This Week in Calendar

Monday

David J. Garrow reviews “Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas” by Kevin Merida and Michael A. Fletcher.

Tuesday

Tim Rutten reviews “Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power” by Robert Dallek.

Wednesday

Marc Weingarten reviews “Hick,” a novel by Andrea Portes.

Friday

Martin Rubin reviews “Jerusalem 1913: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict” by Amy Dockser Marcus.

Saturday

Carmela Ciuraru reviews “Bird of Another Heaven,” a novel by James D. Houston.

On the Web

This week at latimes.com/books, we inaugurate Ed Park’s science-fiction column, Astral Weeks. For his debut, Park looks at two novels, Brian W. Aldiss’ “HARM” and Nick Mamatas’ “Under My Roof.” Aldiss, of course, is one of science fiction’s masters, while Mamatas is a relative newcomer, with just three books out. Yet each novel, in its own way, spins off contemporary culture to imagine future worlds in which anxiety and surveillance intersect.

Also on the Web, you’ll find our expanded bestseller list and a comprehensive Book Calendar, featuring a full slate of author signings and readings. And don’t miss Jacket Copy, with book news and information from The Times’ book staff.