Book Calendar

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

TODAY

An Evening of New Nonfiction With Wayne Koestenbaum, Sarah Thornton and David L. Ulin The three authors, of “The Queen’s Throat,” “Seven Days in the Art World” and “The Myth of Solid Ground,” respectively, will read and discuss their work. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 7 p.m. $5-$10; free for CalArts students. (213) 237-2800.

Gabrielle Burton The author of “Searching for Tamsen Donner” will read and sign her new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Michio Kaku The author of “Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation and Time Travel” will present and sign his new book. Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960.

Dito Montiel The author of “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” will read and sign his memoir. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Rhapsodomancy Reading Series Jericho Brown, Ching-In Chen, Sina Grace and Edan Lepucki will read their work in the latest installment of the monthly literary salon. www.rhapsodomancy.org. Good Luck Bar, 1514 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. 7:30 p.m. $3.

John Tottenham, Rob Roberge and Annabelle Gurwitch The three authors will present and sign the fanzine “Love.” Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 4 p.m. Free. (213) 413-3733.

MONDAY

An Evening With Wangari Maathai Zócalo, in association with the UCLA Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations, presents the Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder of the Green Belt Movement and author of “The Challenge for Africa,” in conversation with Kal Raustiala. www.zocalopublicsquare.org. Fowler Museum at UCLA, Sunset Boulevard and Westwood Plaza, Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 825-4361.

Paula Huston The author of “Forgiveness: Following Jesus Into Radical Loving” will present and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Zachary Mexico The author of “China Underground” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

TUESDAY

Cari Beauchamp The author of “ Joseph P. Kennedy Presents: His Hollywood Years” will read and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Judge Thomas Buergenthal Aloud at Central Library presents the specialist in human rights law and author of “A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy” in conversation with Times Op Ed page editor Nick Goldberg. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Elizabeth Cunningham The author of “Bright Dark Madonna” will read and sign her new book. Mystic Journey Bookstore, 1319 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 399-7070.

A New New Deal Hammer Forums presents James Galbraith, professor of economics at University of Texas at Austin, in conversation with KPFK-FM’s “Background Briefing” host Ian Masters. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Lynne Sharon Schwartz The author will read and discuss her work as part of the museum’s New American Writing series. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Leslie Simon The author of “Wish You Were Here: An Essential Guide to Your Favorite Music Scenes -- From Punk to Indie and Everything in Between” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

WEDNESDAY

Linda Gregerson, Paul Muldoon and Robert Pinsky Aloud at Central Library presents a reading of poems by the three Kingsley Tufts Prize judges, the awardees for which will be announced April 23. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Stefan Kanfer The author of “Somebody: The Reckless Life and Remarkable Career of Marlon Brando” will present and sign his new biography of the formidable actor. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Sam Lipsyte The novelist, whose books include “Home Land,” “The Subject Steve” and “Venus Drive” will read and discuss his work. Otis College of Art and Design, 9045 Lincoln Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 527-6847.

THURSDAY

Jim Beaver The author of “Life’s That Way” will present and sign his new memoir. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Katherine Dunn The author of “One Ring Circus: Dispatches From the World of Boxing” will present and sign her new anthology of boxing essays. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 9:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Oliver Sacks UCLA Live presents a discussion and signing by the author of “Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain.” Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, L.A. 8 p.m. $25-$50. (310) 825-2101.

Jane Smiley Aloud at Central Library presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist giving a talk, “The Novel! Why There’s Nothing Quite Like It!” www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. Full; standby only. (213) 228-7025.

Jerry Stahl The author will read and sign copies of his new book, “Pain Killers.” Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 413-3733.

Evan Wright The author of “Hella Nation” will read and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

Amy Goodman The Democracy Now! host will present and sign her new book, “Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 12:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

SATURDAY

Contemporary Art Conversations A panel of local critics, artists and curators will discuss art issues of the day at the inaugural event in the new bimonthly series, featuring Andrew Berardini, Marlena Donohue, Peter Frank and John O’Brien; moderated by Betty Ann Brown. Reception follows the discussion at 7 p.m. Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, 357 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free; reservations requested. (323) 938-5222.