Words & Ideas: Author readings and signings

TODAY

Joe Lansdale The author of “Leather Maiden” will read and sign his new book. Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 1 p.m. Free. (805) 374-0084.

MONDAY

Nathaniel Mackey The author will read and sign the latest volume in his ongoing “Great American Jazz Novel” series, titled “Bass Cathedral.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

TUESDAY

Susan Squire The author of “I Don’t: A Contrarian History of Marriage” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

WEDNESDAY

Joie Davidow The author of “I Wouldn’t Leave Rome to Go to Heaven” will read and sign her new novel. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Debra Ginsberg The author of “The Grift” will read and sign her new book. Attendees who purchase the book will have their names entered into a drawing for a free astrological reading by Ginsberg. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Amit Goswami The author of “God Is Not Dead: What Quantum Physics Tells Us About Our Origins and How We Should Live” will present and sign his new book. Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733.

THURSDAY

Natasha Bauman The author will read and sign her new novel, “The Disorder of Longing.” Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 454-4063.

V.V. Ganeshananthan The author of “Love Marriage” will read and sign her new novel. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Kim Cooper, David Smay and Hayden Childs Three authors with books on Continuum’s 33 1/3 series will present and sign their book-length tributes to notable rock albums by Neutral Milk Hotel, Tom Waits and Richard & Linda Thompson, respectively. Cooper and Smay will host an Esotouric bus tour, “Crawling Down Cahuenga: Tom Waits’ Los Angeles,” from noon to 4 p.m., preceding the signing at 6 p.m. Visit www.esotouric.com for more information. Metropolis Books, 440 S. Main. St., Los Angeles. 6 p.m. Signing free; bus tour $62 per person. (213) 612-0174.

Debra Ginsberg The author of “The Grift” will read and sign her new book. Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 1 p.m. Free. (805) 374-0084.

Skylight Books 1814 Grand Opening Celebration The local independent bookstore marks the opening of its annex with discounts, refreshments, music and more. Skylight Books 1814, 1814 N. Vermont Ave. , Los Angeles. 11 a.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

NEXT SUNDAY

Tongue & Groove Conrad Romo hosts this monthly reading series. The latest installment will feature Chiwan Choi, Chris Kerr, Doug Cordell, Pat Payne and Nancy Pimental, with music by Les July. Visit www.tongueandgroovela.com for more information. Hotel Cafe, 1623½ N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. 6 p.m. $6. (323) 937-0136.