Book calendar for the week of Dec. 14, 2008

Words & Ideas

MONDAY

Pure Country Book Launch Roni Stoneman -- “The First Lady of Banjo” -- will be joined by Mike Stinson, Dave Gleason and Dave Serby for a release party celebrating the new photography book “Pure Country: The Leon Kagarise Archives, 1961-1971.” Echoplex (below the Echo), 1152 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. 7:30 p.m. $10. (213) 413-8200.

TUESDAY

Carrie Fisher The actress and author of “Postcards From the Edge” will read and sign her new book -- and first memoir -- “Wishful Drinking.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Janet Fitch The author of “White Oleander” and “Paint It Black” will be interviewed by Gerry Fialka for MESS (Media Ecology Soul Salon). Canal Club, 2025 Pacific Ave., Venice. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 306-7330.

Steven Watts & Hugh Hefner The author and subject of “Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream” will present and sign the new biography on the publishing titan. Barnes & Noble, 189 the Grove Drive, L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 525-0270.