Books and authors

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Seventh annual West Hollywood Book Fair More than 400 authors will be present for a wide range of panel discussions, signings and readings, in addition to three live performance stages, a children’s area and exhibitor booths. www.westhollywoodbookfair.org. West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (323) 848-6515.

Michelle Moran The author of “The Heretic Queen” will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Lisa See and Nina Revoyr Aloud at Central Library presents the authors of “Peony in Love” and “The Age of Dreaming,” respectively, in conversation with author Dinah Lenney. Held in conjunction with the Grand Avenue Festival. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 3 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Vermin on the Mount Jim Ruland hosts this bimonthly reading series; the latest installment will feature readings by authors Zak Smith, Ayn Imperato and Dahlia Schweitzer. www.vermin.blogs.com. Mountain, 473 Gin Ling Way, L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 617-2216.

MONDAY

Candace Bushnell The author of “Sex and the City” will present and sign her latest book, “One Fifth Avenue.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

WEDNESDAY

Graeme Base The author of “The Eleventh Hour” will present and sign his latest book for children ages 4 to 8, “Enigma: A Magical Mystery.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Democracy in Distress Panel Discussion California Common Cause presents a panel discussion featuring Marjorie Cohn, Bruce Fein and Robert Scheer; moderated by Tanya Acker. A signing and reception will follow. Visit www.commoncause.org/ca/moca for more information. Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 6:30 p.m. $20-$50. (213) 252-4552.

Annette Gordon-Reed Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family” in conversation with Gary B. Nash. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

THURSDAY

Jonathan Ames The author will present and sign his debut graphic novel, “The Alcoholic.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

On Seeing and Being: Aloud Science Series with Dr. Barbara Tversky A lecture on visual communication followed by a conversation with Tversky and science writer Margaret Wertheim. Arrive early and watch the televised vice presidential debate. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the Aloud program immediately after the debate. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Rick Wartzman The author of “Obscene in the Extreme” will present and sign his new book about the censorship of “The Grapes of Wrath.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

David Henry Sterry and Chelsea Handler The author of “Master of Ceremonies: A True Story of Sex, Drugs, Roller Skates and Chippendales” will lead a discussion on “The Art of the Memoir: Writing, Reading and Selling Your Life Story” with Handler, author of the recent book “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

SATURDAY

Cecil Castellucci The graphic novelist (“The P.L.A.I.N. Janes”) will present and sign her latest book, “Janes in Love.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Leni Zumas The author of “Farewell Navigator” will read and sign her debut collection of stories. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.