Thu. July 29
Jonathan Ames, author of “The Extra Man,” reads from his new novel “Wake Up,Sir!” Written in his usual neurotic yet literary style, the book tells the story of a young writer, Alan Blair, and his personal valet Jeeves. Alan excels in getting himself into trouble, and Jeeves is left to try and clean up. 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble Chelsea.
Tue. Aug. 3
Pamela Anderson signs copies of her new book. Playful and bawdy, “Star” is a breathless romp through Tinseltown and tabloids. An insider’s look at the world of inflated egos and inflated bodies, “Star” goes well beyond the clichéd air-kisses and casting couches of Hollywood to show what really happens when A-list meets D-cup, when girl becomes goddess. Please note: Anderson will sign copies of “Star” only. Memorabilia and photos will not be signed, and photos are not permitted. 1 p.m. at Border’s Wall Street.
Sat. Aug. 7
Miss Cherelle hosts a special Rugrats activity and storytime for children. This promises to be an afternoon of fun, stories and crafts, as this Nickelodeon Camp based on the Rugrats characters you love. 12:30 p.m., Border’s Columbus Circle.
Mon. Aug. 9
Manga lovers unite! Fans are starting a Manga Reading Group for high schoolers. If you are a teenage fan of Japanese comics, or know someone who is, be aware that the first meeting, discussing “Ranma ?” by Rumiko Takahashi, will be held at 1 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Lincoln Triangle.
Tue. Aug. 10
Tony Kushner, Jeanine Tesori and cast members sign copies of “Caroline, or Change.” Please note: Only copies of “Caroline, or Change” will be signed. No memorabilia or photos, please. 5 p.m. at Border’s Columbus Circle.
Wed. Aug. 11
“Eye to Eye” gathers for the first time more than 150 photographs by rock musician Graham Nash. While best known as a founding member of the rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash, and (sometimes) Young, Nash also developed a parallel career as a photographer, collector and pioneer of digital imaging. Shot between 1969 and 2003, Nash’s photographs include revealing portraits of family and friends, images of life on the road, still lifes and landscapes, street photographs and a unique series of self-portraits which often shows him reflected in windows and mirrors. 7 p.m. at Border’s Columbus Circle.
Tue. Aug. 17
In a special partnership with VH1, Housing Works Used Book Café hosts an intimate evening with VH1 “Inside Track” artist Jamie Cullum. Already the biggest selling jazz artist in the U.K., Jamie is making a splash in the U.S. as well with the release of his album, “Twentysomething” (Verve Records). Admission to this event is $25. Tickets are limited, and may be purchased at the bookstore during regular hours. All proceeds go to support the programs of Housing Works, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides housing, healthcare, advocacy, and other services to homeless people living with HIV and AIDS. 7:30 p.m. at Housing Works Used Book Café.
Thu. Aug. 19
Steven Petrow discusses “Lost Hamptons,” a collection of vintage postcards portrays the quiet villages, white sand beaches, historic homes and privet-lined lanes that are the essence of Long Island’s Hamptons. Stunning in their color, detail, and composition, these cards—originally photographs—depict a place and a way of life that has all but disappeared. The author of four other books, historian Petrow is a prolific writer, whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Life magazine and on Salon.com.
Alexander Steele of Gotham Writers’ Workshop teaches an hour-long class on the art of the short story. The talk will focus on the key elements of the short story: plot, character and voice, following which attendees will complete a brief writing exercise. 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Lincoln Triangle. Border’s Park Ave. at 6:30 p.m.
Mon. Aug. 23
Tonight is the final event celebrating the Great Summer Read supplements in the New York Times. James McBride’s “The Color of Water” will be serialized in the New York Times. Tonight, James McBride reads from and discusses “The Color of Water” with the New York Times’ Connie Rosenblum. Be sure to bring the final installment of the supplement to Borders for a 15 percent discount on any version of the book. 6 p.m. at Border’s Columbis Circle.
Wed. Aug. 11
Nora Johnson, daughter of screenwriter Nunnally Johnson and actress Dorothy Bowdon, evokes another time in her memoir, “Coast to Coast.” Shuttling back and forth between divorced parents in New York and California, Ms. Johnson knows the world of stars and society and teenage angst and writes about it all with intelligence and insight. 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Lincoln Triangle
List of Recommended Venues:
Barnes and Noble, Greenwich Village, 396 6th Ave., 212 674 8780.
Barnes and Noble, Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway, 212 595 6859.
Barnes and Noble, Union Square, 33 E. 17th St., 212 253 0810.
Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen St., 212 777 6028.
Borders Columbus Circle, 2nd floor in the Time Warner Building, 212 823 9775.
Borders Wall St., 100 Broadway, 212 964 1988.
The Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, 212 614 0505.
Creative Visions Book Store, 548 Hudson St., 212 645 7573.
Housing Works Used Book Café, 126 Crosby St. 212 334 3324.
KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St., 212 505 3360.
The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., 212 620 7310.
92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., 212 415 5500 and Makor at the Steinhardt Building, 35 W. 67th St., 212 601 1000.
The Poetry Project 131 E. 10th St., 212 674 0910.