The moderator for the 14th “Luncheon with the Authors,” Oct. 15, author panel discussion is Tamala Edwards, weekday co-anchor, “Action News at 10 a.m.,” 6abc, Philadelphia.

Laura Polt, co-chair of the luncheon committee with Joie Mizuhara, says Edwards is a “fellow bookworm.”

“Luncheon with the Authors” is a benefit for the Allentown Art Museum, organized by the Society for the Arts (SOTA).

Three authors will talk about their books and answer questions about them.

On the evening of Oct. 14, there’s a related event, “Cocktails with the Authors.”

Committee members read about 25 books chosen from a list of new releases, Polt says.

“We want to get a lot of conversation out of the ones we choose, and want to pick ones that people can personally connect with,” says Polt.

“We avoid any that are too political. Everyone likes to read different things, so we try to find something for everyone,” Polt says in a phone interview.

As books are chosen, the authors are contacted to see if they are willing to travel to Allentown. Regional authors and those who live near airline hubs are more likely to accept.

The authors are sent 10 questions in advance that Edwards will ask them at the luncheon, about subjects like motivation and writing techniques. There will be a question and answer session.

The books and authors scheduled are:

“Becoming Madame Secretary,” by Stephanie Dray: The historical novel is based on the real-life Francis Perkins, the fourth Secretary of Labor. She was the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. Perkins balances family with work for social justice, while meeting figures like Sinclair Lewis and serving under Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

“Harvesting Rosewater,” by Paria Hassouri: The multi-cultural, award-winning novel features a newly divorced female chief of obstetrics and gynecology. She combines that identity with 40 years of memories of the Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq War, and a secret she has never shared with anyone.

“Like Mother, Like Mother,” by Susan Rieger: The novel spans three generations of strong-willed women with stories of marriage, ambition and power. Its three sections cover success in the media world with a search for a family secret.

All three books will be available for purchase and signing at both events. For the first time this year, book clubs are offered a discount. Two clubs have already bought tickets.

In 2025, Polt says 200 attended the luncheon and 40 were at the cocktail party.

The luncheon moved from Lehigh Country Club to the Renaissance Allentown Hotel two years ago.

SOTA is a nonprofit organization that supports Allentown Art Museum programs.

SOTA is adjusting its fundraising to support the museum’s move five blocks away to a new building at 10th and Hamilton streets, Allentown. Construction is to begin in 2027 with a projected opening in 2029.

SOTA’s other main fundraising event has been its house tour. In May, the SOTA Show House along Chestnut Street, Emmaus, had about 500 visitors.

SOTA has about 200 members, who act as docents (tour guides) and serve many other functions supporting the museum.

“Luncheon with the Authors,” 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 15, Renaissance Allentown Hotel, 12 N. Seventh St, Allentown.

“Cocktails with the Authors,” 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Oct. 14, Allentown Art Museum, 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown.

Information: https://www.sotapa.org/events

“Literary Scene” is a column about authors, books and publishing. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com