I was going to recommend a sweet music edition of Amanda Stern’s Happy Ending Reading Series on Wednesday, done in conjunction with Sufjan Stevens’ record label Asthmatic Kitty, featuring Daphne Carr, Rob Sheffield, Alec Bemis, and music from My Brightest Diamond, but Joe’s Pub’s website indicates it’s sold out. If you know of some mystical way to get in, do so, then e-mail me at shawnandrew@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 1, 7:00pm
Union Square Barnes & Noble (33 E. 17th Street, North side of the park)
Jhumpa Lahiri: Unaccustomed Earth

I don’t like recommending readings at B&N much, but this is Jhumpa Lahiri, so I make an exception. The author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Interpreter of Maladies and the recently adapted-for-film The Namesake has a new collection of short stories out, and she’ll be at the B&N in Union Square to read, do a Q+A, and sign books. I recommend getting there early if you want a seat (like an hour early). The last time I caught her doing a reading and discussion with Mira Nair there regarding the movie, the place was packed to the back of the top floor.

Thursday, April 3, 7:30pm
Solas Bar (232 E. 9th Street, between 3rd and 2nd Aves)
The St. Mark’s Bookshop Reading Series

St. Mark’s Bookshop has started up a reading series, and you can expect good things to come of it. Tonight’s the second inaugural night, and it features A.M. Homes (The Mistress’s Daughter), Charles Bock (Beautiful Children), and Samantha Hunt (The Invention of Everything Else). I’ve already plugged a couple of those titles, but this should be a good night.