Writer's block

The Printers Row Book Fair is a lot like its main sponsor, the Chicago Tribune–monopolistic, but an undeniable part of the local landscape. That's probably why it pulls in authors and booksellers, consistently and in droves, from around the world. This year, more than 50 bookstands will peddle everything from out-of-print classics to cheapo used-and-abused paperbacks, and authors will read and sign on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 from 10am to 6pm. The fairgrounds spill north and west from Dearborn and Polk Streets, and while most events take place along the street, fairgoers occasionally may have to duck into the nearby Harold Washington Library Center or the University Center building on Dearborn. Admission is free.Highlights Include:

Umberto Eco
The Italian novelist and semiotician unveils The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, a novel about a man who forgets everything but what he has read. Northwestern University Thorne Auditorium (375 E Chicago Ave), Fri 10 at 7pm. Event is free but requires reservations; call 312-494-9509 to R.S.V.P.

Naomi Wolf
Wolf took a break from her award-winning feminist criticism to write The Treehouse: Eccentric Wisdom from My Father on How to Live, Love, and See, a sharply written, tender ode to her father. Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC) Auditorium, Sat 11 at noon.

Natasha Friend
Friend talks about her award-winning young-adult book Perfect, which addresses the material pressures put on young girls. Coming into Their Own: Young Adult Fiction, University Center/Park Room, Sat 11 at 1pm.

Nick Hornby
The author of humorous, fallible-male, made-for-movie novels (Fever Pitch, High Fidelity, About a Boy) discusses the new A Long Way Down with the Trib's Literary Editor and Sunday Magazine Editor, Elizabeth Taylor. Heartland Stage, Sat 11 at 1pm.

Tayari Jones
With just two novels, this young author has proven to be a powerful storyteller of heart-wrenching, coming-of-age tales in the South. She'll participate in the Family Matters panel. HWLC Multi-Purpose Room, Sat 11 at 1pm.

Stuart Dybek
Dybek has taken on the role of Chicago's neighborhood fictioneer. He'll talk about the late, great Saul Bellow, and will team up with Chicagocentric nonfiction authors Bogira (Courtroom 302) and Kotlowitz (Never a City So Real). Saul Bellow Tribute, Nelson Algren Stage, Sat 11 at 2:30pm; and in Conversation with Steve Bogira and Alex Kotlowitz, University Center/Lake Room (525 S State St), Sat 11 at 4pm.–Cecilia Wong