Author events: Meet former 'Top Chef' star Viviani at luncheon in Highwood

• DePaul University English and creative writing instructor Kathleen Rooney discusses her new novel, "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk," at noon Monday, May 15, at the University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago. $25; admission does not include a copy of the book. The dress code for this event is business casual; no denim is permitted. For reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880 or see thebookstall.com.

• "My Italian Bulldozer" author Alexander McCall Smith signs copies of his book at 7 p.m. Monday, May 15, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough reads from, discusses and signs copies of his new book, "The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For," at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Chicago Public Library, 400 S. State St., Chicago. Free. chipublib.org.

• Best-selling Norwegian author Jo Nesbo discusses his new book, "The Thirst," part of his "Harry Hole" book series, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park. Tickets are $31.50 and are available at jonesbo.brownpapertickets.com or by calling sponsor The Book Table at (708) 386-9800. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

• Meet former "Top Chef" star and restaurateur Fabio Viviani, author of the cookbook "Fabio's 30-Minute Italian," at a luncheon running from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Froggy's French Cafe, 306 Green Bay Road, Highwood. Admission is $60; a copy of the book is included. Register by calling the Lake Forest Book Store at (847) 234-4420. For details, visit lakeforestbookstore.com.

• Due to a sold out first show, a second show has been added for author Rob Bell. He'll appear at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the Madden Theatre, on the campus of North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. Bell will discuss his book "What is the Bible?" Tickets are required. Each $30.09 ticket includes a copy of "What is the Bible?" Pre-signed books will be distributed at the event. Companion packages are available for $40.09. For tickets and information, visit sponsor Anderson's Bookshop's website at andersonsbookshop.com.

• Nadine Kenney Johnstone signs copies of her book "Of This Much I'm Sure: A Memoir" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Downers Grove. (630) 963-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Author David Garrow discusses his book "Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama" at a luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at The Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago. Tickets are required and cost $40. Tickets do not include a copy of the book. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. For tickets, call Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville at (630) 355-2665 or visit andersonsbookshop.com.

• Local author Holly Curtis discusses her book "Large Fry Small Fry Medium Orange" at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Lake Forest Book Store, 662 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest. Register by calling the bookstore at (847) 234-4420. For details, visit lakeforestbookstore.com.

• Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson signs copies of her book "Audacity Jones Steals the Show" at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Downers Grove. (630) 963-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presents a program with Tyra Manning, author of the book "Where the Water Meets the Sand," at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Registration is required at (847) 253-5675, mppl.org or in person at the library.

• The New York Times best-selling author Paula Hawkins ("The Girl on the Train") discusses and signs copies of her new novel, "Into the Water," at 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville. Tickets are required. One ticket and one book cost $37; two tickets and one book cost $47. Visit paulahawkinsandersons.brownpapertickets.com. The event is sponsored by Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• The New York Times best-selling author Barbara Bottner signs copies of her new children's picture book, "Priscilla Gorilla," at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Betsy Bird discusses and signs copies of her new children's book, "Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever," at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880 or thebookstall.com.