Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Mark Z. Danielewski: The Fifty Year Sword: A dramatic presentation of the “House of Leaves” author’s limited edition 2005 novella “Fifty Year Sword” will feature actors, shadow artists and Danielewski performing the work in its entirety. Book signing to follow. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 7 p.m. $12-$15. (213) 237-2800.

MONDAY

Richard Reeves: The author of “Portrait of Camelot: A Thousand Days in the Kennedy White House” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Alan Riding: Zocalo presents a discussion and signing with the journalist and author of “And the Show Went On: Cultural Life in Nazi-Occupied Paris.” Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

Rob Magnuson Smith: The author of “The Gravedigger” will read and sign his new novel. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Susan Straight: The author will read and sign her new novel, “Take One Candle Light a Room.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

TUESDAY

Stuart Dybek: The author of “Childhood and Other Neighborhoods,” “The Coast of Chicago” and “I Sailed With Magellan” will read and discuss his work as part of the New American Writing series. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Nicole Krauss: Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Great House” in conversation with KCRW “Bookworm” host Michael Silverblatt. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

WEDNESDAY

Sam Irvin: The author of “Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise” will present and sign his new biography of the larger-than-life entertainer. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Robert Swartwood: The editor of “Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer” will present and sign the new book. Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jean Thompson: The author of story collections “Do Not Deny Me” and “Throw Like a Girl,” as well as the novel “City Boy,” will read and discuss her work. Otis College of Art and Design, 9045 Lincoln Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 665-6892.

THURSDAY

Miles Corwin: The author of “Kind of Blue” will read and sign his new novel. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Dana Gluckstein: The author of “DIGNITY: In Honor of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” will present and sign her new photography book. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Carrie Jerrell: The poet (“After the Revival”) will read and discuss her work. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Thomas McGuane: Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Driving on the Rim” in conversation with Times book critic David L. Ulin. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Mona Simpson: Host Michael Silverblatt will interview the author of “My Hollywood.” Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW-FM, 2:30 p.m. https://www.kcrw.com.

Gene Stone: The author of “Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick” will present and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

Karen Joy Fowler: The author of “What I Didn’t See” will read and sign her new collection of short stories. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jeff Greenwald: The author of “Snake Lake” will read and sign his new memoir. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Little Birds Reading Series: The fourth installment of the series hosted by Erin Tavin and Steffie Nelson will feature readings by authors Cherry Vanilla (“Lick Me: How I Became Cherry Vanilla”), Grace Krilanovich (“The Orange Eats Creeps”) and poet Gabrielle Calvocoressi (“Apocalyptic Swing”). Tavin Boutique 1543 Echo Park Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 482-5832.

SATURDAY

Jac Holzman: The Elektra Records founder will present and sign “Becoming Elektra: The True Story of Jac Holzman’s Visionary Record Label,” written by Mick Houghton. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 4 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Mona Simpson: The author of “My Hollywood” will discuss her new novel with fellow L.A. author Michelle Huneven. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.