Books on the Nightstand discussion

I'd love ideas on how to find out about book events in my city-Chicago. How do you learn about book readings, lectures, etc in your area? I've stumbled upon the only one I attended (Gillian Flynn!) by accident in the newspaper. Are there other places to look that I'm missing?

Kandice wrote: "I'd love ideas on how to find out about book events in my city-Chicago. How do you learn about book readings, lectures, etc in your area? I've stumbled upon the only one I attended (Gillian Flynn!)..."

Kandice, I'm sure that there are some Chicago area people who can answer for your city much better than I, but Library Thing has section where you can put your city and find events for my area, this means a lot of Barnes and Nobles. Look on websites for any colleges or universities. I've learned when one near me is bound to have a speaker (same time every year). Follow your favorite author's web pages and even the publisher's. See if any independent book stores in your area bring authors in. I know for me there is one in Dayton and one in Cincinnati that do quite a few a month. Get on your library's e-mail list.

I think that's a good start.

I try to be basic about things so most towns don't have big time authors visiting. My local newspaper has list of announcements for local events including book signings ect.

Kandice, where in Chicago are you? I live in the city and I get emails from the bookstores with their calendar of events. Women and Children First in Andersonville have several author events each month. I also get emails from the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square and the Book Stall in Winnetka. Both place will have at least two authors a month. I know Jhumpa Lahiri will be in town next week and Elizabeth Gilbert later this month.

Hi,

I SO needed these ideas! Linda, I've never heard of Library Thing. I'm going to check that out right away. I will definitely start following my favorite authors. Thank you.
Rosa, I live in Oak Park right outside the city, and I work in Chicago. I saw that Elizabeth Gilbert is coming! I actually really love her books so I am planning on attending that for sure. I also see Helen Felding is coming as well.

Thank you so much for these recommendations.

Subscribe to Anderson's e-mail as well. They are located in Naperville and have awesome events. Also as Linda suggested check out the websites of your favorite authors.
Rosa, I am so bummed that I have to miss Jhumpa Lahiri's event next week. I live out in McHenry County and by the time I leave work and get into the city the event will be half over :-(

I, too, look at book store websites, as well as author sites.

I second Linda's suggestion for LibraryThing and also bookstore newsletters.

Kandice - if you get the Chicago Trib Sat edition has a whole book section. It lists authors coming to Chicago as well as other area bookstore events.