Literary Calendar

6:45 P.M. Physicist Lawrence M. Krauss, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, discusses his recent book, The Physics of Star Trek, at the National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW (enter at 2100 C St. NW) as part of the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. Tickets are $40 for nonmembers; call 202-633-3030 or visit http://www.smithsonianassociates.org to RSVP.

18 FRIDAY

7:30 P.M. Creative writing professor Ellis Avery reads from and signs her new historical novel, The Teahouse Fire (the author is also a student of the Japanese tea ceremony), at Borders Books-Baileys Crossroads, Route 7 at Columbia Pike, Baileys Crossroads, Va., 703-998-0404.

8 P.M. Thomas McGuane, author of the novels To Skin a Cat and Nothing But Blue Skies and (most recently) the short story collection Gallatin Canyon, reads from and discusses his work at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. A reception and book signing follow. Tickets for this PEN/Faulkner event are $15 each; call 202-544-7077 or visit http://www.penfaulkner.org to RSVP.

19 SATURDAY

3 P.M. Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright signs (no discussion) copies of her new book, Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership, at Borders Books-Tysons Corner, 8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va., 703-556-7766.

4 P.M. Journalist and former local news anchor T.D. (Del) Walters reads from and signs his new political thriller, The Race, at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW, 202-387-7638.

6 P.M. Jacob Heilbrunn discusses and signs They Knew They Were Right: The Rise of the Neocons at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 202-364-1919.

20 SUNDAY

10 A.M. Activist Tony Hall, a former ambassador and U.S. congressman, discusses his recent book, Changing the Face of Hunger: The Story of How Liberals, Conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, and People of Faith are Joining Forces in a New Movement to Help the Hungry, the Poor, and the Oppressed, as part of "The Sunday Forum: Critical Issues in the Light of Faith," a weekly series held prior to the 11 a.m. service at the Washington National Cathedral, hosted by Dean Sam Lloyd. The cathedral is located at Wisconsin & Massachusetts Aves. NW; for details, visit http://www.nationalcathedral.org.

5 P.M. Rachel Pastan reads from and signs her new novel, Lady of the Snakes, at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 202-364-1919.

5:30 P.M. Comedian Finesse Mitchell, a veteran of stand-up, a "Saturday Night Live" alum and a relationship columnist for Essence magazine, discusses his new book, Your Girlfriends Only Know So Much: A Brother's Take on Dating and Mating for Sistas, at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, Va., 703-228-5990. A book signing follows.

SPECIAL NOTICES

The Word Works is seeking submissions for the 28th annual Washington Prize, awarded each year for a manuscript of previously unpublished, original poetry by a living American writer. Manuscripts should be 48 to 64 pages; the author's name, address, phone number, e-mail address and signature should appear on the title page only (there are further manuscript stipulations, so be sure to visit http://www.wordworksdc.com). Manuscripts will not be returned, but send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to be notified of the contest results. An entry fee of $25 applies. Entries will be accepted Jan. 15 through March 1. Send to: Steven B. Rogers, Word Works Washington Prize, 3201 Taylor St., Mt. Rainier, Md. 20712.

Beth El Hebrew Congregation, located at 3830 Seminary Rd. in Alexandria, Va., will hold its annual book sale (which includes cassette tapes, CDs and DVDs) on Sunday, Jan. 20, and Monday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Call 703-978-3953 for details.

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will hold its second annual Jewish Book Festival January 13-21 at 8900 Little River Tnpk. in Fairfax, Va. The celebration opens Sunday, Jan. 13, at noon with a "Bagels, Books and Local Author Expo," as area writers mingle with readers. Other highlights include Philip Lerman, former national editor of USA Today, discussing his book Dadditude: How a Real Man Became a Real Dad on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m.; Ambassador Dennis Ross discusses Statecraft: And How to Restore America's Standing in the World on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m.; and local professor Iris Krasnow discusses I Am My Mother's Daughter: Making Peace With Mom -- Before It's Too Late at an afternoon tea on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. Each event requires a ticket (prices vary); visit http://www.jccnv.org or call 703-537-3036 for complete details.

The Literacy Volunteers of America, Prince William County chapter, will hold a two-part training session for volunteers interested in helping adults improve their reading and writing skills on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Chinn Park Regional Library, 13065 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge, Va. There is a one-time fee of $30 to cover the cost of textbooks and materials. For details and to register, call 703-670-5702, e-mail lvapw@aol.com or visit http://www.lvapw.org.