Book calendar events for the week of May 29, 2011

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Pierre Odier: The author of “Cambodia Angkor: A Lasting Legacy” will discuss and sign his recent book. Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. (626) 449-2742.

TUESDAY

Jason Felch: The author of “Chasing Aphrodite: The Hunt for Looted Antiquities at the World’s Richest Museum” will discuss and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Melissa Fay Greene: Aloud at Central library presents the journalist and author of “No Biking in the House Without a Helmet” in conversation with novelist Seth Greenland. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Ricky Jay and David Mamet: Jay, the celebrated sleight of hand artist, actor and author of, most recently, “Celebrations of Curious Characters” will discuss his life and work with long-time friend and collaborator, playwright and screenwriter Mamet. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner: Writers Bloc presents a discussion and signing of Van Dyke’s new memoir, “My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business,” with “Dick Van Dyke Show” writer-creator Reiner. Writers Guild Theatre, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. $20 (sold out). https://www.writersblocpresents.com.

WEDNESDAY

Cara Eisenpress & Phoebe Lapine: The authors of “In the Small Kitchen: 100 Recipes From Our Year of Cooking in the Real World” will present and sign their new cookbook. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Josh Flagg: The author of “Million Dollar Agent: Brokering the Dream” will discuss and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Michael Scott Moore: The author of “Sweetness and Blood: How Surfing Spread From Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, with Some Unexpected Results” will discuss and sign his new book. Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960.

Telling Mexico’s Stories: Zócalo and Grupo Salinas present a panel discussion featuring Dallas Morning News Mexico City bureau chief Alfredo Corchado, Belo TV border bureau chief Angela Kocherga, Imagen News host Ana Maria Salazar and Gatopardo editor Guillermo Osorno. Moderated by Mexico City-based news producer Susana Seijas. MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (213) 626-6222. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

THURSDAY

Adam Hochschild: Aloud at Central Library presents the historian and author of “To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918” in conversation with UC Irvine Professor of History Jon Wiener. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Lisa See: The author will read and sign her new novel, “Dreams of Joy.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Lisa Ann Walter: The author of “The Best Thing About My Ass Is That It’s Behind Me” will discuss and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

FRIDAY

Jorge Castañeda: Zócalo presents a discussion and signing with the author of “Mañana Forever?: Mexico and the Mexicans.” Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 440-4500. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

Paul Madonna: The author of “Everything Is Its Own Reward” will present and sign his new collection of drawings and writings. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

SATURDAY

Can Art and Politics be Thought? A two-day conference will feature presentations and performances by Joshua Clover, Lauren Berlant, Matthew Barney, Matmos, Joan Copjec, Allan Sekula, Alain Badiou and others. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. Sat.-next Sun., 1-11 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Harold Goldberg: The author of “All Your Base Are Belong to Us: How Fifty Years of Videogames Conquered Pop Culture” will discuss and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Sam Lubell & Douglas Woods: The authors of “Julius Shulman Los Angeles: The Birth of a Modern Metropolis” will present and sign their new book. Chevalier’s Books, 126 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A. 1 p.m. Free. (323) 465-1334.

Peter Richards and Jacqueline Waters: The authors of “Helsinki” and “One Sleeps the Other Doesn’t” will read and discuss their respective books. The Poetic Research Bureau, 951 Chung King Road, L.A. 8 p.m. $5.