ORANGE COUNTY BOOKS & AUTHORS

* Susan Estrich, a USC law and political science professor who hosts a KABC talk show, will speak at 7 p.m. Friday at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. Estrich is the author of “Real Rape: Getting Away With Murder--How Politics Is Destroying the Criminal Justice System” and “Making the Case for Yourself: A Diet Book for Smart Women.” The program is part of the second annual Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series. Admission, which includes a buffet dinner, is $40. Reservations: (949) 644-3296.

* Author Steve Katz will read from his works at 8 p.m. Thursday in Argyros Forum, Room 209, at Chapman University, 333 N. Glassell St., Orange. Katz will read from his novella “Agnes,” which has been described as a Hollywood-style tragedy of teen heroism and adult cannibalism, and from his untitled novel-in-progress. Admission: $5.

* Barbara DeMarco Barrett will interview Diana Abu-Jabar (“Arabian Jazz”) on “Writers on Writing” at 6 p.m. today on KUCI (88.9 FM) in Irvine.

* Poets Pat and Marcia Cohee, Daniel Anderchain, Joanne Burns and Franco Pepe will read at 8 tonight at the Ugly Mug Cafe, 261 N. Glassell St., Orange.

* “Drabble” cartoonist Kevin Fagan will sign his collection, “Mall Cops, Ducks and Fenderheads,” at 7 p.m. Thursday at Barnes & Noble in the Huntington Beach Mall, 7777 Edinger Ave.

* Chuck Freadhoff will discuss and sign “Blue Rain” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, 429 S. Associated Road, Brea.

* Maxine O’Callaghan will discuss and sign “Death Is Forever” at 1 p.m. Sunday at Coffee, Tea & Mystery, 13232 Springdale St., Westminster.

* Tomie dePaola will sign “26 Fairmont Avenue” at 11 a.m. Monday at Lorson’s Books, 116 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton.

Send information about book-related events at least 10 days before event to Dennis McLellan, O.C. Books & Authors, Southern California Living, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.