Book Calendar

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Michael Connelly The author will read and sign his latest book, “The Brass Verdict.” Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 1 p.m. Free. (805) 374-0084.

Omarosa The reality television personality will present and sign her new book, “The Bitch Switch.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Rhapsodomancy Reading Series The series celebrates its fourth anniversary with readings by authors Eloise Klein Healy (“The Islands Project: Poems for Sappho”), Elizabeth Bradfield (“Interpretive Work”), Michelle Bitting (“Good Friday Kiss”) and series curator Wendy C. Ortiz. www.rhapsodomancy.org. Good Luck Bar, 1514 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. 7:30 p.m. $3.

MONDAY

Diane Ackerman Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “The Zookeeper’s Wife” in conversation with program curator Louise Steinman. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

TUESDAY

Gustavo Arellano Zócalo Public Square Lecture Series presents the author of “Orange County: Nature’s Wonderland?” www.zocalola.org. Actors’ Gang at the Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Ian Buruma Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “The China Lover” in conversation with UC Santa Barbara professor John Nathan. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Hugh Hefner The publishing titan will sign his new biography, “Mr. Playboy,” with author Steven Watts. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Ticketed event. Contact store for details. (310) 659-3110.

WEDNESDAY

Madeleine Albright The former Secretary of State in the Clinton administration will present and sign her new book, “Memo to the President.” Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 525-0270.

Alan Cheuse The author will read and sign his new novel, “To Catch the Lightning.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Malleus The Italian graphic arts collective will present and sign its new compendium of rock concert posters, “The Hammer of God.” La Luz de Jesus Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 4 p.m. Free. (323) 666-7667.

Ingrid Newkirk The author of “One Can Make a Difference: How Simple Actions Can Change the World” will present and sign her new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

THURSDAY

Marilynne Robinson Aloud at Central Library presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Gilead” in conversation with KCRW “Bookworm” host Michael Silverblatt on the subject of Robinson’s new novel, “Home.” www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Amy Sedaris The humorist and author of “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence” will present and sign her book. Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 525-0270.

FRIDAY

Wafaa Bilal The author of “Shoot an Iraqi” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Jonathan Carroll The author will read and sign his latest novel, “The Ghost in Love.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

David Francis The author will read and sign his new novel, “Stray Dog Winter.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Untitled: Speculations on the Expanded Field of Writing Now in its fifth year, the experimental writing conference presented in association with CalArts will feature two full days of panels, discussions and readings with writers and artists including Young-Hae Chang, Latasha Diggs, Johanna Drucker, Kenneth Goldsmith, Robert Grenier, Douglas Kearney, Steve McCaffery, Julie Patton, Salvador Plascencia, Jessica Smith, Brian Kim Stefans, Stephanie Taylor, Shanxing Wang and Heriberto Yepez. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Fri.-Sat. (213) 237-2800.

SATURDAY

The Book of Lists: Horror Pre-Halloween Party Editors Amy Wallace, Del Howison and Scott Bradley will be joined by contributors to the new book in an event that will also feature frightening food (from Palermo), demented drinks and killer contests. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Sarah Shun-Lien Bynum The author of “Ms. Hempel Chronicles” and “Madeleine Is Sleeping” will discuss and sign her books as part of the Hammer Readings series. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Lisa See, Yxta Maya Murray and David Fuller The Women’s National Book Assn. presents a reading by the three authors. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

NEXT SUNDAY

Victor Villasenor The author of “Rain of Gold” will present and sign his new memoir, “Crazy Loco Love,” outside in the Vroman’s courtyard. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 4 p.m. Ticketed event; contact store for details. (626) 449-5320.