The three best book events happening this week

February has barely started yet and Valentine’s Day is already everywhere. But you don’t have to devote your whole month to all things lovey dovey. Just this week, the New York City literary community is providing places for the physiology-curious, lovers of fast food and especially broken-hearted to gather together. Get all the deets here.

Dr. James Doty and Rabbi Irwin Kula for “Into The Magic Shop”
Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
Strand Books,828 Broadway, 212-473-1452
Strandbooks.com

Two highly respected experts (Dr. James Doty is the head of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Autism Research and Education, and Rabbi Irbin Kula is the president of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership) will lead an intellectually charged discussion about how the head and the heart are connected. It’s a subject Doty explores at length in his new book, “Into the Magic Shop” and the findings are so intriguing you’ll be prompted to divulge your new knowledge to your friends later. To attend the event, you must buy a copy of the book or a $15 gift card.

Related: Books for your feminist book club

Jon Hein for “Fast Food Maniac” with Gary Dell’Abate
Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Tribeca,97 Warren St., 212-587-5389
Stores.barnesandnoble.com

Not to be confused with Eric Schlosser’s book “Fast Food Nation,”which highlights some really gross facts about the fast food industry, Jon Hein’s book “Fast Food Maniac”celebrates the big chains that so many of us grew up on. Hein went behind the scenes at dozens of the biggest chains, uncovering secret menus, how new items were tested, a nostalgic look back at the best giveaways and more. “The Howard Stern Show”‘s Gary Dell’Abate will lead the discussion.

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered: Stories of the Heart
Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.
The Moth,The Great Hall at Cooper Union
7 E. 7th St., 212-742-0551
TheMoth.org

The Moth’s Love Hurts event is the perfect place to find solace if you are of the anti-relationship mindset. Storytellers will share tales of the darker side of love. Get ready to hear some epic stories about getting dumped, loving someone from afar and being hurt in terrible, twisted ways. Sounds fun, right?

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