Each week, we offer a roundup of the best literary events in the city. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Go here.

Sally Mann (The Flesh and the Spirit)

Wednesday, March 21, 8 pm, at Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness Ave.)

Sally Mann (left) is one of America's most celebrated photographers, and her work graces the collections of the MOMA, the Met, the San Francisco Museum of Art, and Elton John, among others. In her latest work, she compiles studies of the human body from across her long career, from 1970s Polaroids to more recent nudes of her husband (a subject to which she devoted a whole book, 2009's Proud Flesh). Tickets for her City Arts & Lectures appearance are $22-27, and can be purchased here.

Wild Ride: A Poetry Reading

Friday, March 23, 7:30-10:30 pm, at the San Francisco Motorcycle Club (2194 Folsom St.)

Eight scribes from the SF State and San Bernardino State poetry programs will read their work in an unusual location: the historic San Francisco Motorcycle Club, which is the nation's second-oldest motorcycle organization. (Don't be worried about gangs on bikes; it's a classy joint.) After the reading, the club will offer drinks and dancing. More info on the poets and the reading can be found here.

Daniel Halperin and Craig Timberg (Tinderbox: How the West Sparked the AIDS Epidemic, and How the World Can Finally Overcome It)

Wednesday, March 21, 7 pm, at Book Passage Corte Madera (51 Tamal Vista Blvd.)

Former Washington Post Johannesburg bureau chief Timberg and noted epidemiologist Halperin have teamed up for this wide-ranging indictment of how the West has worsened the HIV problem in Africa. From causing its initial spread through colonial land-grabs and Christian proselytizing to complicating its treatment by ignoring African-developed programs in favor of well-meaning, but flawed initiatives, Western meddling in Africa has resulted in the loss of millions of lives. The book also offers the authors' thoughts on how HIV prevention and treatment in Africa can be improved.

Aimee Phan (The Reeducation of Cherry Truong)

Monday, March 26, 7 pm, at Books Inc. Opera Plaza (601 Van Ness Ave.)

Phan's debut novel is the epic tale of two Vietnamese families, the Vos and the Truongs. After a narrow escape from their homeland in the wake of the Vietnam War, their relationship is eventually torn apart by lies and betrayal. The story picks up in the present day with 21-year-old Cherry Truong, whose older brother is exiled from her parents' home and sent to live with distant relatives in Vietnam. When Cherry travels to Vietnam in hopes of bringing him back, she uncovers decades of secrets-- and a new sense of self-- along the way.