Book notes: Jennifer Hudson to appear at Skokie's B&N

Ÿ “The Journal of Best Practices” author David Finch discusses and signs copies of his book at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Barnes and Noble — Old Orchard, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 676-2230 or barnesandnoble.com.

Ÿ Meet author Michael Black as he discusses and signs copies of his book “The Incredible Adventures of Doc Atlas” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243 or centuriesandsleuths.com.

Ÿ Best-selling mystery novelist Sara Paretsky discusses and signs “Breakdown,” the next installment in her “V.I. Warshawski” series, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Barnes and Noble — Old Orchard, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 676-2230 or barnesandnoble.com.

Ÿ Chicago-area author Charlie Newton discusses and signs copies of his new novel, “Start Shooting,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Register by calling (847) 244-5150 (press 7) or by visiting wnpl.info.

Ÿ Oscar-winning actress, singer and Chicago native Jennifer Hudson signs copies of her new memoir, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Barnes and Noble — Old Orchard, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. Free; numbered signing-line tickets will be distributed beginning at 4 p.m. to customers presenting a copy of Hudson's book with proof of purchase from Barnes and Noble. One ticket per customer. (847) 676-2230 or barnesandnoble.com.

Ÿ Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins discusses and signs copies of her new picture book and three-song CD, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Anderson's Bookshop at 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Priority numbers for the book-signing line are available with the purchase of the author's book from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.