Book calendar

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

William Archila, Terry Wolverton and Lynne Thompson: Local poets Archila ("The Art of Exile"), Wolverton ("Shadow and Praise") and Thompson ("Beg No Pardon") will read and sign their recent collections. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

The Black Body: Editor Meri Nana-Ama Danquah and contributors Anne Beatts, Brent Jennings, Philip Littell and Tajamika Paxton will read and discuss their work in the new anthology. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Brendan Constantine and Cecilia Woloch: The poets will read from their new collections, "Letters to Guns" and "Carpathia," respectively. Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006.

Jonathan Safran Foer: The author ("Everything Is Illuminated") will read and discuss his new book, "Eating Animals." Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 1:30 p.m. Free; advance tickets sold out. (310) 440-4500.

Jonathan Safran Foer: The author of "Everything Is Illuminated" will read and sign his new book, "Eating Animals." Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 6:30 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Poetry at the Ruskin: Red Hen Press presents readings by poets Scott Shibuya Brown and Jim Natal. Ruskin Art Club, 800 S. Plymouth Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. $5-$10. (310) 669-2369.

Vermin on the Mount: The latest installment of the reading series hosted by author Jim Ruland will feature Blake Nelson ("Destroy All Cars"), Kieren Van Den Blink, Joseph Mattson ("Empty the Sun"), Marie Mutsuki Mockett ("Picking Bones From Ash") and Alex Espinoza ("Still Water Saints"). Mountain Bar, 473 Gin Ling Way, L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 617-2216. www.vermin.blogs.com.

MONDAY

Rita Dove: Aloud at Central Library presents the former U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner in conversation with Gail Eichenthal on the subject of Dove's new collection of poems, "Sonata Mulattica." Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. www.aloudla.org.

Fall '09 Faculty Book Party & Reading: The Master of Professional Writing program at USC presents poet and author Amy Gerstler ("Dearest Creature") and Times film critic Kenneth Turan ("Free for All: Joe Papp, The Public and the Greatest Theater Story Ever Told") for a discussion and signing of their new books. Doheny Memorial Library at USC, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, L.A. 4 p.m. Free; RSVP to mpw@college.usc.edu.

John Hodgman: The Daily Show correspondent and author of "The Areas of My Expertise" will present and sign his latest book, "More Information Than You Require." Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

David Levithan: The author of "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" will read and sign his new YA novel, "Love Is the Higher Law." Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 6 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Charles Harper Webb, Ron Koertge and Lisa Krueger: Red Hen Press presents a reading by the three poets. Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. $5-$10. (626) 683-6883.

TUESDAY

The Black Body: Editor Meri Nana-Ama Danquah and contributors Susan Hayden, Nzingha Clarke, Kenji Jasper and Jason Luckett will read and sign the new anthology. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Dismantling the Axis of Evil: Reforming Middle Eastern Representations in Hollywood: The Levantine Cultural Center presents a panel discussion featuring author Reza Aslan ("How to Win a Cosmic War"), attorney and author John Tehranian ("Whitewashed") and actress Shiva Rose; moderated by actor Maz Jobrani. Mark Taper Auditorium at the Richard J. Riordan Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 657-5511.

David Plouffe: The campaign manager for Barack Obama's victorious 2008 presidential bid will present and sign his new book, "The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama's Historic Victory." All Saints Episcopal Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320. www.vromansbookstore.com.

Ruth Rendell: Writers Bloc presents the prolific crime author, who also writes under the name Barbara Vine, for a discussion and signing of her latest, "The Monster in the Box: An Inspector Wexford Novel." ICM Screening Room, 10250 Constellation Blvd., Century City. 7:30 p.m. $20. www.writersblocpresents.com.

WEDNESDAY

Amiri Baraka: The poet, activist and author will discuss and sign his new book, "Digging: The Afro-American Soul of American Classical Music." Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 290-1048.

Bruce Feiler: The journalist and author of "America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story" will discuss and sign his new book. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 440-4500.