Words & Ideas: Book calendar for the week of May 30, 2010.

SUNDAY

Charles Fleming: The author of “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” will present and sign his new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Myth, Wagner and the Human Brain: A colloquium, held in conjunction with Ring Festival LA, will feature theater and opera director Peter Sellars, visual artist Bill Viola and Antonio Damasio, neuroscientist and Director of the USC Brain and Creativity Institute. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 3 p.m. $10. (213) 237-2800.

TUESDAY

Aimee Bender: The author of “Willful Creatures” will read and sign her new novel, “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Margaret Jacob and Lynn Hunt: The authors of “The Book That Changed Europe: Picart and Bernard’s Religious Ceremonies of the World” will present and sign their new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Stacey Kaiser: The author of “How to Be a Grown Up: The Ten Secret Skills Everyone Needs to Know” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

John Tottenham: The poet will read and sign the new edition of his collection “The Inertia Variations.” The Standard Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 650-9090.

WEDNESDAY

Jennifer Belle: The author of “The Seven Year Bitch” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Earlene Fowler: The author of “State Fair” will read and sign her new thriller. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Richard Russo: Aloud at Central Library presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Nobody’s Fool” and “Bridge of Sighs” in conversation with L.A. Times Jacket Copy blogger Carolyn Kellogg on the subject of Russo’s new novel, “That Old Cape Magic.” Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Michael Sledge: The author of the memoir “Mother and Son” will read and sign his debut novel, “The More I Owe You.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

THURSDAY

Advancing Urban Agriculture in L.A.: Aloud at Central Library presents a panel discussion featuring Mud Baron, Glen Dake, Paula Daniels, Robert Gottleib and Adan Ortega; moderated by landscape architect Mia Lehrer. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Emily Giffin: The author of “Heart of the Matter” will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Louis Gossett Jr.: The actor and author of “An Actor and a Gentleman” will present and sign his new memoir. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Neil Landau: The author of “101 Things I Learned in Film School(TM)” will present and sign his new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Daria Martin and Anna Halprin: A conversation held in conjunction with the exhibition “Daria Martin: Minotaur,” will feature the artist and her inspiration for the work, postmodern dance pioneer Halprin. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Frances Noble: The author of “Blanket of Stars: Homeless Women in Santa Monica” will present and sign her new book. Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., L.A. 6 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960.

David Shields: Host Michael Silverblatt will interview the author of “Reality Hunger: A Manifesto.” Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW-FM, 2:30 p.m. https://www.kcrw.com.

FRIDAY

Immaculate Heart Community Panel Discussion: A discussion of the legacy and artistic impact of Sister Corita will feature educators, participants and “rebel nuns” of the Immaculate Heart Community, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Panelists include Liz Mahoney, Helen Kelley, Lenore N. Dowling, Nan Cano, Jan Steward (author, “Learning By Heart”), Richard Crawford and David Mekelburg; moderated by director and curator Aaron Rose. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

John Sandford: The author of “Storm Prey” will read and sign his new thriller. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Trisha R. Thomas: The author of “Un-Nappily in Love” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

The Black Dragon Reading Series: Authors Matthew Specktor (“That Summertime Sound”), Marsha Hopkins, Joseph Mattson (“Empty the Sun”), Steve DeJarnett and Jon Bernstein will read their work. Jancar Gallery, 961 Chung King Road, L.A. 6 p.m. (213) 625-2522.

Jane Buckingham: The author of “The Modern Girl’s Guide to Sticky Situations” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Kate Buckley and Lee Mallory: The poets will read and discuss their work. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Eric Poole: The author of “Where’s My Wand?” will read and sign his new memoir. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.