Author appearances
• Duane Hampton, the widow of famed interior designer Mark Hampton, discusses her book about her husband, "Mark Hampton: An American Decorator," from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Wine and cheese will be served at event. (847) 446-8880.
• "Stay" author Allie Larkin discusses and signs copies of her new book at 7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Borders Books and Music, 1500 16th St., Oak Brook. (630) 574-0800.
• Rock legend and author Pat Benatar signs copies of her new book "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Borders Books and Music, 830 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Benatar will not sign any items other than her new book. Wristbands will be given out at 9 a.m. on the day of the event to organize the signing line. (312) 573-0564.
• Borders Books and Music, at 101 Rice Lake Square in Wheaton, welcomes authors Rebecca Cantrell and Shane Gericke at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 19. Cantrell will read from and sign copies of her book "A Night of Long Knives," and Gericke will read from and sign copies of his book "Torn Apart." (630) 871-9595.
• Meet author, syndicated columnist and economics expert Mark Miller as he discusses his new paperback book "The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work and Living" at 7 p.m. Monday, July 19, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880.
• Author Carrie Bebris visits the Warren-Newport Public Library at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, to discuss the latest novel in her Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series, "The Intrigue at Highbury (or Emma's Match)." Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required. The Warren-Newport Public Library is at 224 N. O'Plaine Road in Gurnee. Call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
• Shane Gericke reads from and signs copies of his new book "Torn Apart" at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
- Laura Stewart