Ben Marcus's 'Flame Alphabet'

What better setting for a reading of a postapocalyptic sci-fi novel in which children are cleaved from their parents than the New Museum? The place looks like the monolith from the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey with a hint of the Death Star, and we’ve certainly never seen a child there. We’re so excited for the reading of Ben Marcus’s new novel, The Flame Alphabet, here, though we’re not used to digesting anything requiring serious thought in a museum (aren’t they just for people-watching and fine dining?). Mr. Marcus’s novel has been met with raves—it’s this season’s big novel by a well-regarded white male, carrying the torch Jonathan Franzen puts down to chase birds. We’ll see you there—and you’d better not bring your squalling brat!

Sky Room at the New Museum, 235 Bowery, 7 p.m.

Due to an error on our part, this event was written for the wrong date--it took place on Feb. 16. We regret the error.