Book calendar events for the week of February 27, 2011

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Tamim Ansary: The author of “Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes” will discuss and sign his new book. Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 2 p.m. Free with paid museum admission. (626) 449-2742.

Cheetah Chrome, Mike Hudson and Bob Pfeifer: The authors of “Cheetah Chrome: A Dead Boy’s Tale From the Front Lines of Punk Rock,” “Jetsam” and “The University of Strangers,” respectively, will present and sign their new books. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Florence Weinberger: The poet will read and sign her latest collection, “Sacred Graffiti.” Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., L.A. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960.

MONDAY

Billy Collins: The former U.S. poet laureate and author of nine collections of poetry (including his latest, “Ballistics”) will read and discuss his work as part of the “Visions and Voices” program. USC Bovard Auditorium, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 740-2167. https://www.usc.edu/dept/pubrel/visionsandvoices.

Belva Davis: The news anchor will present and sign her new book, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Michael Gelbart: The author of “The Other Oprahs” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

TUESDAY

Kathleen Chalfant and Joan Schenkar: Aloud at Central Library presents a dramatic reading of the work of Patricia Highsmith (“Strangers on a Train,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”) by actress Chalfant and a discussion with Schenkar, the author of “The Talented Miss Highsmith: The Secret Life and Serious Art of Patricia Highsmith.” Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

Wade Rouse: The author of “It’s All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays and 50 Boxes of Wine (A Memoir)” will read and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Kim Severson: The New York Times food writer will present and sign her new book, “Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Saved My Life.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

WEDNESDAY

Mark Hertsgaard: The author of “Hot: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth” will present and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Stefan Kanfer: The author of “Tough Without a Gun: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of Humphrey Bogart” will present and sign his new biography of the film legend. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Liner Notes: Mark Z. Danielewski & Biffy Clyro: The author of the novels “House of Leaves” and “Only Revolutions” will be joined by the Scottish rock band for a multidisciplinary evening of words and music. Liner Notes is a series devised by rock critic Emily Zemler to foster collaboration and help fund worthwhile causes. This is the series’ fifth event, and the first in Los Angeles. Co-sponsored by Skylight Books and Spin Magazine. Proceeds benefit Homeboy Industries. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $25. (323) 660-1175. https://www.spin.com/tags/liner-notes.

THURSDAY

Angela Balcita: The author of “Moonface: A True Romance” will discuss and sign her new memoir. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

T.C. Boyle: The author will read, discuss and sign copies of his latest novel, “When the Killing’s Done.” Track 16 Gallery, Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. $20-$95. (310) 264-4678. https://www.livetalksla.org.

Nina Revoyr: The author will read and sign her new novel, “Wingshooters.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

This Is Your Library: Aloud presents the second in the new series of talk show-like events occurring after hours at Central Library. This installment will feature artist Catherine Opie, comedian Patton Oswalt and novelist Wesley Stace (a.k.a. singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding). With DJs; live music from He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister; Pink’s hotdogs and a full bar. https://www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. (213) 228-7025.

FRIDAY

Michael David Lukas: The author of “The Oracle of Stamboul” will read and sign his new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Blake Nelson: The author of “Girl” and “Paranoid Park” will read and sign his new YA novel, “Recovery Road.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Michael Showalter: The comedian will present and sign his new book, “Mr. Funny Pants.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.