If you thought Junot Diaz' appearance during the CityLit Festival was impressive, just look what the Pratt dragged in for "Marvelous May."

The month starts with a visit from Daniel Mark Epstein on May 2.  The local author will discuss his new book Lincoln's Men. Epstein's last book gave readers a fresh perspective on the Lincoln marriage with The Lincolns. Now he's offering a whole new take on our 16th president, with a behind-the-scenes history as told by his private secretaries, Nicolay, Hay and Stoddard.

On May 7, Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk will be in town promoting his 10th novel, Pygmy. Another cultural satire, Pygmy follows a gang of teen terrorists plotting against America.

You might remember a guy named Bill Ayers who was in the news quite a bit during the election. Well, Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn will stop by May 13 to discuss Race Course: Against White Supremacy as part of what has proven to be a bumpy national tour for Ayers. The authors point out racism in politics, education and the criminal justice system, with personal recollections about their lives both today and during the Vietnam War.

Michael Pollan, the man who has made it nearly impossible for me to buy juice, will present the book that ruined it all for me, (and I mean this in the best way possible) In Defense of Food. Join him May 16, and learn the mantra: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Other featured authors include Leonard Pitts, Laurie R. King, Mark Hyman and Monica Bhide. Their events, and many more can be found on the Read Street calendar.