Terry Gross @ Steppenwolf

Terry Gross, host of the NPR talk show Fresh Air, will give a talk tonight at 7:30 PM at Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre. She will also read excerpts from her forthcoming book, "All I Did Was Ask," and answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $40 (hey, it's Terry Gross!), and can be purchased online, or by calling (312) 335-1650. Steppenwolf: 1650 N. Halsted.

Rhino Theater Fest: The Big Promise

As part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, "Bryn Magnus reads from his new novel, The Big Promise, the story of a morally disadvantaged father trying to redeem himself in the eyes of his teenage son. Specifically it's about a fringe playwright prone to tears and antisocial behavior whose son convinces him he might find redemption investigating the home invasion and robbery of a friend. Elmore Leonard meets Dave Eggers." 7pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.