You can attend baseball fantasy camps and play games with big leaguers. You can go on boat cruises that feature rock, blues, roots and metal bands rubbing elbows with the hoi polloi.

Why not, then, conceptualize a book-biz extravaganza where avid readers get to spend a weekend going to signings, lectures, panel discussions, and receptions with bestselling authors and publishing industry professionals?

The Big Book Club Getaway takes place Friday and Saturday at the Mohegan Sun. Over 45 authors will be in attendance including Brad Meltzer, J.A. Jance, Tess Gerritsen, National Book Award winner Carlos Eire, Leeza Gibbons, Hallie Ephron, Natalie Charles, Hank Phillipi Ryan and Jessica Anderson.

Expect overlapping sensoral experiences that combine writing, good food and drink, conversation - and the attendant attractions of the casino.

- RICK KOSTER

The Big Book Club Getaway, 6-10:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Mohegan Sun Casino; $100 for the two-day session, $50 single day admission; 1-888-664-3426, mohegansun.com.