Book calendar

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards Baumgardner (“Abortion & Life”) and Richards (“Opting In: Having a Child Without Losing Yourself”) will read and sign their books. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

MONDAY

Diahann Carroll The actress will present and sign her new memoir, “The Legs Are the Last to Go.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

TUESDAY

Michael Connelly The author will read and sign his latest, “The Brass Verdict.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Nova-Kino: The History of Cinematic Agit-Prop Mark Boswell will discuss the experimental cinematic movement as part of the Hammer Lectures series. hammer.ucla.edu. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Christopher Paolini The author will present and sign the latest book in his Inheritance series, “Brisingr.” Beckman Auditorium, Caltech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

WEDNESDAY

Chris Abani and Percival Everett The two authors will present and sign Everett’s new collection of poetry, “Abstraktion und Einfhlung,” part of the Black Goat poetry series published by Akashic Books, which Abani edits. Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 290-1048.

Howard Rosenberg and Charles S. Feldman The authors of “No Time to Think: The Menace of Media Speed and the 24-Hour News Cycle” will present and sign their book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Mia Kirshner The author of “I Live Here” will present and sign her new book documenting humanitarian crises around the world. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Isaac Mizrahi The fashion designer will present and sign his new book, “How to Have Style.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Paul Theroux Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: 28,000 Miles in Search of the Railway Bazaar” in conversation with Times staff writer Tom Curwen. Arrive early and watch the televised presidential debate. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the Aloud program immediately following the debate. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Sarah Vowell The author will read and sign her latest book, an investigation into America’s Puritan roots, “The Wordy Shipmates.” Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 525-0270.

THURSDAY

Carl Capotorto The author of “Twisted Head” will present and sign his new comedic memoir. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Ernesto Laclau The Argentine political theorist and author of “Emancipation(s)” and “Elusive Universality” will discuss his work. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. $5-$10. (213) 237-2800.

David Macaulay Aloud at Central Library presents an illustrated lecture by the MacArthur Award-winning author of “The Way Things Work,” titled “Body Building.” www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

A Third War: The Threat of War With Iran Ian Masters, host of KPFK’s “Background Briefing,” will moderate a conversation between former CIA officer Robert Baer and Trita Parsi (“Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Iran, Israel and the United States”) as part of the Hammer Forum series. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Sarah Vowell The author of “The Wordy Shipmates” will read and discuss her new book. All Saints Episcopal Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

Mark Oliver Everett The musician (Eels) will present and sign his new memoir, “Things the Grandchildren Should Know.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

SATURDAY

Milton Katselas The acting teacher will present and sign his new book, “Acting Class: Take a Seat.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Shelley Savren, Marsha de la O and Mary Kay Rummel Savren (“The Common Fire”), De la O (“Black Hope”) and Rummel (“Love in the End”) will read their work. Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006.