BOOKISH: What makes you tick?

Among the lineup of autthors reading in Philly this week are Amore Goodman @ UPenn Bookstore, Bradford Morrow @ Spiral Bookcase and Geraldine Brooks @ The Free Library's Central Branch.

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BOOKISH: What makes you tick?

POSTED: Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 1:00 PM

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

[ Wednesday ]

➤ Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman

The screeching of nails on a chalkboard makes some people’s skin crawl. For others, an incessantly dripping faucet could be torturous. Everyone has ticks, and we try to avoid these pet peeves at all costs. But authors Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman took a different approach to these daily life annoyances. In their book Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us these former NPR journalists investigate why certain things just get under our skin.

Wed., May 18, 6 p.m., free, Barnes and Noble (Rittenhouse), 1805 Walnut St., 215-665-0716.

[ Thursday ]

➤ Amore Goodman
With a name like Amore, it’s no surprise this new author is debuting a romance novel. The local author’s book Temptation of Love uses Philly as a backdrop for the complicated relationship saga between an attorney and a movie executive. Both characters must deal with baggage from their past, making this novel just as suspenseful as it is romantic. At this event, Goodman will sign and discuss the work.

Thu., May 19, 6-7:30 p.m., free, UPenn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

[ Friday ]

➤ Holler! Open Mic Night
Got a poem to share? How about an original song? This open mic welcomes all kinds of creative-types, so don’t be shy. Those still seeking their muse can come as audience members to listen and enjoy what the performers have to offer.

Fri., May 20, 7 p.m., Suggested $5 donation, Giovanni’s Room, 1145 Pine St., 215-923-2960.

[ Saturday ]

➤ Bradford Morrow
Having earned acclaim from various literary heavy hitters (including Joyce Carol Oates) Bradford Morrow’s most recently published novel is getting noticed. Told through the eyes of a mother with psychic abilities, The Diviner’s Tale dances the line of reality and unreality. By chronicling the gifted mother’s experiences with grounded narrations, Morrow shapes a suspenseful work of fiction defying any traditional genre classification. Light refreshments will be provided at this reading and book signing. Guests who reserve their copy of The Diviner’s Tale beforehand will receive 10 percent off the purchase price.

Sat., May 21, 3 p.m., free, Spiral Bookcase, 112 Cotton St., 215-482-0704.

[ Sunday ]

➤ The Nation Discussion Group
This week the group is hosting local author Will Richan, whose debut novel captures a snapshot of a scorned writer and his ironic attempt at revenge. The former Temple U professor’s book is titled The Onion Man because the less-than-honest main character is said to “stink up the garden patch” for his peers.

Sun., May 22, 11 a.m., free, Moonstone Arts Center, 110 A. S. 13th St., 215-735-9600.

[ Monday ]

➤ Yves Engler and Bianca Mugyenyi
Cars are a part of Americana. Their factories perfected the assembly line, and their proliferation led to America’s expansive highway system, but two authors are contending that cars are contributing to America’s steady economic decline. Yves Engler and Bianca Mugyenyi are the authors of Stop Signs: Cars and Captialism on the Road to Economic, Social and Ecological Decay. In their book, these authors present research that backs up their claim.

Mon., May 23, 7-9 p.m., free, Wooden Shoe Books and Records, 704 South St., 215-413-0999.

[ Tuesday ]

➤ Geraldine Brooks
In 1665, a Native American graduated Harvard College and became an iconic member of his Wampanoag community in Massachusetts. Brooks drew from this historical fact to create her newest work of fiction, titled Caleb’s Crossing. In the novel, the clashing Puritan and Native American cultures provide conflict, as Native American Caleb leaves the world he knows to quench his thirst for learning. Having won a Pulitzer Prize in 2006 and a Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2010, Brooks’ notable career is expanded with this most recent novel.

Tue., May 24, 7:30 p.m., free, The Free Library (Central Branch), 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.

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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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