In L.A. this week: book events on horror and high art
Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica, has been obsessed with horror movies ever since he was a young boy. His monster collection includes toys, comic books, masks and valuable artwork from “Frankenstein” and “The Mummy,” Bela Lugosi’s annotated “Dracula,” and the creepy “Donnie Darko” bunny suit. He’s put together his movie memorabilia and ephemera in the new book “Too Much Horror Business: The Kirk Hammett Collection” and will be signing copies at Barnes & Noble at The Grove at Farmers Market on Thursday at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, Dark Delicacies will be hosting writer and producer Irwin Yablans signing “The Man Who Created Halloween.” In 1978 Yablans produced the horror movie “Halloween,” introducing audiences to the terrifying, hockey-mask-wearing character Michael Myers, who has survived to strike fear into the hearts of millions of sequel-goers. Yablans also will be appearing Saturday at 6 p.m. at Book Soup.
If it’s high art you’re after, Camille Paglia, social critic and author of “Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art From Egypt to Star Wars,” will be pondering the question “why do we need high art?” at the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday.
Tom Wolfe joins screenwriter Howard A. Rodman next Monday for a conversation on Wolfe’s seven-decade writing career -- which includes “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test,” “The Right Stuff” and his most recent book, “Back to Blood” -- at the the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage.
As always, we recommend that you check with bookstores and venues listed below for any event changes or cancellations.
Tuesday, 7 p.m.: T.C. Boyle discusses and signs his novel “San Miguel.” Vroman’s
Tuesday, 7:15 p.m.: CANCELED: Seminal science fiction author and fantasist Ursula K. Le Guin will NOT appear in conversation with author Charles Yu at ALOUD at L.A. Central Library. Her new collection of short fiction is the two-part “The Unreal and the Real.”
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.: Author Mona Simpson, joined by Paris Review editor Lorin Stein and web editor Sadie Stein, will discuss literary life and read selected stories from the new Paris Review anthology “Object Lessons: The Art of the Short Story.” Hammer Museum.
Wednesday, 5 p.m.: Author Dav Pilkey signs “Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers.” Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop.
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Book Soup presents John Taylor discussing and signing his new book, “In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran.” Cinespace
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Irwin Yablans signs “The Man Who Created Halloween.” Dark Delicacies
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Editors of the Onion dispense known knowns from “The Onion Book of Known Knowledge,” their new encyclopedia of Onion-style truths. Barnes & Noble, 3rd Street Promenade.
Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.: Paul Elie talks about his new book “Reinventing Bach” with aural assistance from award-winning young violinist Ga Hyun Cho. ALOUD at L.A. Central Library.
Thursday, noon: Joel Osteen signs “I, Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life”. Vromans.
Thursday, 7 p.m.: Kirk Hammet signs his coffee-table book of creepy collectibles, “Too Much Horror Business: The Kirk Hammett Collection.” Barnes & Noble, The Grove at Farmers Market.
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.: Chris D. of the punk band The Flesh Eaters presents his two latest novels, “Mother’s Worry” and “Shallow Water.” Stories.
Thursday, 8 p.m.: Zocalo Public Square presents “Why Do We Need High Art?,” a discussion with social critic Camille Paglia, author of “Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art From Egypt to Star Wars,” Skirball Cultural Center.
Friday, 7 p.m.: Kate Morton discusses and signs “The Secret Keeper.” Vroman’s.
Saturday, 1 p.m.: James Bartlett signs “Gourmet Ghosts - Los Angeles,” a new history and mystery guide book that features ghosts, murders and mysteries at bars and restaurants in Hollywood. Chevalier’s.
Sunday, 2 p.m.: Author Georgia Bragg discusses her book “How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous.” Once Upon a Time.
Monday, October 29, 7:30 p.m.: Tom Wolfe, whose new book is the Miami satire “Back to Blood,” in conversation with screenwriter Howard A. Rodman. Actor René Auberjonois will performing a dramatic reading of Wolfe’s work. [ALOUD] at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
ALSO:
Johnny Depp to launch publishing imprint
Sign up for our Book Club newsletter
Get the latest news, events and more from the Los Angeles Times Book Club, and help us get L.A. reading and talking.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
