Author appearances
• "The Dark Tide" author Andrew Gross reads from and signs copies of his new book at 2 p.m. April 12 at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
• Meet "Starting from Scratch" author and renowned feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett as she signs copies of her book and takes part in a question and answer session from 2 to 4 p.m. April 13 at the Tree House Animal Foundation Bucktown, 1629 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. Catnip tea and treats will be served. (773) 784-5488 or www.treehouseanimals.org.
• Mystery writer Alex Matthews presents a free workshop titled "How To End a Battle of Wills and Achieve Peace" at 2 p.m. April 13 at Centuries & Sleuths bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. Matthews will also sign copies of her new book "Murder's Madness" after the workshop. (708) 771-7243.
• "The Penderwicks on Gardam Street" author Jeanne Birdsall reads from and signs copies of her book at 7 p.m. April 14 at Borders, 6971 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. (847) 249-1845.
• Meet actress and author Marilu Henner as she discusses and signs copies of her new health and lifestyle guide "Wear Your Life Well: Use What You Have to Get What You Want" at 7:30 p.m. April 15 at Borders, 1540 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. (847) 330-0031.
• Meet former Chicago Cub and author Billy Williams as he signs copies of his book "Billy Williams: My Sweet-Swinging Lifetime with the Cubs" at 12:30 p.m. April 16 at Borders, 150 N. State St., Chicago. (312) 606-0750.
-- Laura Stewart