Author events: Meet Chris Colfer, Michael Connelly in Naperville this week

• "Who's That Girl" author Blair Thornburgh signs copies of her book at 7 p.m. Monday, July 17, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. For a place in the signing, purchase the book from Anderson's in La Grange. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Actor and author Chris Colfer discusses his book "The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide," the conclusion to his New York Times best-selling series "The Land of Stories," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, in Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Highlights include a Q&A with the audience, a costume contest, "The Land of Stories" trivia contest and prizes. Colfer will pre-sign copies of his book. Tickets are $21.49 and are required. A pre-signed book is guaranteed with each ticket. A limited number of tickets are available by calling sponsor Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville at (630) 355-2665. For details, see andersonsbookshop.com.

• Meet "The Child" author Fiona Barton as she discusses her new novel at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at The Gallery, 202 E. Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest. Admission is $50 and includes the luncheon and a copy of the book. Reservations are required. Call (847) 234-4420. Event is sponsored by the Lake Forest Book Store. Barton will sign copies of her book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the singing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonbookshop.com.

• Author Steve Vaitonis, who writes under the name of Papa V, signs copies of his children's books "Vanished!" and "Edison the Christmas Elf and the Imperfect Perfect Toy" from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, during the Grayslake farmers market, outside of This Old Book, 138 Center St., Grayslake. (847) 548-6951 or thisoldbook.com.

• "First Star I See Tonight" author Susan Elizabeth Phillips discusses her book at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at the Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Register at webres.cooklib.org.

• Best-selling author Michael Connelly discusses his new book, "The Late Show," at 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, in Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets, which range from $20.50 to $31 and include a copy of the book, and are available at michaelconnellyandersons.brownpapertickets.com. Books purchased from vendors other than Anderson's are not permitted in the signing line. The event is sponsored by Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonbookshop.com.

• Kevin Hearne signs copies of his book "Besieged: Stories From the Iron Druid Chronicles" at 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Chicago author Marcus Sakey reads from and signs copies of his latest thriller, "Afterlife," at 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 293-2665 or bookcellarinc.com.