Literati Roundup: Love Stinks, Read Books!

So it's Valentine's Day. And if you're not busy cavorting with your Sweet Baboo in a gushy fountain of chocolate and self-satisfaction, consider feeding your snark instead, with Love Stinks: Tales of Hook-ups and Heartbreak, a reading all about the ugly side of cupid from the mouth of babes - well, by babes we mean some very funny authors and comedians like Marcy Dermansky and Heather Fink. The reading starts at 7:30PM at Mo Pitkin's (34 Ave A) and it's brought to you by the same people that produce Chicks and Giggles. Oh, and like heartbreak, it's free.

Also tonight, unrelated to Valentine's Day (we think), Kate Braverman reads from her new book, Frantic Transmissions To and From Los Angeles at the New School (66 West 12th St., room 510), moderated by Writing Program Director Robert Polito. It starts at 6:30PM and costs $5.

Or, just in case all that chocolate got you seriously in the mood, considering winding down your aphrodisiac haze tomorrow night (2/15) with Rachel Kramer-Bussell, hosting the monthly In The Flesh erotic reading series. It's held at the appropriately-named Happy Ending Lounge (302 Broome St.) starts at 8PM and is totally free.

While we don't usually list the B&N readings, eschewing them for the same authors' more interesting stops at smaller bookstores and bars (because of the beer!), B&N has enough interesting readers on their plate this weekend that a couple are certainly worth a mention. At the Barnes and Noble at 2289 Broadway on 2/16, Carol Goodman reads from her latest novel, The Ghost Orchid starting at 7PM and free. And award-winning mystery author Rebecca Pawel reads that same night (but at 7:30PM) at the Park Slope B&N (7th Ave. and 6th St.) from her latest book, The Summer Snow.