Book calendar: Author events for the week of August 1, 2010.

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Vermin on the Mount 6th Anniversary: The latest installment of the Chinatown reading series hosted by Jim Ruland will feature Aaron Burch (“How to Take Yourself Apart, How to Make Yourself Anew”), Amelia Gray (“AM/FM”), Lindsay Hunter (“Daddy’s”), Adam Novy (“The Avian Gospels”) and Jillian Lauren (“Some Girls”). Mountain Bar, 473 Gin Ling Way, L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (213) 625-7500.

MONDAY

Adult Writing Seminar: Memoir: 826LA presents a panel discussion with authors Brooke Berman (“No Place Like Home”), Meghan Daum (“Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived in That House”), Mark Salzman (“Iron and Silk”) and D.J. Waldie (“Holy Land”); moderated by Joshua Bearman. 826LA - West, 685 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. $25. (310) 305-8418.

Howard Bryant: The author of “The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron” will present and sign his new biography of the baseball legend. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Jennifer Weiner: The author of “Fly Away Home” will read and sign her novel. Vroman’s Bookstore,

695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

TUESDAY

Howard Altmann: The poet will read and sign his new collection, “In This House,” with actress Patricia Clarkson. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Beach=Culture Reading Series: Red Hen Press presents readings by poets Francisco Aragón (“Puerta del Sol”), Chris Abani (“Song for Night”) and Jenny Factor (“Unraveling at the Name”). Docents from the Santa Monica Conservancy will lead a 30-minute tour of the Marion Davies Guest House before the reading, at 5:15 p.m. Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica. 6:30 p.m. Free; RSVP at (310) 458-4904.

Mignette Y. Patrick Dorsey: The author of “Speak Truth to Power: The Story of Charles Patrick, a Civil Rights Pioneer” will present and sign her new book. Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 290-1048.

WEDNESDAY

Artemis Rocks!: A sneak preview performance of Eoin Colfer’s new multimedia stage show, featuring comedy, music and an “interview” with Artemis Fowl — the protagonist of Colfer’s popular YA fantasy series. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. $17.99, includes copy of “Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex.” (626) 449-5320. .

Gregory Ellis: The author of “Ride the Buffalo’s Back” will read and sign his new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Anna Strasberg and David Strasberg: The widow and son of the acclaimed acting teacher will present “The Lee Strasberg Notes,” a new compendium of his writings edited by Lola Cohen. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

THURSDAY

Daniel Depp: The author will sign his new book, “Babylon Nights: A David Spandau Novel.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

D. A. Powell and Linda Gregerson: Host Michael Silverblatt will interview the poets. Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW-FM, 2:30 p.m.

Slake Group Reading: Contributors to the premiere issue of the LA-based literary magazine -- John Albert, Hank Cherry, Richard Lange, John Tottenham, Polly Geller and editor Joe Donnelly -- will read their work. Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (213) 413-3733.

Marlene Wagman-Geller: The author of “Eureka!” will present and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

Gayle Brandeis: The author will read and sign her new novel, “Delta Girls.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Susan Fales-Hill: The author of “One Flight Up” will read and sign her new novel. Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 290-1048.

Kat Richardson: The author of “Labyrinth” will read and sign her new fantasy thriller. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Cecil Castellucci: The author will read and sign her new children’s picture book, “Grandma’s Gloves.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 10:30 a.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Mark Frauenfelder: The author and Boing Boing blog founder will discuss and sign his new book, “Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World.” Machine Project, 1200-D N. Alvarado St., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (213) 483-8761.

NEXT SUNDAY

Gregory Boyle: The founder of Homeboy Industries and author of “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” will read and discuss his new book. St. Monica’s Church, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 454-4063.