Book calendar: Author events for the week of November 28, 2010

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

MONDAY

Christian Lander: The author of “Whiter Shades of Pale: The Stuff White People Like, Coast to Coast, From Seattle’s Sweaters to Maine’s Microbrews” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Hazel Rowley: Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage” in conversation with Gail Eichenthal. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025. https://www.aloudla.org.

TUESDAY

Charles Elton: The author of “Mr. Toppit” will read and sign his debut novel. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Poets of the American West: 1910-2010: PEN Center USA and the Hammer Museum present poets Wanda Coleman, Robert Hass, Juan Felipe Herrera, Jane Hirshfield, Carol Muske-Dukes and Michael Palmer who will read theirs and other works by poets of the West. Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Salman Rushdie: Aloud at Central Library presents the author in conversation with Reza Aslan on the subject of Rushdie’s new novel “Luka and the Fire of Life.” Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., L.A. 8 p.m. $17.50-$25. (213) 680-3700. https://www.aloudla.org.

David Sedaris: The humorist and author of “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” will read and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free with purchase of “Squirrel.” Visit https://www.vromansbookstore.com for event details. (626) 449-5320.

THURSDAY

Moment Magazine Short Fiction Contest Awards Ceremony: Author Erica Jong will host a reading and awards ceremony with Sherri Mandell, Sally Schloss and Kathryn Winter. Book signing to follow. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 440-4500.

Graham Moore: The author of “The Sherlockian” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

FRIDAY

Adrienne Barbeau: The author of “Love Bites” will read and sign the second book in her Vampyres of Hollywood series. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Elizabeth Currid-Halkett: The author of “Starstruck: The Business of Celebrity” will present and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.