Book calendar events for the week of June 5, 2011

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich

SUNDAY

Can Art and Politics Be Thought?: A two-day conference will feature presentations and performances by Joshua Clover, Lauren Berlant, Matthew Barney, Matmos, Joan Copjec, Allan Sekula, Alain Badiou and others. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 1-11 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000

MONDAY

Brooke Gladstone: The author of “The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media” will discuss and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

TUESDAY

Bob Neuwirth and David Felton: A conversation, held in conjunction with the exhibition “Overs and Unders: Paintings by Bob Neuwirth, 1964-2009” with artist-musician-producer Neuwirth and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and television writer Felton. Track 16 Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. $20-$95. (310) 264-4678 https://www.livetalksla.org

Steve Stockman: The author of “How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

WEDNESDAY

April Dammann: The author of “Exhibitionist: Earl Stendahl, Art Dealer as Impresario” will discuss and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320

Terry Van Vliet: The poet will read and sign his new collection, “Black Lines on Terracotta.” Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

THURSDAY

Josh Alan Friedman: The author of “Black Cracker” will read and sign his recent autobiographical novel and will also play an acoustic set. Alias Books East, 3163 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (323) 661-9000

Meredith Baxter: The “Family Ties” actress will present and sign her new book, “Untied: A Memoir of Family, Fame and Floundering.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175

Leo Braudy: The author of “The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon” will discuss and sign his new book. Los Feliz Public Library, 1874 N. Hillhurst Ave., Hollywood. 6:30 p.m. Free. (323) 661-2629

Vincent Bugliosi: The attorney and author will discuss and sign his new book, “Divinity of Doubt: The God Question.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Heidi Julavits and Vendela Vida: Julavits, the founding co-editor of the Believer and author of the novels “The Uses of Enchantment” and “The Mineral Palace,” and Vida, author of the novels “The Lovers” and “Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name,” will read and discuss their work. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000

Ann Patchett: Host Michael Silverblatt will interview the author of “State of Wonder.” Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW-FM, 2:30 p.m. https://www.kcrw.com

James Slocum: The author of “Shadow of War (Based on the Journal of Daniel Kippelstein)” will present and sign his new historical novel. Flintridge Bookstore, 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada-Flintridge. 7:30 p.m. Free. (818) 790-0717

FRIDAY

Pamela Cory: The author of “Hassie Calhoun: A Las Vegas Novel of Innocence” will read and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Josh Alan Friedman: The author of “Black Cracker” will read and sign his recent autobiographical novel and will also play an acoustic set. Sideshow Books, 11323 Idaho Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 428-4631

SATURDAY

Erica Bauermeister: The author of “Joy for Beginners” will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan: The authors of “Spoiled” will read and sign their new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. noon. Free. (626) 449-5320

Leah Dieterich: The author of “thxthxthx: thank goodness for everything” will read and sign her new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175

Jonas Mohr: The photographer will present and sign his new book, “Mugshots: A Celebration of the Journey From Ruin to Redemption” with special guests Tom Moyer, Luis Rodriguez, Emilio Rivera, Ty Granderson Jones and Stogie Kenyatta. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Milt Okun: The famed producer will present and sign his new memoir, “Along the Cherry Lane: Tales From the Life of Music Industry Legend Milton Okun.” Craig Krull Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave., Bergamot Station B3, Santa Monica. 6 p.m. Free. (310) 828-6410

NEXT SUNDAY

J.J. Abrams and Michael Giacchino: The Hammer Conversations series presents Abrams, the writer-director of the upcoming film “Super 8” and 2009’s “Star Trek,” creator of “Alias” and co-creator of “Lost,” “Felicity” and “Fringe,” in conversation with film composer Giacchino (“Up,” “Ratatouille”). Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000