Author appearances: Robert Gates discusses new book at Chicago's Union League Club

• Meet children's book author Nick Bruel as he signs copies of his latest title, “Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase a copy of Bruel's book from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• “And Again” author Jessica Chiarella signs copies of her book at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. To reserve a place in the signing line, purchase a copy of “And Again” from Anderson's. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates discusses his newest book, “A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform From Fifty Years of Public Service,” at a luncheon event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the Union League Club, 66 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. The dress code for this event is business casual. Denim is not permitted. For reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880 or see eventbrite.com.

• Emma J. Virjan signs copies of her newest picture book, “What This Story Needs is a Hush and a Shush,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. To join the book-signing line, purchase a copy of the author's book from Anderson's. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Local best-selling author Melanie Benjamin signs copies of her latest title, “The Swans of Fifth Avenue,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. To join the book-signing line, purchase a copy of Benjamin's book from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Meet Janice Y.K. Lee as she discusses and signs copies of her new novel, “The Expatriates,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. To reserve a place in the signing line, purchase a copy of Lee's book from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• “The Story Thieves” author James Riley signs copies of his follow-up adventure title for young readers, “Story Thieves 2: The Stolen Chapters,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Raod, La Grange. For a place in the signing line, purchase a copy of Riley's new book from Anderson's. (708) 582-6353 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• New York Times best-selling author James Rollins signs copies of “The Bone Labyrinth,” his latest title in the “Sigma Force” series, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. To join the book-signing line, purchase a copy of “The Bone Labyrinth” from Anderson's. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Local author Frank McRae signs copies of his thriller titles “Vengeance: When All That's Left is Revenge” and “Premonitions” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Half Price Books, 2226 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. (847) 458-2669 or hpb.com.