Author Ben Marcus might make you question parenthood. In “Cold Little Bird,” a short story that published in The New Yorker in 2015, and his book, The Flame Alphabet, he creates parents forced to deal with backtalk, sarcasm and detachment from their offspring. Marcus is also author of The Age of Wire and editor of Anchor Book of New American Stories. He comes to McColl in partnership with CPCC during its annual Sensoria. Doors at 6:30 p.m.;, reading 7 p.m.; Book signing follows.

Price: $5-$7; free with CPCC I.D.