Friday 5/16: Lea Carpenter is at Pritzker Military Library to promote and discuss her first novel, Eleven Days, a story of a mother as she awaits news of the fate of her son, a Navy SEAL missing in action. 12 p.m.
Becky Cloonan returns to Logan Square to celebrate her new mini-comics collection, By Chance or Providence!, Challengers Comics + Conversation, 6 p.m.
Funny Ha-Ha is back at The Hideout to present Mayday!, a literary humor reading series, produced by Claire Zulkey. Seven performers will take the stage. $5 suggested donation benefits the Neighborhood Writing Alliance. The Hideout, 6:30 p.m.
Ukrainian-American novelist Yuriy Tarnawsky promotes his trilogy, The Placebo Effect. He may talk about his long and storied career, as well. He’s been an essential voice of American letters since the 80s. Quimby’s, 7 p.m.
Saturday 5/17: Three Writers Walk Into a Bar is at Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park. Giano Cromley, Kate Hannigan, and Joe Peterson will read from their latest works. 6 p.m.
Bill Hillmann continues his tour in support of his debut novel, The Old Neighborhood (Curbside Splendor), in Logan Square at Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records, 7 p.m.
Sunday 5/18: Sunday Salon is an international literary powerhouse, and its Chicago chapter features readings from Paulette Livers, Edward Kelsey Moore, Phong Nguyen, and Randy Richardson. Black Rock Pub & Kitchen, 7 p.m.
Monday 5/19: Essay Fiesta returns for its monthly series of live lit in Lincoln Square. This month features five readers in ironic celebration of the 186th anniversary of John Quincy Adams signing the Tariff of 1828 into law. Proceeds from the evening will benefit 826CHI. The Book Cellar, 7 p.m.
Tuesday 5/20: Dave Eggers will sign copies of his latest books at The Boring Store, a front for a covert operation of innovative and free drop-in tutoring and literary arts instruction for the city’s youth. 6:30 p.m.
There’s a buzz around town about Write Club and its irreverent host, Ian Belknap. It’s back at The Hideout to showcase three live lit bouts. 7 p.m.
The Open Door Reading Series presents work from new and emerging poets in the area, and it celebrates the richness of Chicago’s writing programs. This month is the last in the series until September, and it features Robert Archambeau, Steve Halle, and John Matthias. Poetry Foundation, 7 p.m.
Story Club is one of the many excellent live lit series in Chicago, and its South Side chapter is in Bridgeport at Co-Prosperity Sphere. Three open mic slots are available at 7:30 before the show. 8 p.m.
Wednesday 5/21: Poetry Foundation hosts Poetry Off the Shelf, afternoon readings during lunch hour. Joshua Beckman will read his work to you while you eat your lunch. 12:30 p.m.
It’s Local Author Night in Lincoln Square, featuring the talents of Lynne Raimondo, Kathleen Rooney, Eric Charles May, and Kodi Scheer. The Book Cellar, 7 p.m.
Thursday 5/22: Rock star and novelist Josh Malerman promotes his apocalyptic novel, Bird Box. City Lit Books, 6:30 p.m.
