Summer Guide: Undead of Summer—BOOKS
KGBs Fantastic Fiction Speculate about the mysteries of life and science over some cheap beer while you listen to some good fiction this summer. A mix of veteran and up-and-coming writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror) read excerpts and short stories once every month for this free event. This summer, highlights include Jack Ketchum and Scott Edelman on June 16 and, for the July 21 reading, M.K. Hobson and Lucius Shepard. Third Wednesdays, KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-505-3360; 7, Free.
Word Bookstores Next Literary Matchmaking Mixer Tired of dating morons who think theyre well read because theyve made it through every wand-wielding, magic-making, soft-core vampire porn novel? Ditch em and head to this event, where you can actually use your fantastic taste in literature to get laid without flashing your advance readers editions on the F train. June 17, The Diamond Bar, 43 Franklin St. (betw. Calyer & Quay Sts.), Brooklyn, 718- 383-0096; midnight, Free.
Happy Ending (Music and) Reading Series Host Amanda Sterns happy hour readings with music on the side, a perennially popular and star-studded series, so far include Dan Kois and Geeta Dayal for June 2, as well as Audrey Niffenegger and The Walking Hellos. Most of the themes and writers for the summer are still TBA, but expect an entertaining time. First Wednesdays, Joes Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 4th St. and Astor Pl.), 212-254- 1263; 7, $15.
World Cup 2010: The Indispensable Guide to Soccer and Geopolitics World Cup fever hits June 11. If youre going to pretend like you know what youre talking about for the only month every four years that Americans care about soccer, you better do your research. Join Stephen and Harrison Stark as they discuss their book World Cup 2010, which lays out the premise that soccer is the window to a nations soul. June 9, The Strand, 828 Broadway (at E. 12th St.), 212-473-1452; 7, Free.
Word for Word Series With an event nearly every other day this summer, the Word for Word series in Bryant Park has something for everyone. Highlights include funny woman Samantha Bee (June 9), mean girl publicist Kelly Cutrone (June 16), sex master Dr. Ruth (June 30) and bad-ass war journalist and screenwriter Sebastian Junger (July 14). Its the perfect storm of speakers. Wednesdays, Bryant Park, enter park at W. 41st St. and 6th Ave., 212-768-4242; 12:30, Free.
Franklin Park Reading Series Those of you in south Brooklyn might fancy a venture to the Franklin Park Reading Series. Happening on the second Monday of every month, it may not be as prestigious as some other events, but with a range of fiction and nonfiction along with standup, the up-andcoming series does offer something different. The summer schedule isnt set yet, but check the website for future events. Mondays, Franklin Park, 618 St. Johns Pl. (betw. Classon & Franklin Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-975-0196; 8, Free.
Ongoing Writers Series at BookCourt The recently expanded Brooklyn bookstore is hosting a shoal of solid authors from all genres. Wanna talk cocaine and sadomasochistic sex? Bret Easton Ellis drops by June 23. What about refl ections on rich people and their summer vacations? Supposed genius Colson Whitehead stops by June 15 to discuss his novel Sag Harbor. Theres something for everyone! BookCourt, 163 Court St. (betw. Dean & Pacific Sts.), Brooklyn, 718-875-3677, [www.bookcourt.org](http://www.bookcourt.org/); Free.
Housing Works Bookstore Café The non-profit has its once a year Open Air Street Fair June 5, where it opens up the secret basement vault and unloads thousands of books for a dollar each on Crosby Street. Award-winning Netherland author Joseph ONeill stops by June 10. For those of you whose psychiatric needs arent being met (i.e. all of you), there will be a July 21 event thats described as speed-dating but with shrinks to celebrate the paperback release of our pal Sue Shapiros Speed Shrinking. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby St. (betw. E. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212- 334-3324, [www.housingworks.org](http://www.housingworks.org/); Free.
Bloomsday on Broadway For the past 28 years, Symphony Space co-founder Isaiah Sheffer has hosted a marathon staging of scenes from James Joyces Ulysses, enlisting a lot of big-name celebrities to bring the story of a day in the life of Dublin anti-hero Leopold Bloom to life. Performances have been known to go on for seven hours, so be prepared for a lot of Joyce. June 16, Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (betw. W. 95th & W. 96th Sts.), 212-864-5400; 7 $25.