Book and author events

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Christie Mellor The author of “Were You Raised by Wolves?” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Chuck Palahniuk The author will sign copies of his novels “Choke,” “Snuff” and “An Oral Biography of Buster Casey.” Dark Delicacies, 4213 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank. 2 p.m. Free. (818) 556-6660.

Poetry at the Ruskin Red Hen Press editor Kate Gale and Elena Karina Byrne, poetry consultant for the L.A. Times Festival of Books, will host a poetry reading with Tracy K. Smith and Julilana Spahr, which will be followed by a reception and refreshments. www.redhen.org. Ruskin Art Club, 800 S. Plymouth Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. $5-$10. (310) 669-2369.

TUESDAY

Amy Arbus & Alan Cumming The Hammer Conversations series presents the photographer in conversation with actor Alan Cumming on the subject of Arbus’ new book, “The Fourth Wall.” Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Sandra Tsing Loh The humorist and author of “Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$ Story About Parenting!” will read and sign her new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Sarah Lyall Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British” in conversation with the producer of KCRW’s “To the Point,” Frances Anderton. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

E. Benjamin Skinner Zocalo Public Square Lecture Series presents a lecture titled “A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery” given by the author of “A Crime So Monstrous.” www.zocalola.org. Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free.

WEDNESDAY

Alan Alda The actor will present and sign his book, “Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself.” Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 456-9961.

Paul Auster Writers Bloc presents the author of “New York Trilogy” in conversation with author Michael Tolkin on the subject of Auster’s new novel, “Man in the Dark.” www.writersblocpresents.com. Temple Emanuel, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. $20. (310) 335-0917.

Howard Blum The author of “American Lightning” will present and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Pamela & Michael Des Barres The self-described “Queen of the Groupies” will present and sign the reissue of her memoir, “Take Another Little Piece of My Heart” with rocker ex-husband Michael. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Randa Jarrar The author of “A Map of Home” will read and sign her new novel. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Irvine Welsh Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Crime” in conversation with Los Angeles Times book editor David L. Ulin. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

THURSDAY

Sarah Shun-Lien Bynum The author of “Ms. Hempel Chronicles” will read and sign her new novel. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Farnaz Fassihi & Dexter Filkins Aloud at Central Library presents a conversation between two war correspondents. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

FRIDAY

Christopher Buckley Writers Bloc presents the author of “Supreme Courtship” in conversation with political satirist Paul Slansky. www.writersblocpresents.com. MGM Screening Room, 10250 Constellation Blvd., Century City. 7:30 p.m. $20. (310) 335-0917.

Gioia Timpanelli The author of “What Makes a Child Lucky” will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

SATURDAY

Jim Dawson and Cory & Sarah Stargel Authors Dawson (“Los Angeles’ Angel’s Flight”) and the Stargels (“Early Los Angeles County Attractions”) will present and sign their new books. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Janis Ian The singer-songwriter will present and sign her new memoir, “Society’s Child.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Peter Moruzzi The author of “Havana Before Castro” will present and sign his new book. La Luz de Jesus Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 6 p.m. Free. (323) 666-7667.