This weekend the 20th annual Printers Row Book Fair will gather more than 160 exhibitors, including booksellers, publishers, and literary organizations, on Dearborn between Congress and Polk and along Polk between Plymouth Court and Clark. In addition to the new, used, and collectible books offered for sale, the fair features dozens of readings and signings by local and national authors, panel discussions, performances, and children’s activities; all are free. Events will be held at the Arts & Entertainment Stage, Dearborn and Harrison; Barnes & Noble Stage, 600 block of South Dearborn; Columbia College Residence Hall, 731 S. Plymouth Court; Good Eating Culinary Tent, 600 block of South Dearborn; Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn; Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, Polk and Clark; Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State; Jones College Prep, auditorium, 606 S. State; Nelson Algren Stage, Harrison and Dearborn; and Reading Chair Stage, Dearborn and Polk. The fair runs Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, from 10 AM to 6 PM. For information call 312-222-3986 or see www.chicagotribune.com/extras/printersrow.
SATURDAY, JUNE 5
“African-American Fiction: Character Studies”
Discussion with novelists Karen Siplin (Such a Girl) and Travis Hunter (One Woman Man). Nelson Algren Stage, 10 AM.
Augusten Burroughs
A reading by the author of the memoirs Dry and Running With Scissors and the novel Sellevision. Columbia College Residence Hall, 10 AM.
Dan Chaon
The novelist reads from You Remind Me of Me. Jones College Prep, 10 AM.
Harold Washington Literary Award
The award is presented to cartoonist, playwright, and children’s book author Jules Feiffer. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 10 AM.
“The Mommy Myth”
Discussion with Susan J. Douglas (The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How It Has Undermined Women) and Ayelet Waldman (“Mommy-Track Mystery” series). Grace Place, second floor, 10 AM.
Heidi Neale and Nick Manolukas
The married coauthors read from their novel 2004, An Olympic Odyssey. Grace Place, first floor, 10 AM.
Jenny Nimmo
The children’s book author (Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy) shares stories. Reading Chair Stage, 10 AM.
Jack Scott
Lute performance. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 10 AM.
Third World Press
The publisher presents poetry readings by Sterling Plumpp, Kelly Norman Ellis, Quryash Ali Lansana, Cranston Knight, and Opal Moore. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 10 AM.
Adriana Trigiani
The novelist reads from Lucia, Lucia. Barnes & Noble Stage, 10 AM.
“How to Self-Publish Your Book”
Panel with self-published authors David Cook (Build Your Dream House for a Song), Sheila Peters (You Don’t Have to Be a Bag Lady!), Penny Sansevieri (Get Published Today!), and Rich Schell (Quick Cash). Grace Place, lower level, 10:30 AM.
Neighborhood Writing Alliance
NWA members read their contributions to the Journal of Ordinary Thought. Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 10:30 AM.
Justin Roberts
The singer-songwriter performs “family favorite tunes.” Reading Chair Stage, 10:45 AM.
Rick Bayless
The chef presents Mexico One Plate at a Time. Good Eating Culinary Tent, 11 AM.
“Fiction: Family Life”
Panel with novelists Adam Langer (Crossing California), Jean Thompson (City Boy), and Sharon Solwitz (Bloody Mary). Nelson Algren Stage, 11 AM.
Leigh Montville
The sportswriter talks about Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero. Columbia College Residence Hall, 11 AM.
“Society and Race”
Discussion with scholars Houston Baker Jr. (Turning South Again: Re-Thinking Modernism, Re-Reading Booker T) and Timothy Tyson (Blood Done Sign My Name). Jones College Prep, 11 AM.
Guild Complex
Poetry readings by A. Van Jordan and Josie Raney. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 11 AM.
Luis J. Rodriguez
The writer reads from his story collection, The Republic of East LA. Grace Place, second floor, 11 AM.
“Teachers Who Write”
Panel with Vivian Gussin Paley (A Child’s Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play), Young Chicago Authors founder Bob Boone, and Molly Moynahan (Stone Garden); moderated by Carolyn Alessio (The Voices of Hope/Las voces de la esperanza). Grace Place, first floor, 11 AM.
L.G. Bass
The fantasy novelist reads from Sign of the Qin. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 11:15 AM.
Mike Berenstain
The children’s book author-illustrator presents The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise. Reading Chair Stage, 11:30 AM.
Chuck Palahniuk
A reading by the author of the novels Fight Club and Lullaby and the nonfiction Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories. Barnes & Noble Stage, 11:30 AM.
David Bezmogis, Aleksandar Hemon
Latvian-born Bezmogis reads from his debut collection, Natasha and Other Stories, Sarajevo native Hemon from his novel Nowhere Man and other works. Nelson Algren Stage, noon.
“Friendly Relations”
Discussion with psychologist Jan Hoistad (Big Picture Partnering) and journalist Marla Paul (The Friendship Crisis). Grace Place, lower level, noon.
Guild Complex
Poetry readings by Kim Berez, Kurt Heintz, Avery R. Young, and Georgia Popoff. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, noon.
“Looking at HIV and AIDS”
Panel with writers Jacob Levenson (The Secret Epidemic: The Story of AIDS and Black America), Paula Peterson (Penitent, With Roses: An HIV+ Mother Reflects), and Greg Behrman (The Invisible People: How the U.S. Has Slept Through the Global AIDS Pandemic, the Greatest Humanitarian Catastrophe of Our Time). Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, noon.
Henning Mankell
The mystery novelist (The White Lioness) reads from his work. Columbia College Residence Hall, noon.
David Maraniss
The Washington Post journalist discusses They Marched Into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967. Grace Place, second floor, noon.
Peter Mayle
The novelist reads from A Good Year. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, noon. Tickets required; a limited number will be available on-site.
Blue Balliett
The author presents her novel for young readers, Chasing Vermeer. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 12:15 PM.
School House
Rock Stage show. Reading Chair Stage, 12:15 PM.
“Chicago Stories”
Panel with oral historian Studs Terkel (Will the Circle Be Unbroken?), biographer James Atlas (Bellow), and fiction writer Stuart Dybek (The Coast of Chicago); moderated by Tribune senior writer Rick Kogan. Jones College Prep, 12:30 PM.
The2ndHand
Readings from the anthology All Hands On: A The2ndHand Reader, with editor Todd Dills and contributors Elizabeth Crane and Joe Meno. Grace Place, first floor, 12:30 PM.
Steve Almond
The writer talks about Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America. Nelson Algren Stage, 1 PM.
D. Blair
The slam poet performs work from Gorgeous Monsters and Other Folk Tales. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 1 PM.
Lawrence Block
The mystery novelist reads from The Burglar on the Prowl. Barnes & Noble Stage, 1 PM.
Jules Feiffer
The Harold Washington Literary Award winner presents his children’s book The Daddy Mountain. Reading Chair Stage, 1 PM.
Alexandra Fuller
The memoirist talks about Scribbling the Cat: Travels With an African Soldier. Columbia College Residence Hall, 1 PM.
“The Life and Work of Audubon”
Panel with John James Audubon biographer William Souder (Under a Wild Sky), Field Museum head librarian Ben Williams, and gallerist Joel Oppenheimer; moderated by Tribune Company VP Owen Youngman. Grace Place, second floor, 1 PM.
“On Health”
Discussion with physician Robert Kushner (Dr. Kushner’s Personality Type Diet) and Tribune health and fitness writer Julie Deardorff. Good Eating Culinary Tent, 1 PM.
“Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Sex and Politics”
See Critic’s Choice. Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 1:30 PM.
“How to Start a Writing Group”
Talk by Lisa Rosenthal, author of The Writing Group Book. Grace Place, lower level, 1:30 PM.
Thylias Moss
The poet reads from Slave Moth: A Narrative in Verse; with keyboard accompaniment by her son Ansted Moss. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 1:30 PM.
Mo Willems
The children’s book author and illustrator presents The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! Reading Chair Stage, 1:45 PM.
Jimmy Bannos
The chef signs The Heaven on Seven Cookbook: Where It’s Mardi Gras All the Time. Good Eating Culinary Tent, 2 PM.
Martin Corless-Smith
The poet reads from Nota. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 2 PM.
Dave Eggers
The author of You Shall Know Our Velocity and A Hearbreaking Work of Staggering Genius reads. Columbia College Residence Hall, 2 PM.
“Emotions and the Brain”
Discussion with naturalist Diane Ackerman (An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain) and neurologist Antonio Damasio (Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow, and the Feeling Brain); moderated by Tribune writer Julia Keller. Jones College Prep, auditorium, 2 PM.
“Getting Published: An Inspiration for the Writing Life”
Discussion with Poets & Writers magazine editor Therese Eiben (The Practical Writer) and Hearst Books publisher Jacqueline Deval (Publicize Your Book!). Grace Place, first floor, 2 PM.
“The Hour of the Wolf: Ecofiction”
Discussion with novelists Seth Kantner (Ordinary Wolves) and Kent Meyers (The Work of Wolves); moderated by Booklist editor Donna Seaman. Nelson Algren Stage, 2 PM.
Lake View High School Jazz Band
Musical performance. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 2 PM.
Alexander McCall Smith
The mystery writer reads from The Full Cupboard of Life. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 2 PM. Tickets required; a limited number will be available on-site.
“Memoirs of the Holocaust”
Panel with Tribune associate managing editor Robert Blau, Illinois Memorial Holocaust Foundation president Sam Harris, and authors Lala Fishman (Lala’s Story: A Memoir of the Holocaust) and Adam Starkopf (Will to Live: One Family’s Story of Surviving the Holocaust); moderated by Tribune writer Howard Reich. Grace Place, second floor, 2 PM.
Vince Flynn
The thriller writer reads from Memorial Day. Barnes & Noble Stage, 2:30 PM.
School House Rock
Stage show. Reading Chair Stage, 2:30 PM.
Catherine Wagner
The poet reads from Macular Hole. Gwendoyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 2:30 PM.
Christopher Corbett
The journalist talks about Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express. Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 3 PM.
“The Fiction of Pop Culture”
Panel with short-story writer Imad Rahman (I Dream of Microwaves), novelist John McNally (The Book of Ralph), and literature scholar Bill Savage; moderated by NewCity editor Kate Zambreno. Nelson Algren Stage, 3 PM.
“Getting a Job and Keeping It”
Discussion with consultants Arlene Hirsch (How to Be Happy at Work) and Diane Wilson (Back in Control: How to Be Sane, Productive, and Inspired in Your Career Transition); moderated by Tribune business editor Rob Karwath. Grace Place, lower level, 3 PM.
Lambda Literary Foundation
Readings by finalists for the Lambda Literary Awards, including Perry Brass (The Substance of God), Peter Pereira (Saying the World), Meg Chilton (Best Lesbian Erotica), Jameson Currier (Boyfriends From Hell), Robert Schanke (That Furious Lesbian), Mack Friedman (Strapped for Cash), Nina Revoyr (Southland), Karin Kallmaker (Maybe Next Time), Ted Jennings (The Man Jesus Loved), and Michelle Tea (The Beautiful). Jones College Prep, 3 PM.
Srikanth Reddy
The poet reads from Facts for Visitors. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 3 PM.
“The Slow Food Movement”
Panel with Chelsea Green Publishing editor Ben Watson, Slow Food USA director Erika Lesser, Conscious Choice dining columnist Janine MacLachlan, and literary agent Amy Cook. Good Eating Culinary Tent, 3 PM.
Luis Alberto Urrea
The writer talks about The Devil’s Highway. Columbia College Residence Hall, 3 PM.
“The War in Iraq”
Panel with Tribune correspondents. Grace Place, second floor, 3 PM.
Mark Teague
The children’s book author-illustrator presents How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? Reading Chair Stage, 3:15 PM.
“Exploring Religion”
Discussion with priest and novelist Andrew Greeley (The Priestly Sins) and theologian Martin Marty (Martin Luther); moderated by Tribune Company VP Owen Youngman. Grace Place, first floor, 3:30 PM.
Arielle Greenberg
The poet reads from Given. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 3:30 PM.
Believer Magazine
The literay journal hosts readings by contributors Matthew Derby, Stephen Elliott, Julie Orringer, Vendela Vida, and Daniel Handler. Grace Place, second floor, 4 PM.
Elizabeth Berg, Gish Jen
Novelists Berg (The Art of Mending) and Jen (Mona in the Promised Land) discuss their work; moderated by Tribune arts writer Chris Jones. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 4 PM.
“Falling Backwards: Stories of Fathers and Daughters”
Readings by contributors to the anthology Falling Backwards, including Dan Chaon, Steve Almond, Lisa Stolley, Joan Corwin, and editor Gina Frangello. Nelson Algren Stage, 4 PM.
“History and Fiction”
Discussion with novelists Emma Donoghue (Slammerkin) and Edeet Ravel (Ten Thousand Lovers); moderated by Columbia College English department chair Garnett Kilberg Cohen. Columbia College Residence Hall, 4 PM.
T. Jefferson Parker
The thriller writer reads from Cold Pursuit. Barnes & Noble Stage, 4 PM.
Justin Roberts
The singer-songwriter performs “family favorites.” Reading Chair Stage, 4 PM.
Young Chicago Authors
Teen poets read their work. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 4 PM.
Candace Fleming
The children’s book author reads from Gator Gumbo. Reading Chair Stage, 4:30 PM.
“Reinvent Yourself”
Discussion with memoirist Victor Woods (A Breed Apart: A Journey to Redemption) and consultant Leslie Levine (Wish It, Dream It, Do It); moderated by Tribune features editor Brenda Butler. Grace Place, lower level, 4:30 PM.
Young Chicago Authors
Performance with Remy Bumppo Theater Company. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 5 PM.
Stephanie Bloom
The children’s book author (A Place to Grow) presents an “interactive” reading. Reading Chair Stage, 5:15 PM.
SUNDAY, JUNE 6
Other Voices
The literary journal hosts readings by Joe Meno, Anna Calcagno, James McManus, Steve Almond, and editor Gina Frangello. Columbia College Residence Hall, 10 AM.
Tall Grass Writers Guild
Readings by contributors to the anthology Things That Go Bump in the Night, including Esteban Colon, Irv Gorman, Tina L. Jens, Robert L. Nelson, Whitney Scott, and Diane Williams. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 10 AM.
Literary Quiz
Hosted by literature scholars Dave Schmittgens and Bill Savage. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 10:30 AM.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog”
Storytelling. Reading Chair Stage, 10:45 AM.
“Emerging Authors”
Readings by novelists Doug Cummings (Deader by the Lake), Ruth-Miriam Garnett (Laelia), Jim Kokoris (Sister North), and Ron Rash (One Foot in Eden). Nelson Algren Stage, 11 AM.
“Female Sleuths”
Panel with mystery writers Libby Fischer Hellmann (An Image of Death), Cara Black (Murder in the Bastille), Leslie Silbert (The Intelligencer), and Ayelet Waldman (Murder Plays House). Columbia College Residence Hall, 11 AM.
Edward Hirsch, Stuart Dybek
Poet and critic Hirsch (Lay Back the Darkness) and fiction writer Dybek (The Coast of Chicago) discuss their work. Jones College Prep, 11 AM.
Arthur Phillips
The novelist reads from Prague. Barnes & Noble Stage, 11 AM.
Tall Grass Writers Guild
Ensemble readings by Esteban Colon, Irv Gorman, Tina L. Jens, Robert L. Nelson, Whitney Scott, and Diane Williams. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 11 AM.
Wiggleworms
Children’s sing-along. Reading Chair Stage, 11:30 AM.
Young Authors Award Ceremony
Presentations by educator and children’s book author Glenette Tilley Turner. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 11:30 AM.
“Chick Lit vs. Lad Lit”
Discussion with novelists Cara Lockwood (Pink Slip Party), Kyle Smith (Love Monkey), and Stacey Ballis (Inappropriate Men). Nelson Algren Stage, noon.
Carlos Eire
The historian reads from his memoir, Waiting for Snow in Havana. Columbia College Residence Hall, noon.
New Town Writers
Readings by contributors to the anthology Off the Rocks, including Jonathan Dixon, Robert Klein Engler, Mark Maroney, Adrian Robert Ford, and Cookie Crumbles. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, noon.
School House Rock
Stage show. Reading Chair Stage, 12:15 PM.
Laura Lippman
The suspense writer reads from Every Secret Thing. Barnes & Noble Stage, 12:30 PM.
Harriette Gillem Robinet
The educator and author reads from Twelve Travelers, Twenty Horses. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 12:30 PM.
Margaret Weis
The fantasy novelist reads from Mistress of Dragons. Jones College Prep, 12:30 PM.
After Hours Press
The publisher presents poetry readings by Larry Janowski and Lynn Fitzgerald; hosted by Al DeGenova. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 1 PM.
Ana Castillo
The novelist and poet reads from her forthcoming Watermelon Women and the Opaque Man. Columbia College Residence Hall, 1 PM.
Chicago Multicultural Dance Center
Performances. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 1 PM.
“Debut Fiction”
Panel with authors Julie Orringer (How to Breathe Underwater), Vendela Vida (And Now You Can Go), and Katherine Shonk (The Red Passport); moderated by novelist Joe Meno. Nelson Algren Stage, 1 PM.
Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton
The actress-author and her coauthor daughter present Dragon: Hound of Honor, Dumpy to the Rescue!, and other books for children. Reading Chair Stage, 1 PM.
Jim Harrison
The novelist reads from True North. Harold Washington Library Center, Winter Garden, 1:30 PM.
“Mamie Till Mobley: A Life”
Discussion with author Chris Benson (Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America) and Chicago Historical Society president Lonnie Bunch; moderated by Tribune public editor Don Wycliff. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 1:30 PM.
Jessica Harper
“Sing and dance” with the actress and children’s book author (Lizzy’s Ups and Downs). Reading Chair Stage, 1:45 PM.
“Becoming a Soldier”
Discussion with journalist David Lipsky (Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point) and historian Alfred Young (Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier); moderated by Tribune foreign news editor Tim McNulty. Nelson Algren Stage, 2 PM.
“Beneath the Surface: Looking Into Art”
Panel with philosopher Steve Nadler (Rembrandt’s Jews) and journalists Catherin Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy (The Amber Room: The Fate of the World’s Greatest Lost Treasure). Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 2 PM.
Greg Kot
The Tribune rock critic talks about Wilco: Learning How to Die with WXRT’s Marty Lennartz. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 2 PM.
Barry Lopez
The nature writer and novelist (Arctic Dreams, Resistance) discusses his work with Booklist editor Donna Seaman. Jones College Prep, 2 PM.
Lisel Mueller
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (Alive Together) discusses her work in a conversation with journalist Mara Tapp. A Poetry Center program. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 2 PM.
Audrey Niffenegger
The novelist reads from The Time Traveler’s Wife. Barnes & Noble Stage, 2 PM.
Maureen Orth
The Vanity Fair columnist talks about The Importance of Being Famous: Behind the Scenes of the Celebrity-Industrial Complex. Columbia College Residence Hall, 2 PM.
“Preserving Memories With Recipes”
Panel with chef Art Smith (Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family), Tribune food and wine reporter Bill Daley, Tribune writer Barbara Mahany, and Tribune assistant editor Donna Pierce. Good Eating Culinary Tent, 2 PM.
Christopher Paul Curtis
The children’s book author reads from Bud, Not Buddy. Reading Chair Stage, 2:30 PM.
Jason Sommer
The poet reads from The Man Who Sleeps in My Office. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 2:30 PM.
“Agriculture and Politics”
Discussion with environmental journalist Richard Manning (Against the Grain: How Agriculture Has Hijacked Civilization) and ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan (Cross-Pollination: The Marriage of Science and Poetry); moderated by Tribune reporter Andrew Martin. Nelson Algren Stage, 3 PM.
Chicago Poetry Showcase
Readings by Nina Corwin, Scott DeKatch, Gregorio Gomez, David Hernandez, Pammy Jaskot, Mary Krane Derr, Ed Layer, Frank Matagrano, Lauren R. Mathews, Jeanne Miller, Tom Roby, Maggie Rubin, Cathleen Schandelmeier, John Starrs, Gene Tanta, and Laura Van Prooyen; hosted by C.J. Laity. Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Tent, 3 PM.
“On Reviewing”
Discussion presented by the National Book Critics Circle. Columbia College Residence Hall, 3 PM.
Young Chicago Authors
Poetry slam. Arts & Entertainment Stage, 3 PM.
School House Rock
Stage show. Reading Chair Stage, 3:15 PM.
“Defining Urban Chicago”
Panel with historians Eric Arnesen (Black Protest and the Great Migration) and James Grossman (Land of Hope: Chicago, Black Southerners, and the Great Migration) and social policy scholar Dan Lewis. Harold Washington Library Center, multipurpose room, 3:30 PM.
Dorothea Benton Frank
The novelist (Sullivan’s Island) discusses her work. Barnes & Noble Stage, 3:30 PM.
Alex Kotlowitz
The journalist talks about Never a City So Real: A Walk in Chicago. Jones College Prep, 3:30 PM.
Marilynne Robinson
The novelist (Housekeeping) and essayist (The Death of Adam) discusses her work. Harold Washington Library Center, auditorium, 3:30 PM.
William Taubman
The political scientist talks about his Pulitzer Prize-wining biography, Khrushchev: The Man and His Era. Harold Washington Library Center, Winter Garden, 3:30 PM.
“The Art of Biography”
Discussion with biographers Barry Silesky (John Gardner: The Life and Death of a Literary Outlaw) and William Souder (Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of the Birds of America). Columbia College Residence Hall, 4 PM.
Beth Finke
The writer presents her memoir, Long Time, No See. Nelson Algren Stage, 4 PM.
Tom Lichtenheld
The children’s book author reads from What Are You So Grumpy About? Reading Chair Stage, 4 PM.
Ms. Dee
Storytelling. Reading Chair Stage, 4:45 PM.