Roarty doesn’t look for inspiration, he creates it. Roarty is experimental; when he performs, his hand drum gives emphasis to the crescendo of his voice. Tue., July 26, 7 p.m., free, Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

Have a book event you'd like to see featured in Bookish? Email Emily at emily.apisa@citypaper.net.

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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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